WILL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE BE COVERED UP ONCE THE RIHANNA AND CHRIS BROWN STORY LEAVES THE HEADLINES?Domestic violence is no stranger to Essence best-selling author Brenda L. Thomas who, after having success with several novels decided to pen her memoir, Laying Down My Burdens. After ending a violent marriage of 15 years, during which her husband threatened her with death if she were to ever pen her story, Ms. Thomas is speaking out on the recent violence that erupted between Rihanna and Chris Brown. “It is important that individuals in the public eye stand up and make it their priority to see domestic violence awareness become as much a part of public efforts as breast cancer and other ills,” says Ms. Thomas.
There is a long list of celebrities whose lives have been affected by domestic violence, either as a victim, an abuser or simply as a witness. Celebrity or not, most victims have chosen to remain silent because of its mere shame and embarrassment. Currently the U.S. Justice Department reports that 1 to 3 million women are physically abused by their husbands or boyfriends each year. However, those statistics are even clearer when you read the papers and see that over the course of a recent weekend (PA-MD) in March three women were violently murdered by their abusers, leaving one victims 11-year old daughter hospitalized with stab wounds. What more statistics do we need?
To give those who might be hesitant to speak out for themselves a voice, Ms. Thomas has been committed to touring the country and sharing her message of L.O.U.D. (Living Out Your Dreams) which is about the importance of never giving up, no matter what the obstacle. Please share your thoughts or comments on the Brenda L. Thomas blog, by clicking here.
© 2008 Brenda L. Thomas brendalthomas@comcast.net
For speaking engagements please contact Kelisha L. Rawlinson at 215-331-4554 or phillywriter@comcast.net
Laying Down My BurdensEssence best-selling author Brenda L. Thomas presents a departure from fiction as she ventures into the difficult reality of her own past. Laying Down My Burdens is a gritty and deeply moving depiction of the author's struggle with domestic violence and its threats to her self-esteem. Laying Down My Burdens tells a frighteningly familiar tale that takes a positive turn as Thomas overcomes a number of obstacles to become an independent, successful woman.
Since self-publishing Threesome in 2001, Thomas's literary skills and unique perspective have caught the attention of major media outlets. Whether it's TV or print, she isn't one to shy away from giving her opinion. After working as a personal assistant to an NBA athlete, Thomas become an expert on their culture, later appearing on CNN, NBC's Dateline, and Entertainment Tonight, to name a few.
Since then she has penned three best-selling novels (Fourplay, The Velvet Rope and Every Woman's Got a Secret), as well as two anthologies (Four Degrees of Heat and Kiss The Year Goodbye). Brenda lives in her hometown of Philadelphia, where she is surrounded by family and friends. Order an Autographed Copy Now!!! Click to read the prologue
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