Compiled by The Bedford Citizen
More than 300 people — including Bedford’s State Representative Ken Gordon, Police Chief Robert Bongiorno, Director Keith Mangan, along with BHS peer leaders and student athletes –gathered at the Massachusetts State House on Thursday, March 3 to take a stand against gender-based violence as part of the Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Campaign. The event was co-chaired by Middlesex County Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian.
Rep Ken Gordon said, “I was proud to stand with Bedford’s police officers, including Chief Robert Bongiorno, Buc team captains and its Athletic Director, and members of the Jr ROTC in standing up as men and boys against domestic and sexual violence. We must set an example that no means no. And we must never turn away when confronted with the cry of an abused, disrespected, marginalized or oppressed woman or child.
“We were honored and proud to be a part of this year’s White Ribbon Day Campaign,” Chief Robert Bongiorno said. “Our pledge represents a commitment by the Bedford Police Department and students at Bedford High School to proactively work to end violence against women and promote healthy relationships throughout our community.”
A contingent of young men from Bedford High School attended the White Ribbon Campaign event. “Great opportunity for our student athletes to take part in a great cause,” added Coach Mangan, “encouraging young men to take a stand against domestic and sexual violence against women.”
The White Ribbon Campaign – launched locally by Jane Doe, Inc. – is focused on shifting the understanding of what it means to be a man in today’s world and encouraging men to become positive role models.
“Having been involved in this effort since its inception nine years ago, I was honored to be asked to co- chair this year’s White Ribbon Day Campaign,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “As a son, a brother, a husband and a father, I recognize my responsibility to model behavior which proves a man’s strength is shown through his character and moral judgment, never through the use of force or violence.”
Sheriff Koutoujian was joined by as co-chair of this year’s campaign by MassHousing Director of Community Service and HoodFit Founder Thaddeus Miles. Governor Charlie Baker served as the honorary chairman.
The State House ceremony included remarks by Gov. Baker, Sheriff Koutoujian, Director Miles, Jane Doe Executive Director Debra Robbin and Jane Doe Men’s Initiative Coordinator Craig Norberg-Bohm, as well as New England Patriots Director of Community Affairs Andre Tippett and Captain James “Brett” Millican, Commanding Officer of Coast Guard Base Boston. The ceremony also featured performances by spoken word poet Charlie Lake and hip hot artist/ Lawrence community activist Andres “DraMatik” Gonzalvez.
In addition to Thursday’s State House event, Sheriff Koutoujian also participated in White Ribbon Day proclamation ceremonies hosted by the City of Cambridge and by The Second Step in Newton. MSO officers and civilian staff also participated in a proclamation event hosted by the City of Lowell and Alternative House.
To learn more about the White Ribbon Day Campaign please visit https://whiteribbonday.janedoe.org/.
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