White Ribbon Day: March 1, 2017 - A Reflection

A panoramic view of Faneuil Hall during the White Ribbon ceremony on Wednesday, March 1 – Image (c) Noah Southard, 2017 all rights reserved – Click to view larger image

By Noah Southard
Bedford High School student, Class of 2019

White Ribbon Ambassador Richard Callahan and writer Noah Southard – Courtesy image (c) 2017 all rights reserved – Click to view larger image

On March 1, I had the great opportunity to attend White Ribbon Day in Faneuil Hall in Boston. It was a great opportunity because gender-based violence and violence against women are important issues that are not discussed enough in our society, or in our town.

I went to White Ribbon Day to learn more and to be an ally to anyone who has experienced gender-based violence. I believe that it is important for young men to stand up and speak out in preventing violence. Moreover, gender-based violence is not a problem that can be solved overnight, or by one person.

In order to change the system that perpetuates the cycle of violence, young men need to come together and find solutions. One solution is to expand society’s narrow view of masculinity. Instead of expecting men to be dominant and emotion-less, society should expect men to have empathy, compassion, and respect for all people, especially women.

The White Ribbon Day in Massachusetts celebrated its 10th Anniversary this year. They had a record of 758 people at the event, and over 40,000 white ribbons and pledge cards were signed across the state. Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian and University of Massachusetts Boston Chancellor J. Keith Motley, Ph.D. were the co-chairs of the event.

Middlesex County Sheriff Peter Koutoujian, leading the march to City Hall Plaza

Heading back home, toward the new glass-enclosed City Hall Plaza T-stop

The entire day was uplifting and energizing! Some highlights of the day were:

Seeing so many people in one space, under one roof who felt passionate about the issue and were willing to take a stand.
Bedford Police Chief Robert Bongiorno; School Resource Officers, Sgt. Jeff Wardwell and Officer Stephen Waite; and Bedford Athletic Director Keith Mangan attended with a contingent of BHS athletes to show support for this important cause.
My karate teacher, and employer, Mr. Richard Callahan attended White Ribbon Day and signed up to be an Ambassador. This was really inspiring for me because Mr. Callahan has been a great role model in my life since I was 8 years old.
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker talked about the importance of listening to survivors of violence, letting them know that they are not alone, and showing them that we care.
“Reimagine Manhood” public service announcement featuring Tom Leyden from Fox25 (WFXT), Joe Amorosino from TV7 (WHDH), Steve Burton from WBZTV-4 (CBS Boston) and Mike Lynch from Channel 5 (WCVB). You can see it on Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XiDavuTcfPo
At the end of the ceremony, people were asked to stand and take the Massachusetts White Ribbon Day Pledge: From this day forward, I promise to be part of the solution in ending violence against women and all gender-based violence.
After the event finished at Faneuil Hall, attendees marched with drummers and White Ribbon Day Ambassadors to Boston City Hall for a raising of a flag to symbolize the campaign.