Description:

'Everyone Carries Responsibility To The W.A.R. Against Abuse.. No Matter Its Costs!'

CARE, SHAPE, MARS, The Center for African American History, Multicultural Student Affairs, Speak, and A Long Walk Home are honored to bring recording artist and anti-sexual violence activist Sparkle to Northwestern for Black History Month to speak about her her experiences coming forward about R. Kelly's history of sexual abuse. In addition to her music, Sparkle is known for bravely testifying against R. Kelly during his 2008 trial and sharing her story on Lifetime’s Emmy-nominated documentary, Surviving R. Kelly. Sparkle, once a part of Kelly’s production team, was the face and voice that launched his Rockland Records imprint with her single “Be Careful.” Sparkle’s shero-ic story of speaking against him at a time when Kelly possessed massive amounts of resources, influence, connections, money, and power in the business she too was trying to make a living, was costly. Sparkle was the only recording artist and public figure then willing to go on record and ultimately testify on Kelly’s abuse and predatory behaviors towards women and underage girls. As a result of Sparkle’s strong moral compass, she lost the connection with her family for 10+ years, all because she wouldn’t waiver on the truth. Today, the #MeToo movement and Surviving R. Kelly are finally assisting Sparkle in assuring that survivors are heard and supported, especially black women and girls.

This event is open to the public. Free tickets are available on Eventbrite.