Survivors Speak

Mission Statement: To bring a voice to taboo topics and social injustices, through the arts, community conversations, mobilizing communities, and/or any creative platform that we discover. Furthermore, we believe in amplifying the voice of an individual, the community, or an injustice. We understand that our real power lies within our voices and unified efforts to bring about change.  

Survivors Speak was established in February of 2018. We were established from the thought of people suffering and not having the courage or wherewithal to speak their truths. It was with that thought in mind that we began. It is our mission to provide a platform for those taboo, unspoken truths, as well as for social injustices that others find it hard or unnecessary to speak about.

Past Events & Accomplishments

March 2018~ Our first healing platform consisted of a group of strong women who stood and spoke their truths, through creative and traditional forms of expression.

July 2018~ Our second platform, both, men and women, who all had the same common goal, which was to speak their truths. For both productions, we made social workers available for those who may have become upset and needed assistance.

August 2018~ We had our first community conversation in wake of an incident with a Westland resident and a Westland police officer. The event was a huge success, with the chief and police force, clergy, NAN and NAACP, along with many concerned community members.

September 2018~ We expanded our reach to the Westwood School District, where we partnered with Robichaud High School’s student council. This partnership would yield a student assembly, where the students expressed their concern about verbal abuse and ways they could support each other to fight against it. Students met weekly to prepare.

October 2018~ With the legalization of Marijuana lying in the balance, we wanted to introduce another community conversation, as to get voters all the information they needed to make an informed decision. We invited panelists from both sides of the issue, along with a skilled moderator to keep the evening moving forward.

November 2018~ Student Assembly

March & April 2019~ Clothing and shoes drive to support low income students attending prom. Donations were received and students picked a dress and matching pair of shoes for prom.

July 2019~ Wrongful Conviction Summit

September 2019~ Began work with Robichaud High School for another student assembly. Our Executive Director wrote a short film and the students and our ED appeared in it. Students prepared for other parts of the assembly. Our ED invited an individual she bullied, while she was in school, to speak. They both spoke with the students about the damage that bullying can do.

October 2019~ Wrongful Conviction Unity Walk and Rally

November 2019~ Unite to Save a Life Rally for Rodney Reed

November 2019~ Student Assembly and premiere of the short film, “The Heart of a Bully.”

January 2020:

“A Threat to Justice” MLK Day Wrongful Conviction Community Awareness Forum

Survivors Speak chose to highlight wrongful convictions due to the work of the Executive Director and Founder, Trische’ Duckworth, who’s been advocating, working with the Vesey family since 2014. During this time, in 2015, Trische’ planned two rallies in Downtown Ann Arbor. These rallies were put together for the sole benefit of the Vesey Brothers. In that time, she also made contact with the head Prosecutor, Brian Mackie, who was reluctant to help with anything concerning the case, stating “the decision was already made.” This statement fueled the fight for justice on a greater scale, so they fought back in a more creative way.

With the amazing writing skills of, wrongly incarcerated, Dennis Vesey, along with superb producing skills of Ronsher T. Brooks, and Asst. Producer, Trische’ Duckworth, a documentary was created. Please follow link below to watch the documentary:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=297174494403727&id=100023335354247

Trische’ helped produce the documentary, served on the film production team, as well as did the female voiceover work. Her single, “Let It Go,” was featured in the documentary as well.

Trische’ continued her work with the family, but was still burdened, not only with the Vesey brother’s convictions, but wrongful convictions in general. It is because of her passion and energy that wrongful conviction awareness has become one of our top platforms. We believe that, as a community, we have a responsibility to do something about these grave injustices.

January 2020~ Began work with Belleville High School for a student assembly. Students will act out the short film, "The Heart of a Bully," written by our Executive Director, Trische' Duckwoth. Assembly planned for April 2020.

March 2020~ All projects halted, except a new mission to serve seniors and those who are disabled or need assistance during the COVID Crisis. We, to this day, shop for household supplies, bleach wipe all items down, then offer a safe, no contact delivery to their front door.

May 2020-Presently~ Leading protests, against police brutality and criminal justice reform, in the SE Michigan area, but more heavily in Washtenaw County. Those surrounding areas include: Detroit, Hartland, Livonia, Belleville, Taylor, Inkster, Romulus, Canton, Southfield, Berkley, and Milan

October 2020~ "Getting Real About Race" Washtenaw Countywide Community Forum. Held in Pittsfield Twp. at Lillie Park South. This was a COVID conscious event that recognizes systemic racism as a pandemic as well. 

January 2021~ "Are You An Activist? Virtual Forum

February 2021~ "Are You An Activist 2.0?

April 2021~ "Are You An Activist" Self Care Clinic

June 2021~ Organized Black Lives Matter Murals in Ypsilanti at Riverside Park and downtown on, what is now known as, Black Lives Matter Blvd. (S. Washington St.)

June 2021~ Mural Reveal and Juneteenth Celebration