Representative Ellen Cohen signs the pledge to support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word.
Buddy Ambassador Alissa Bailey speaks about the importance of respect and sensitivity.
Kent Loftin, Emory Black, Eva Aguirre, Alissa Bailey, Rep. Ellen Cohen, Bill Dykes
by KAREN CAMPBELL & KENT LOFTIN
Volunteer & State Director | Best Buddies Texas
HOUSTON -- Best Buddies and The Center (formerly The Center Serving People with Mental Retardation) hosted a rally March 5 to challenge and educate Houston about the hurtful use of the “R-word.” State Representative Ellen Cohen presented a framed proclamation to the two organizations and signed a pledge to end the use of the r-word.
More than 200 individuals gathered to offer their support of the pledge and hear from speakers advocating for positive terminology when addressing people with intellectual disabilities. Alissa Bailey and Emory Black, residents of The Center and Buddy Ambassadors, both spoke to the pain and frustration they endured in childhood because of name-calling. Each underscored their desire to end the use of the harmful term.
In her brief remarks, Rep. Cohen reminded the crowd, “While I whole-heartedly agree that we should rid our vocabulary of harmful terms such as this particular R-word, I want to encourage us all to keep other R-words in frequent use. Each resident and buddy here is remarkable. You have not only my respect but the respect of your family and friends. And finally, we must never lose the fact that we are each responsible for one another.”
The Houston rally was only one of hundreds of rallies across the state and nation “spreading the word to end the word”. March 3rd was a national day of action and Best Buddies chapters held events in more than twenty Texas cities.
Across the U.S., students are leading events designed to solicit pledges not to use the “R-word”. Throughout the week, people were asked to take the pledge online at www.r-word.org, or sign a banner or pledge sheet at a local event. Supporters set a goal to reach 100,000 pledges and 120,000 pledges have been collect so far.
Respect and dignity for people with intellectual disabilities is an important part of the Best Buddies mission. Each March, Best Buddies month, our participants are encouraged to become advocates for people with intellectual disabilities. Check back to read more about other rallies and awareness events taking place this month.
.jpg)
