Bell Auditorium. It ain't the James Brown Arena.
After the obligatory four hour sleep I'm up for another round of insomnia and Read an' Write. This morning's episode: Protesting for Dummies (Ahem- yeah, that'd be me). Specifically, the Bill Cosby 'concert' in Augusta, Georgia, a good hour+ away. I'd begun earlier in the week by sending out FaceBook feelers to see if there were any organized protests planned that I could be a part. Instead, the comments took me by complete surprise: No one planned to attend a protest, and no one believed the women. He "Hadn't had his day in court", they were all ruining him and his legacy, after his money, etc. Misogynistic, right-winged bullshit. Ended up deleting the entire thread in disgust. So, I got about the business of making my sign.
I looked for a picture of Cosby, one that I felt captured his essence. Something like this:
Stock image: Cosby, naturally.
Which leaves the task of making my text. ("I Stand For The Survivors!!!") with a list of the women that have come forward thus far. After scouring every up-to-date site I could, I only came away with 33 names. I thought there were 36, when it's actually 38. Since I couldn't
find more names, I added those for whom I had verification. Hubby was less-than-enthused about all of this. It started raining (of course) on the long drive to the venue. I believed he would drop me off, and go grab a pizza, but he stuck it out with me. Actually, it was more right out of the way- in case I got into any trouble. No need for
both of us to go to jail. In that town, it's quite likely.
His show was a sell out. Very disheartening. Nary a protester in sight. I'd asked Security where a public sidewalk may be (minus the sign at the time), and he said as long as I stayed across the street I'd be alright. Not exactly what happened. Armed with First Amendment papers in my pocket (I needed them three separate times!) I was allowed to continue. Can't blame them for doing their jobs. Augusta Cosby protest: Me, with a sign, marching up and down the block across from the Bell Auditorium in the rain.
I'd been marching for maybe 20 minutes when a man asked me to come across the street so he could "Get some shots." I explained I could only stay on my side, he thanked me, and went back to whatever he was doing. He was certainly busy. Another 10 minutes or so passed when a couple of reporters from a local paper came across and scribbled out some information and "quotes". They also confided they didn't want to be there to cover the show. Some people stopped to take pictures of the sign.
Then the oddest thing happened. Victoria Valentino crossed the street (I hadn't even seen her in the crowd) with tears in her eyes to thank and hug me. I hugged and thanked her, and we talked for quite a while. Pretty awesome. Her strength, bravery, and grace in the midst of this madness is astonishing. I was humbled that she would take time to come speak with me as she did.
Victoria Valentino and me
The gentleman that had earlier approached me brought his camera crew across the street, and asked if they could film me. Sure, why not? (I might interject here that I was very much in need of a restroom by this point. It was taking no small effort to not squirm. File that to Things I'll Forever Wonder About, as when watching long speeches/broadcasts.) They're from an Australian "20/20-type show", which airs on Sunday nights. They're following Victoria around as she's fighting the fight: Being a Voice. She's very eloquent, and so engaging. They filmed from every possible angle for a half hour or so, sometimes just me, sometimes the both of us, and everything I wanted to say virtually flew out of my head. Both she and dear hubby said I did well, but
if any of it makes it to air I'll likely be kicking myself for weeks to come. We shall see. It airs in three weeks.
It was so very unexpected. All I wanted to do was voice my support for the survivors of this animal people seemed so eager to throw cash at. Though I must admit that I was thrilled to meet Victoria, and she sent me the most beautiful note on her flight home some hours ago, telling me I was more eloquent than I realized and that we would speak soon. She ended with "Bless you for being the lone warrior tonight! You matter!!! Sending love, Victoria" I hope she and all the others understand what an enormous difference they are making for women here, and in the long run, perhaps everywhere.
I talked a LOT
She really is a joy to speak with.
I swear I'll get the hang of this!
Update: The show, Sunday Night, aired in Australia on June 21st. I didn't get to see it.