Remembering Recy Taylor

By: Cheyenne Taylor

This Black History Month, we want to highlight a prevalent issue in the Black community. Black women experience disproportionately high rates of sexual assault. Unfortunately, to add to that, for every Black woman that reports her rape, there are at minimum 15 Black women who do not report (1). There are a number of reasons why victims do not come forward after experiencing sexual assault. There can be a fear of retaliation, external pressures to keep silent, and even disbelief in the systems that are supposed to protect survivors.
 
Within the Black community, Black women have witnessed several high-profile cases that support their belief that they will receive no justice. One of the most prolific examples that support this belief is that of Recy Taylor. In 1944, Recy Taylor was abducted and raped by six white men, who then threatened to kill her if she ever reported. Courageously, Taylor still reported to the police and was even able to name one of her attackers, who named the others. Despite her report and despite the fact that some of the men confessed, none of the assailants were indicted during the two grand jury trials. Mrs. Taylor received threats during her entire fight for justice, including having her home destroyed in a firebomb attack (2).
 
We recognize this painful history and the additional reasons why Black women are hesitant to come forward and share their stories. We also recognize that, for some, a lack of knowledge about the justice system can serve as a barrier to seeking justice. While the justice system has improved since Recy Taylor’s time, we understand that survivors still face barriers when seeking support. This is one of many reasons why our agency serves all survivors, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other identifier. We are here to help Black survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault find healing and provide support on their journey towards self-sufficiency. We are also here to help explain the criminal justice system and to prepare survivors seeking justice every step of the way. To speak with one of our highly-trained advocates, please call our confidential crisis line at 317-731-6140. In the case of an emergency, please call 9-1-1.
 

1. https://ujimacommunity.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/Ujima-Womens-Violence-Stats-v7.4-1.pdf   
2. https://njcasa.org/news/honoring-our-history-leaders-in-the-anti-sexual-violence-movement/