Grammy winner and domestic violence survivor Queen Pen will host a press conference/rally on Friday January 16 to advocate tougher domestic violence legislation in New York.
Last year, the state’s Criminal Justice division released statistics supporting evidence that 55% of female homicides are due to a domestic issue.
Last January Queen Pen, born Lynise Walters, was severely beaten and rendered unconscious in a home invasion incident with an ex-boyfriend.
The brutal beating resulted in the rapper nearly being killed and required reconstructive surgery.
The ex-boyfriend and father of two of Queen Pen’s children remains at large. Before the last attack, Queen Pen had secured five orders of protections since 2005.
“It took 31 minutes for police to respond to a 911 call,” Queen Pen told AllhipHop.com of the incident. “If my life is taken away or I can’t provide for my children, who’s going to take care of them?”
Also joining Queen Pen for the rally is Persia of VH1’s White Rapper Show, who has a court date pending for carrying an unregistered firearm, allegedly for protection against a violent ex.
“I was involved in an abusive relationship which led to him trying to kill me,” Persia explained. “I felt I had no choice but to protect myself. I’m advocating in hopes that the laws can be in favor to the abused and we won’t have to fear for our lives any longer.”
Supporters that will be present for the rally include NY Senator Eric Adams, Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries, Executive VP of the NY Board of Rabbis-Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, and retired Knick/activist John Starks.
New Hip-Hop artist Lil Mama and Greg King (father of the late Julian King, nephew of Jennifer Hudson, and representing the Hudson-King Foundation) will serve as special invited guests.
The event commences January 16 at 4Pm at the Denim Lounge, located on 1223 Bedford Ave in Brooklyn.