African American performance artist Reanae McNeal will perform at the the Women’s Resource Centre’s 20th Anniversary Celebration on Friday evening.

Reanae McNeal is a performing artist, award-winning playwright, inspirational speaker, performance poet and a social activist.

As a dynamic story teller, she interweaves her stories with the singing of blues, jazz and spirituals.

Women’s Resource Centre executive director Penny Dill said: “We felt it was important we celebrate and use the event to raise money as well so that hopefully we can continue to provide many more years of dedicated service to the women of Bermuda.”

In 1987 a group of concerned individuals spearheaded by Sylvia Hayward-Harris came together to form the Rape Crisis Centre, after it was found there was no support for victims of rape. The group who received charitable status that same year adopted the slogan “Rape is more than a crying shame”.

In an era when rape was not really understood or discussed this small group grew and several years later hired their first counsellor, Sharon Apopa, and developed a crisis hotline.

Over the years as the organisation grew, it changed its name in 1992 to the Women’s Resource Centre to reflect the expansion of its services to not only victims of sexual assault but domestic violence as well.

Today the organisation runs three programmes, counselling, court advocacy and community education.

With a dedicated staff and the support of volunteers, the organisation plays a vital part in the Bermuda community.

In 1999 when the Sexual Assault Unit was opened at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital, the Women’s Resource Centre trained volunteers to become part of the Sexual Assault Response Team (SART) consisting of doctors, nurses and Police.

“Little did the group know back in 1987 that their dedication to a cause would lead to the organisation being around for another 20 years,” said Ms Dill.

“It just shows how a small group of people can make a difference. Although things haven’t changed much over 20 years with a steady increase in domestic violence and sexual assault, I think more people are willing to come forward and seek help.

“We just need to recognise that domestic violence affects us all one way or another”.

The event at Fairmont Hamilton Princess in the Harbourview Ballroom, runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and features other poetry plus a DJ and music. Tickets are $75 and covers food and two free drinks and can be purchased at various locations around the Island.