The content provides a detailed account of recent events and perspectives related to sexual abuse allegations at the university, whom shall remain anonymous. It offers a balanced view of different reactions to the situation. In light of the recent Katt Williams’ amazing and explosive interview with Shannon Sharpe, people have been coming out of the woodworks speaking on their experiences of long-term sexual abuse, misconduct, and more. To some, it is “clout-chasing” and to others it is “raising and bringing awareness.”
On January 6th, an alum of a Mississippi HBCU who goes by “Dee Bee” posted on his Facebook account, “____ ____ was the ‘Diddy’ of valley, you gotta tell ____ no.” Within the 318 comments, there were plenty of laughing emojis, gif reactions, some shocked emojis, a few who agreed, and some who told him to not even bother with explaining. One person commented, “He’s not the only one either.”
But “Dee Bee” went to YouTube with a video telling his thoughts regarding his Facebook post and his personal experiences with sexual advances made towards him and others while attending the university. “Dee Bee” starts off his video with “the (Facebook) post was long overdue in my eyes” and “this is really about people coming forth and telling their truth and telling their side…there’s been so many different times that people had to be quiet (or) things had to be swept under the rug.” He told a story about a young man joining a fraternity on campus, and was later approached at his dorm by his mentor asking “now that you got your paperwork…now that you are one of us, what are you going to do for me?”
Dee Bee goes on to say that when he was a student at the HBCU, there weren’t people around to advocate for students in situations resulting to sexual harassment. He along with many other students were from out of town, so they had to form their own community and stick up for one another. Dee Bee recalled a few other stories of students who were (allegedly) sexually harassed and assaulted, and prominent staff members either knew or participated. He felt the “gatekeepers” of the university failed the students by providing zero safety or the confidence to report such incidents. At the end of the video, he encouraged his viewers to come forward with their stories.
The comments of Dee Bee’s video was a mixed bag. One viewer gave her appreciation of “all of these factual points to light” and finishes her comment with stating people on campus misused their positions for sexual gain and if it isn’t discusses it will continue. Another viewer, KB, commented twice; first asking how does this video help the university. His first comment goes on to say, “Sounds just like a person who wants to feel important because these alleged stories is all he got.” Under that comment, people came to Dee Bee’s defense validating what he said. One respondent said, “It will help future students who are violated and harassed while trying to get a college education and join organizations. It ain’t right.” KB comments again asking Dee Bee how he cares about Valley but tear it down without regards to how this could affect enrollment. He goes on to say, “You let that Katt Williams interview trigger your own dislike for Valley.”
Dee Bee’s video has hit 1,185 views and counting. More people are coming to Dee Bee’s original Facebook post and video repost saying they are proud of him for coming forward. In my opinion, Dee Bee did what needed to be done. Exposing those who were supposed to once teach, mentor, and protect the students as the predators they really are brings awareness to current and future students, as well as their families. But judging him and saying he’s bringing down the morale of the university is wrong. The staff members brought down the morale of the university by doing what they (allegedly) did or not holding those accountable for what they knew was wrong.
Will this one video inspire others to share their story? Stay tuned…
If you have been sexually assaulted or harassed, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or chat online at online.rainn.org. It is available 24/7 and completely confidential.