SAAM Book Club: Know My Name by Chanel Miller

Join the WRC as we discuss "Know My Name" by writer and artist Chanel Miller at the WRC. Limited copies of the book are available on a first come, first serve basis. 

Register for the book club and to request your copy of the book here: go.illinois.edu/knowmyname.

She was known to the world as Emily Doe when she stunned millions with a letter. Brock Turner had been sentenced to just six months in county jail after he was found sexually assaulting her on Stanford's campus. Her victim impact statement was posted on BuzzFeed, where it instantly went viral—viewed by eleven million people within four days. Now she reclaims her identity to tell her story of trauma, transcendence, and the power of words. It was the perfect case, in many ways--there were eyewitnesses, Turner ran away, physical evidence was immediately secured. But her struggles with isolation and shame during the aftermath and the trial reveal the oppression victims face in even the best-case scenarios. Her story illuminates a culture biased to protect perpetrators, indicts a criminal justice system designed to fail the most vulnerable, and, ultimately, shines with the courage required to move through suffering and live a full and beautiful life.

In our discussion we'll be exploring issues around survivorship and navigating systems, resilience and healing. "Know My Name" is a powerful read, but may bring up memories and emotions. If at any time you would like to speak to a Confidential Advisor, please email wrcadvocacy@illinois.edu or call 217-333-3137 to schedule an appointment.

This event is being held as part of our Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) programming.