Trigger Warning: Domestic Violence
The following content contains reference to domestic violence which may be distressing or triggering for some individuals.
 
Speakers Series Event – May 27, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
Speakers Include – Rumana Monzur, lawyer and advocate, and Denise Chong, author
 
Come hear about a harrowing and inspiring journey from a lawyer who survived a life-altering act of domestic violence only to become an advocate for human rights, along with perspectives from the author who has penned her story.
 
Join us for a Speakers Series event featuring Rumana Monzur, a Canadian lawyer, and Denise Chong, the award-winning author who helped tell Rumana’s story of suffering a brutal attack at the hands of her then husband that left her blind but that failed to extinguish her spirit. Rumana’s life after the attack is that of a survivor who rose to continue her education, finish her master’s degree, graduate from law school and become a practicing lawyer and advocate.  She now fights for the rights of women and persons living with disabilities.

Rumana’s tale is masterfully told in Denise Chong’s new book, Out of Darkness – Rumana Monzur’s journey through betrayal, tyranny and abuse, which brings to light a remarkable perseverance, pursuit of justice and personal triumph in the wake of hate-fueled, horrendous abuse that not only cost Rumana her sight and very nearly her life, but attempted, unsuccessfully, to rob her of her agency, education and dignity.   This story of survival and hope brings attention to topics that can be hard to talk about it: From surviving intimate-partner violence and trauma to adapting to a new life without eyesight while navigating the challenges of immigration, raising a teenage daughter as a single parent, graduating from law school, and finding a place to make a difference in the legal profession.   Rumana’s story is undeniably one of community, advocacy and allyship, which can make all the difference in moments of acute personal crisis.

Join us on May 27 for this special hybrid event being held at the OBA where we will be up close and personal with both Rumana and Denis. We will discuss Out of Darkness – Rumana Monzur’s journey through betrayal, tyranny and abuse and learn more about the challenges Rumana has overcome to become a powerful advocate for those who often don’t have a voice, as well as how we, as a community and as allies, can join in efforts to dispel stigma, prejudices and unconscious bias, and advance meaningful change.

The first 15 registrants will receive a free copy of the book – Out of Darkness, the books release date is April 23.

SPONSOR

Special thank you to Cassels for generously providing travel and accommodation coverage for this event.