speaking out is helping somebody else

written and directed by
Sandy Lunner

edited by
Michael Haley

original music
Michael Josephs

produced in partnership with
Office for Victims of Crime, USDOJ

PLAY NOW

Courageous Response to Hate Crime honors Judy and Dennis Shepard, parents of Matthew Shepard, and the family of James Byrd, Jr. for their courage to transform personal tragedies into powerful public advocacy for racial healing and tolerance.

“

I have to think that being open and speaking about what happened to Matt and the injustice that I see and the hate that I see directed to the gay community is helping somebody else, another mother, another child, another family.

Judy Shepard
mother of Matthew Shepard
We did not want his murder, as horrible as it was, to ignite more violence. So, we decided to organize the James Byrd, Jr. Foundation for Racial Healing to bring the races together.

Mary Nell Verrett
sister of James Byrd, Jr.
”
Every year during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, the U.S. Department of Justice recognizes individuals, organizations, teams, and programs that demonstrate extraordinary acts in support of victims and survivors at the annual National Crime Victims’ Service Awards Ceremony in the nation’s capital.

Following the Awards Ceremony in 2000, Courageous Response to Hate Crime was featured on Court TV.

AWARDS and HONORS

  • Emmy Award, Capital Region
  • Platinum Best of Show, Aurora Awards
  • CINDY Gold Award, International Association of Audio-Visual Communicators
  • Silver Award, WorldFest Houston
  • Silver Telly Award
  • Best Music Composition, Peer Awards (Washington, D.C.)
  • Bronze OMNI Award
  • Chris Award, Columbus International Film Festival