A Victim of South Shore Hate Crimes Speaks Out

In the spring of 2003, Torrie Andrade-Wetzel was vacationing in Myles Standish State Forest where a mother and her grown son verbally and physically abused her because of her race. Says Andrade-Wetzel, ‘‘It was a demoralizing, humiliating, and blood-chilling experience. ‘‘I always considered myself a strong woman able to defend myself, but they robbed me of that. ‘‘I was overcome with that dreadful feeling of being unable to protect my child. Their actions were heartless and predatory. I pray I'm their last victim,…. My life has been changed forever,….'' The mother and son were found guilty of the Hate Crime this past spring and given probation and suspended jail sentences by Judge John Julian. The South Shore “No Place for Hate” committee, of which Duxbury is a part, supported Torrie throughout her ordeal and trial. She is a dynamic speaker and passionate about this life-changing event.

In her remarks at the Duxbury Interfaith Council's Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast, Torrie will encourage each of us to take accountability for actions and to help friends, neighbors and even strangers in our communities when they are faced with bigotry. In her role as the Special Programs Coordinator for the Coatesville, PA Police Department, Torrie helps others to be the best they can be and to make a positive impact in their families and communities.

Bring your family to this community event co-sponsored by The Duxbury Interfaith Council and the Duxbury “No Place For Hate” Committee and share the lessons Torrie has learned about the necessity for seeing one another not through the lenses of prejudice or bigotry, but as equals. Join with others who are committed to ideals for which Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is known-- to Remember, Celebrate and Act for Freedom, Equality, and a Life lived without fear of prejudice.


Date: January 17, 2005
Time: 8:30am
Place: High Street Methodist Church, 298 High Street, Duxbury, MA
Costs: $5/individual $10/Family (continental breakfast & commemorative service)
Sponsors: The Duxbury "No Place For Hate" Committee and the Duxbury Interfaith Council
Contact: Duxbury Interfaith Council, 781-934-8388

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