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  • Brianna Brumley, left, created the All God’s Children Anti-bullying Rally after her brother Dylan, right, who is diagnosed with Asperger’s, experienced suicidal thoughts after being bullied. Photo Submitted

    Teen takes action against bullying
May 10, 2012

Teen organizes anti-bully rally

Rebeka Rutledge The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — The documentary “Bully” has been trying to shine a light on the issue around the world. A Duncan teenager is trying to accomplish the same goal in her hometown.

After happenings that hit close to home, 16-year-old Brianna Brumley began organizing the All God’s Children Anti-Bullying Rally, which is set for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 12, in Fuqua Park.

“My little brother is in third grade and he has Asperger’s,” said Brumley. “He was hospitalized because he was thinking about suicide because of bullying.”

In order to help her brother Dylan, and others in the community who suffer the mental, emotional and physical abuse of bullies, Brumley said her goal is to educate them about their options. Additionally, her theme, “All God’s Children,” is a message of equality.

“The thing is that we are all God’s children and if you’re different, that’s nothing to be ashamed of,” she said. “God loves us all.”

When Brumley began organizing last December, she went to her youth pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church about the idea. She got permission to have their graphic designer create flyers for it.

Then she went about getting sponsors for the rally and now has several local businesses who are sponsoring and supporting the event. Brumley had to contact the Parks Department, get a noise permit from the Police Department and is still working on finishing up paperwork.

“I have worked late into the night and all through the weekends,” she said. “I’ve been busy trying to get it all done.”

Also, the teen has several key speakers and two bands coming to perform and support the movement. One of the speakers is Kirk Smalley, a well-known national speaker for Stand for the Silent, who lost his 11-year-old son to suicide after he suffered the effects of bullying. In fact, the day of the rally will mark the anniversary of Smalley’s son’s death.

Other scheduled speakers include a Rush Springs police detective who has been helping other young people with bully problems and a Lawton psychiatric specialist. A special address will be made by Dylan Brumley, who wants to share some of his story.

The main message for those who attend is that those being bullied don’t have to stay silent. Instead, it is best to go to a trustworthy adult and avoid getting to the point of feeling suicidal.

Bands Syrest End and Third Carried Out will be performing, and the event is going to be broadcast on K-LOVE and Air1 radio stations. Both stations will be doing giveaways for the event. In addition, there will be a moon bounce, color hair spray booth, face-painting and a dunk tank.

“I’m hoping that it turns out as well as I’d like and the audience goes home with information of how to deal with bullying,” said Brumley. “I’d like to keep the rally going and it keep getting bigger each year.”

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