Speaker asks for understanding in Shepard's memory

By Ryan Woodard, Journal staff | Sunday, July 13, 2008

Previous Page

Share

• del.icio.us
• Digg
• NewsVine
• Fark

Print

Email

Thomas Howard Jr.'s goal Saturday was to enlighten listeners about fighting hatred and relay the story of Matthew Shepard for Shepard's mother, Judy.

"The fact of the matter is, it's all of our responsibilities to make the world a better place," Howard told a crowd scattered throughout the seats of Mount Rushmore National Memorial's amphitheater.

Matthew Shepard died five days after he was brutally beaten Oct. 7, 1998, in what many saw as a hate crime. His mother, Judy Shepard, was scheduled to speak Saturday at the fifth annual Black Hills Pride event but was unable to for health reasons.

Howard is the programs director for the Matthew Shepard Foundation. He told the crowd that one of the reasons he became involved in the foundation is because he was discriminated against as a gay man.

Howard was kicked out of a small Texas college for being gay, he said. He became friends with Judy Shepard after booking her for a university speaking engagement.

He described her Saturday as the strongest and most determined person he has ever met. Judy Shepard seeks to educate the public on avoiding hate and making sure that a repeat of the crime against her son doesn't occur, Howard said.

"Judy survived by trying to make sure there are no more Matts," Howard said.

Shepard, a gay University of Wyoming student, was beaten, robbed and tied to a fence post outside Laramie, Wyo. Aaron McKinney and Russell Henderson were convicted of murder and kidnapping charges and are serving consecutive life sentences.

Many have said that Shepard was beaten and murdered because he was gay, although McKinney later said the crime had more to do with drugs and money.

Although members of the audience were disappointed not to see Judy Shepard, many enjoyed the message that Howard conveyed.

"I think it's a message that needs to be spread," Tony Mitchell of Rapid City said.

Rapid City resident Shaun Hauk also enjoyed the speech. Hauk said he has been beaten up for being a gay man. He said the event was a good way to encourage understanding between people.

Discrimination against gay people still exists, he said.

"It's going to be a problem for a while, but it's less and less of a problem," he said. "It's more accepted."

James Pryor, executive director of The Centers for Equality in South Dakota, said he plans on trying to reschedule an appearance for Judy Shepard. She has never spoken in Rapid City, he said.

Pryor said Shepard was "heartbroken" that she couldn't make it. He said he was pleased with the turnout at the event -- especially because many people who are not gay came to show support.

Contact Ryan Woodard at 394-8412 or ryan.woodard@rapidcityjournal.com.