West Point kicks off SAAPM with poet, veteran talking about overcoming harassment, assault

The U.S. Military Academy Sexual Harassment/Assault Prevention (SHARP) program hosted the kickoff event of Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM) featuring spoken word poet, Rashan Legard, on April 2 at Eisenhower Hall Theatre.

Legard, who is a motivational speaker, veteran, storyteller, poet and a credentialed survivor advocate, provided a powerful message of his experience as a sexual assault survivor to the entire USMA Corps of Cadets. The message, which included his gift of poetry and storytelling, is about empowering others to have the strength to help change the culture for survivors.

Legard served in the Army as an enlisted Soldier and as an officer and tells the story of being assaulted and harassed while he was enlisted. Through his company, Rashan Legard Speaks LLC, and founding his platform “Spoken Words of Pain,” he has impacted the Department of Defense and has addressed issues such as unhealthy attitudes, unethical behaviors and the importance of resilience.

His innovative approach has given a voice to survivors and sheds light on the impact of trauma and awareness within organizations, inspiring audiences nationwide.

Legard also spoke to the West Point community during a SAAPM luncheon on April 3 at the West Point Club.

To see more photos, visit 2024 SAAPM Kickoff | Flickr.