ALBANY, NY – Members of the Albany County Legislature, led by the Legislative Black Caucus, and Albany County employees wore jeans and denim throughout the month of April to support Denim Day and stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault and everyone affected by sexual violence.

Denim Day is dedicated to raising awareness about sexual violence and showing support for survivors. The movement began in 1999 after a ruling by the Italian Supreme Court overturned a sexual assault conviction, in part, because the survivor was wearing tight jeans. In protest, people began wearing denim as a statement against victim-blaming. 

Albany County Legislature Chairwoman Joanne Cunningham said: “Sometimes we can lose our perspective on how powerful symbols can be. We want all survivors to know that they are not alone. As a legislature, we will also continue to collaborate and cooperate with our partners in the Departments of Health and Children, Youth, and Families to ensure that help is and always remains available to all of our residents.”

Albany County Legislature Deputy Chairwoman Wanda Willingham said: “Over half of women, and one-third of men, survive sexual violence in their lifetime. Denim Day reminds us that there probably are people in our lives who are hurting physically and emotionally, and even if we don’t say anything out loud, they know that they have our support.”

Albany County Legislature Democratic Majority Leader Dennis Feeney said: “Denim Day reminds us of our responsibility to support survivors and confront the harmful myths that enable sexual violence. I want to thank the Legislative Black Caucus for bringing this important campaign to the forefront and helping Albany County build a culture of respect, dignity, and accountability. Together, we send a clear message: there is no excuse for sexual violence – and clothing is never consent.”

Chair of the Albany County Legislature’s Legislative Black Caucus Dr. Carolyn McLaughlin said: “Thank you to everyone who supported our Denim Day campaign! We are humbled and astounded by the support from individuals and organizations across Albany County, including the County Crime Victims and Sexual Violence Center, Children, Youth, and Families Department, Veteran Services Bureau, the Board of Elections, Human Resources, and Social Services. You remind us that there is true strength in numbers. Thank you to our County Legislators who showed their public support, raising awareness and standing against sexual violence, both in policy and in practice. We remain committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all Albany County residents.”