Thank you Bekki

4/24/2009 12:10:00 AM Email this article • Print this article




For the children

ANNETTE MANWELL
Globe Staff Writer
IRONWOOD -- A Gogebic Community College psychology major is planning more than just a presentation for her final class project.

In memory of a murdered child and missing, abducted and murdered children everywhere, she and her psychology class will release balloons at GCC Monday.

Bekki Sowerby, a life-long Ironwood resident, has taken a keen interest in abnormal psychology. From that stemmed a voracious interest in the Caylee Anthony case from Florida. Caylee was murdered at the age of 2. Her mother, Casey Anthony, has been charged with the murder. The case received a vast amount of media attention.

Sowerby was interested in the Anthony case on two fronts -- she is an activist for missing, abducted and murdered children and is interested, psychologically, in why the murderer committed the act.

"I want to know why people do the things they do," Sowerby said.

For her final class project Sowerby will present the Anthony case to her class, first how the abduction and murder was portrayed in the media, and then she will present evidence and testimonies. Sowerby will give three possible diagnoses of Casey Anthony for discussion.

Sowerby has talked to Cindy Anthony, Caylee's grandmother, to gain insight on the case. They've become Internet friends, Sowerby said. The balloon release will be videotaped for Cindy Anthony.

Following her presentation, the class will release pink balloons, Caylee's favorite color, near the sculpture behind the liberal arts center at GCC at 11:45 a.m. Sowerby ordered balloons from Balloons Over the U.P. She and her classmates will either write messages to Caylee or a pledge to their own child on the balloons.

In addition to the balloon release, Sowerby hosts an online talk show called "Justice for Children" Fridays at 8 p.m. Through the talk show and balloon release she hopes to spread awareness about missing, abducted and murdered children.

"We have a false sense of security in this area because it doesn't happen that much here," Sowerby said. "We don't have a high number of missing kids and abductions but people need to realize this is happening and it can happen here."

Sowerby isn't involved in just one cause. Though the talk show started as a forum to help children in need, it has taken on a life of its own.

"We just try to talk about issues with children," Sowerby said.

The show is controversial and some people don't like the discussions, she said. Sowerby has had people post negative comments on Web about her show because of the topics.

"It's weird to see people try to hinder someone who is trying to help people," Sowerby said.

Through the talk show, Sowerby met Charles, a man in Washtenaw County who has been fighting to get his children out of what he claims is an abusive home with his ex-wife.

Charles has hit a brick wall in the court system and has not been able to see his children since last fall, Sowerby said. She has contacted the governor, senators and state representatives to assist Charles in his fight.

"It's not just in Michigan, it's all over the place," Sowerby said.

Finding justice for children is her passion, she said. Sowerby hopes that other people will take an interest in children's issues and become more involved, even if it just means pledging to become a better parent.

Everyone is welcome to join in the balloon release, Sowerby said. A limited number of balloons were ordered. Those wishing to participate should bring a balloon to release.


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