Kudos to journalist Eli Sanders for winning a coveted 2012 Pulitzer Prize for his feature story, The Bravest Woman in Seattle. Published in the Seattle alternative weekly The Stranger on June 15, 2011, the award is given “for a distinguished example of feature writing giving prime consideration to quality of writing, originality and concision.”
One of the first people Eli contacted after receiving word of this award was Jennifer Hopper, the subject of his article, who selflessly opened up to him in order to write this story. Jennifer’s harrowing accounts of the events of July 19, 2009, presented during her testimony during the trial of Isaiah Kalebu, are revealed in this story, along with her depiction of the beautiful relationship she shared with Teresa.
We hope that this recognition furthers empathy and discussion on the realities of sexual violence in our society. And that other victims will share this bravery and fearlessly come forward with their stories.
