From the Night Nurse to Advocate: Night of the Purple Skirt Initiative seeks empowerment

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — For the past thirty years, many listeners in the Wilmington area have come to recognize the voice behind “Reggae Redemption Radio.”

That voice belongs to a resilient woman whose personal journey has shaped her mission.

Kimberly McLaughlin-Smith, often known locally as Wilmington’s “Night Nurse,” uses her past as a powerful testimony.

“I never wanted this to be about me because I’ve moved beyond the story, reclaiming more than what was taken from me that night,” Kimberly shares.

In 1985, at the age of 19, Kimberly was sexually assaulted.

While much of that night remains a blur—blocked out as a defense mechanism against the trauma—one detail stands out vividly: the color of her skirt.

A devoted fan of Prince in the ’80s, Kimberly wore purple nearly every day.

For years, Kimberly unfairly blamed herself for the assault. Through extensive work and self-reflection, she has come to understand that her healing journey is unique to her, and not everyone is in the same place.

“That’s why I’m outspoken about this. I did nothing wrong, and those who think otherwise don’t have a say in how I should feel or act. They weren’t there, and they certainly didn’t help me then, so their opinions are irrelevant.”

Recent comments from political candidate Mark Robinson, who suggested women are “responsible for keeping their skirts down,” spurred Kimberly to action.

She is now leading the “Purple Skirt Initiative,” a campaign aimed at sparking dialogue for survivors of sexual assault and others affected by similar trauma.

Through this initiative, Kimberly, along with her ally Joe Conway, seeks to guide the conversation towards support and understanding.

“We need to focus on healthy conversations that benefit everyone involved. If you see something, say something. Stand up for someone, report incidents, and offer support to ensure they feel safe and heard,” Conway advocates.

Kimberly’s journey to becoming the empowered woman she is today has been challenging. While the assault was not her choice, how she chooses to live her life now is.

“When I share my story, some might think I’m detached or wonder why I’m not breaking down. The breakdown happened, but I’m not living in the rubble—I’m living in the victory.”

Kimberly is also speaking with churches and different groups across the state.

She says doesn’t want to change people’s minds with this initiative but hopefully open them.

If you would like to get in touch with Kimberly on how to be apart of this open dialogue email herchoicenow@gmail.com.