The National Hook Up of Black Women Inc., Gadsden Chapter in partnership with the Refuge House hosted its annual Domestic Violence Awareness Luncheon last week.
The noon event was held Thursday, October 26, 2023 at the Kelly Campbell Community Center in Quincy, and was free and open to the public.
October is known for being breast cancer awareness month; however, just as importantly, it’s also Domestic Violence Awareness.
Many all over experience or know someone who has experienced domestic violence and events like these help bring awareness to the problem and also provide resources for victims.
The guest speaker for this year’s luncheon was T’Sharin Moncrief who shared her survival story and encouraged those who are experiencing domestic violence to seek help and talk with someone because there are people in the church, counselors, etc., who are willing to listen and help.
Many local law enforcement agencies were also represented at the event, as they all too well know the seriousness of domestic violence since they are the ones called many times when it occurs. They too wanted to show their support for those victims and families of victims.
“I appreciate the hard work by these local partners to keep citizens educated about domestic violence awareness in our communities,” said Sheriff Morris A. Young, who gave the greeting for the event.
Chief Kristi Cobb of Midway Police Department, who was also in attendance said, “It’s time to stand together, raise awareness, and support survivors… breaking the silence on domestic violence.”
Apostle Sandra Collins, Founder of Handle Me with Care Foundation, was also in attendance as a partner with NHBW-Gadsden. Apostle Collins presented NHBW, Inc.-Gadsden with a trophy and donation commemorating their recognition of domestic violence victims in the Gadsden community.
The event was chaired by Sister Cannella Jefferies and co-chaired by Sister Lydia Ashley.
Its purpose is to recognize the victims and survivors of domestic violence.
There were approximately 100 people in attendance.
Following the luncheon, National Hook-Up partnered with Handle Me with Care Foundation for a domestic violence awareness walk around the Gadsden County Courthouse Square that evening.
As the participants walked around the Courthouse they chanted “Stop the Violence,” subsequently stopping at the Domestic Violence Memorial Wall, located on the west side of the courthouse (Adams Street), to recognize domestic violence victims who lost their lives.
The event was closed out with a prayer by Apostle Sandra Collins.
Chris Daniels
Gadsden County News Service
