Upcoming Vigils & Events

We Hear You, We're Near You. A Community Vigil for Healing In Memory and Support of All Affected by Domestic Violence

When: Saturday, March 20, 2010, 10:30–11:15 a.m.
Where: Grace Court Park, Winston-Salem. The park is on 4th St. across from the West End Cafe.
Officiants: Rev. Jo Bjorling and Imam Khalid Griggs.

Domestic violence is an issue that affects many within our community, from victims of the abuse, and children and families of the victims, to law enforcement personnel, community bystanders, and the loved ones of the perpetrators.

• It is estimated that one out of every four women will be a victim of dv in their lifetime. A local dv survivor will share her insights during the vigil.
• In 2009 WSPD officers responded to more than 3,800 dv calls. According to WSPD Police Chief Scott Cunningham, dv calls are some of the most dangerous situations officers will encounter. Sgt. Mickey Hutchens, 50, of the WSPD was fatally shot October 12, 2009, while answering a call about a domestic disturbance, and his family plans to attend.
• In 2008, 5,247 children received shelter services from dv programs in NC. Nationwide, 3.3 million children are exposed to violence by a family member against their mothers or female caretakers.

This Vigil is co-organized by Beautifully Brave, a local educational campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence in Winston-Salem, Vigils for Healing, Inc., and the Safe Relationships Division of Family Services, Inc., the local service provider for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault for over 30 years (www.fsifamily.org). For more information please contact us.

Read more about Beautifully Brave in the Winston-Salem Journal »

Vigil in memory of Raphael Wright

When: Saturday, April 10, 2010, Time to be determined.
Where: Location to be determined. We will post details as they become available.

Raphael Wright, 22, was found dead in Salem Lake, Winston-Salem, in the winter of 2009. His death is being investigated.

Vigil to Affirm Gang-Free Lives and Communities

When: Thursday, April 29, 2010, 6:00 p.m.
Where: Grace Park, Winston-Salem. Grace Park is on 4th Street, across the street from the West End Cafe.
Rain location: William G. White YMCA, 775 West End Blvd., Winston-Salem.

The vigil will include music and a candle-lighting ceremony. While noting the damage done by gangs, a message of hope and support will be sent to our youth. Young people and anyone directly affected by gang-related violence is especially welcome.

The vigil is the culmination of The Human Services Summit on Gang Reduction Collaboration, sponsored by the City of Winston-Salem and the Winston-Salem Police Dept. For more information about the summit, contact Mr. Solomon Quick at squick@wspd.org.