There was sadness tempered by hope during the second annual Melissa Walk 4 Life Domestic Violence Legacy walk which recently took place in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, USA.
Keynote speaker at the event was Trinidadian-born and New York-based philanthropist Carol Maraj, mother of superstar rapper Nicki Minaj and also a domestic violence survivor. As an activist for the cause, Maraj founded The Carol Maraj Foundation, an organisation which advocates on behalf of families affected by domestic violence, a release said.
Maraj told the large gathering: “In a time when people are more apt to videotape a crime before calling 911, we must be prepared to go forward to ensure a safe future for our children.
“If it happened in your county it can happen in your household,” she added.
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| Nicki Minaj’s mother takes a stance against domestic violence |
“We are here to let you know we are your voice. We are speaking out. We love you and we are saying no to domestic violence! We are going to end it today,” said Kelly Cowan.
With chants of “Break the silence! Stop domestic violence!” hundreds of marchers of all ages and from all walks of life made the mile and half walk through downtown Lancaster. They were led by royal horses and carriages carrying children who lost parents to domestic violence. The event included a special tribute for Melissa by her oldest of three daughters, Brianna.
The church bell at Saint Anthony Pudua, patron saint of lost things and people was rung to signal the start of the event which attracted people from as far as Maryland and North Carolina.
In her advocacy to increase awareness around domestic violence and abuse issues, Cowan heads the Purple Wishes Melissa Cowan Foundation which has among its objectives: to provide comfort to grieving families; support survivors who have left their abuser and give hope to those still living with abuse so that they will know the community cares.
In a call to activism, Maraj reminded the crowd: “Your children’s safety is dependent on your actions.”
About the foundation
The Carol Maraj Foundation (CMF) is an organisation dedicated to eradicating the moral blight of domestic violence in our society. It was founded by Carol Maraj who is herself a domestic violence survivor.
After suffering years of abuse, Maraj established the Foundation in 2012 with an aim to advocate, help and restore battered women to a place of wholeness.
The mission of the organisation is to help women escape domestic violence situations, empower them to once again see their human value and rebuild their lives. This is achieved through a number of innovative programmes which not only help women build inner strength but provide an avenue for healing body, mind and spirit.
