Silent March for grieving mothers to focus on those lost to violence
A Silent March for 100 mothers who are grieving the loss of children or loved ones to violence will take place from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31 in Cleveland’s Glenville neighborhood.
The march is being organized by Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to reducing violence in the city, and Moms Demand Action Cleveland, a grassroots public safety movement.
The march will begin at the Glenville Recreation Center, 680 E. 113th St., Cleveland.
Myesha Crowe, executive director of Peacemakers Alliance, said “The sad reality is that the grieving process of a mother is never ending — the internal and personal healing is interrupted when the shared pain of losing a child to violence is now affecting another mother. I see this vivid picture when I close my eyes of mothers around the world crying collectively at the reality of having lost their child and the thought that my child could be next – I cry those same tears.
“Many people hear and see the pain of grieving mothers,” Crowe added. “But it is time for us to feel the pain the ongoing pain that continues when it is no longer a household conversation,”
Moms Demand Action Cleveland volunteer Mary Anne Crampton said, “We stand in solidarity with survivors of gun violence and welcome this opportunity to amplify the voices of those who suffer from its lasting impact. We do not have to live like this.”
The organizers picked Halloween as the date for this March to play off the idea wearing a mask – in this case, a COVID mask — for a costume. It represents the mask of always being OK, even when you’re not.
One arm of Peacemakers Alliance is dedicated to responding to violent incidents.
CPA’s Critical Incident Response Team is comprised of trained and uniquely skilled outreach workers who respond when critical incidents occur within Cleveland neighborhoods. Critical Incidents include but are not limited to gun violence/shots fired; any acts of violence related to homicide and/or serious assault; being witness to a traumatic event/incident of violence; credible threats of retaliation.
Crowe said, “With the spirit of love, peace, and understanding, we will host a March of Silence for all of the mothers in Cleveland, Ohio that are in grieving, specifically, to the mothers who have had their children murdered, mothers whose children died a violent, preventable death, or urban violence, Cleveland Peacemakers is here with you. We would like to tell you that your tears are our tears; your hurt is our hurt; when you are in pain, we are in pain with you. Together, we will transform our pain into the tools needed for healing and hope.
“When your child is killed, a part of your soul dies. There are more tears from the millions of mourning mothers throughout time, who have lost their children to violence, then rain drops that fallen on the earth. But like the rain, our pain, can be used to help nourish life”
Organizers have established these rules for the March of Silence:
- Please be respectfully silent during the march.
- This is a time to join community in grief and mourning. Please don’t disrespect that by initiating chanting or booing.
- We will have an art station to create signs and other visual ways of making your voices heard during the protest.
- Please take the pandemic seriously.
- Maintain 6 feet distance from everyone who’s not in your household. There will be plenty of room, so be willing to spread out and expand the footprint of the march!
- Bring appropriate facial coverings (mask, cloth, scarf, bandana, etc.)
- Do NOT attend if you are sick, exhibiting symptoms, or if you believe you have come into contact with someone who had COVID-19.
- After closing remarks, please disperse and return to the start of the march to return safely to your destination.
About Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance
Cleveland Peacemakers Alliance provides community-led violence prevention, intervention and restoration services to youth and young adults. Peacemakers Alliance builds meaningful relationships with youth and young adults involved in gangs, violence and the juvenile/adult justice system. We connect program participants to people and services that help them transform and thrive. Peacemakers Alliance is a subsidiary of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio.
About Moms Demand Action
Moms Demand Action is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. We pass stronger gun laws and work to close the loopholes that jeopardize the safety of our families. We also work in our own communities and with business leaders to encourage a culture of responsible gun ownership. We know that gun violence is preventable, and we’re committed to doing what it takes to keep families safe.