People who lost loved ones at the hands of another had the opportunity to talk about their grief, how they cope and the sad details of their loved ones’ deaths Wednesday in observance of National Day of Remembrance for Murdered Victims.
A dozen people stepped up to the microphone and poured out their hearts to a group of about 100 folks at the amphitheater at Sunny Isle Shopping Center. Some wore T-shirts with pictures of their deceased loved ones or were dressed in red and black.
The St. Croix Women’s Coalition and Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Council sponsored the event. The Women’s Coalition sponsored the first day of remembrance on St. Croix in 2007.
“We want people to know that we’re thinking of them and their lost loved ones,” said Clema Lewis, executive director of the Women’s Coalition. “People need to talk about death.”
She added that people grieving need to have closure. “It’s hard to move past grief if you can’t close the wound,” Lewis said.
“We need to stop the violence and retaliation and the eye for an eye way of thinking. It takes the whole community to do it. People in their homes need to do it and put a stop to violence.”
Names of 467 people who were murdered since the late 1980s were listed on a wall of remembrance projected on the back wall of the stage.
Lisa Spery read a poem she wrote called “Dream for His Mother,” which was dedicated to 26-year-old Jake Bierowski, who was murdered in his home last September. The case has not been solved.
Claude and Barbara Francis, parents of Brent Francis, spoke about how their child was brutally murdered in March in Atlanta. They described very graphically what his body looked like after being stabbed 18 times.
Bridget Walton didn’t want to speak out in front of the crowd but she did hold an 8-by-10-inch framed picture of her son, Anan Sealey, who was gunned down in front of their home in 2007 at the age of 20.
Ten-year-old Phi’Jah Merchant took the microphone and spoke about his father, Phillip Merchant, being shot a year ago, suffering brain damage and going into a coma. He said his father is there for him but that he isn’t the same.
Jaslene Williams, the sister of murdered VIPD officer Cpl. Wendell Williams, spoke about how the sad journey continues for her. He was tortured and murdered by five men in June 2001, cut up and thrown in the sea. She said five people were arrested in 2012 but that it has been 19 months since they were arrested and no disposition has taken place.
“I know they say justice is blind but she isn’t crippled, she needs to move,” Williams said. “I know they will be judged by God in the end.”
Government officials also spoke at the remembrance ceremony.
Assistant Police Commissioner Thomas Hannah said more than 200 men and women have died from violence since 2000, averaging 40 deaths a year. “We can’t endure this any more. Are we in a war zone?” Hannah asked the audience.
“Why fight with cousins, brothers and sisters? Embrace your loved ones.” He added law enforcement can’t do it alone, that the community has to help.
Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis pleaded with people to stop protecting family members who have done wrong.
Gov. John P. deJongh Jr. said he feels the pain of each and every one of the people who lost loved ones due to violence. He said we can change what we’re going through by accepting personal responsibility every day.
Khnuma Simmonds-Esannason, director of the Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Council, said the event was bittersweet. She added the event gives hope to loved ones through awareness. She said the message is yes to peace and love, and no to violence.
Local singer Mada Nile performed and spoke about the loss of her children’s father.
Kenny James sang his original songs, “Say a Prayer for Me” and “Only Just a Child.”
The National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims was started by Robert and Charlotte Hullinger in 1978, whose daughter was murdered that year. They founded Parents of Murdered Children Inc., an organization that now has more than 100,000 members worldwide.
