THOUSANDS OF CRIME VICTIMS TO RALLY IN D.C. FOR HISTORIC MARCH AND HEALING FESTIVAL

Washington, D.C. – September 24, 2024 – More than 3,000 crime survivors from 30 states will converge on the nation’s capital for a powerful, unprecedented event: the first-ever Crime Survivors Speak March on Washington. Survivors of domestic abuse, sexual assault, gun violence, and other crimes will unite to demand a new era of public safety, healing, and justice reform, placing the needs of victims and communities at the forefront of policy discussions.

A Voice for the Voiceless

For too long, crime survivors have been absent from the national conversation on criminal justice reform. Instead of being centered in policies aimed at breaking the cycle of violence, many victims have been left grappling with trauma, often with limited resources or systemic support. The Crime Survivors Speak March on Washington seeks to change that narrative.

The event, organized by the Alliance for Safety and Justice and Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, is poised to become a historic moment for victim advocacy in the United States. From across the country, survivors will share their stories, stand in solidarity, and call on lawmakers to enact reforms that prioritize trauma recovery, violence prevention, and comprehensive support for victims and their families.

Why This March Matters Now

The timing of this march is particularly crucial. As public safety remains a top issue for both voters and policymakers in the upcoming election, the voices of those most directly affected by crime have been notably absent from the debate. Crime rates, particularly in urban areas, remain a key topic of discussion, but survivors argue that solutions focused solely on punishment fail to address the root causes of violence.

Aswad Thomas, Vice President of the Alliance for Safety and Justice and a gun violence survivor himself, emphasizes that the justice system needs to invest in both survivors and crime prevention. “Too often, survivors like me have been ignored,” Thomas said. “We need policies that focus on prevention, healing, and restoring our communities, rather than just locking people away. It’s time to stop focusing solely on punishment and start creating true public safety.”

Lenore Anderson, President of the Alliance for Safety and Justice and co-founder of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, echoed the sentiment. “This march is about redefining public safety,” Anderson said. “Survivors know that true safety means addressing trauma, providing resources for recovery, and investing in communities before harm occurs. This march represents a call to action for lawmakers to listen to those who have suffered the most.”

The Day’s Events: A Call for Action and Healing

Beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Union Square, crime survivors will unload from buses, ready to march from Union Square to the National Mall. The march will culminate in an official program and rally featuring a lineup of powerful speakers, including lawmakers, activists, and survivors sharing their personal experiences.

After a brief but poignant candlelight vigil in honor of those lost to violence, the day will transition into a celebration and healing festival, a space for reflection, music, and community. Performances by renowned artists, including Ledisi, Doug E. Fresh, Lloyd, and Monica, will provide not only entertainment but also a moment of collective healing for the crowd. DJ QuickSilva will energize the atmosphere with his signature sounds, while actor Omari Hardwick will lend his voice and presence to the cause.

Pushing for Legislative Change

One of the most critical components of the day will be the meetings with congressional representatives, as survivors and advocates push for concrete legislative reforms. The policy agenda focuses on expanding services for crime victims, establishing trauma recovery centers, and enacting policies that reduce recidivism and violence through community-based solutions.

This focus on healing and prevention, rather than a purely punitive approach, represents a significant shift in how advocates and policymakers approach public safety. Crime survivors are advocating for more comprehensive support systems, such as expanded mental health services, trauma recovery programs, and community-based safety initiatives that address the root causes of violence.

Robert Rooks, co-founder of Crime Survivors for Safety and Justice, emphasized that survivors are leading a movement that can no longer be ignored. “We are not just victims—we are survivors, and we have a vision for a safer, healthier future,” Rooks said. “We want to break the cycle of crime, not just through punishment, but by investing in the healing and rebuilding of communities. This march is about making our voices heard at the highest levels of power.”

Healing Festival: A Moment for Reflection and Hope

While the march and legislative meetings serve a critical purpose, the healing festival offers an opportunity for survivors to come together, not just in protest, but in celebration of resilience. Music, art, and community are powerful forces in recovery, and the event’s lineup of performers will offer a moment of release for attendees who have carried the weight of trauma for far too long.

Performers like Doug E. Fresh and Ledisi, known for their uplifting and socially conscious music, are a fitting choice for an event that seeks to foster healing and unity. The festival aims to create a space where survivors can feel heard, supported, and hopeful for the future.

As the day draws to a close, Aswad Thomas will deliver the final remarks, leaving the crowd with a message of empowerment and resilience. “This is just the beginning,” Thomas will tell the crowd. “Together, we are building a future where survivors are at the center of public safety, where healing is possible, and where justice is truly just.”

What’s Next: The Path Forward

The Crime Survivors Speak March on Washington is more than just a one-day event—it marks the beginning of a movement. Survivors and advocates are demanding a shift in how the country approaches crime, focusing on healing, community-based solutions, and support for victims. As the marchers return home, their message will continue to reverberate through meetings with lawmakers and ongoing advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels.

The march serves as a powerful reminder that the people most affected by crime should be leading the conversation on how to prevent it. As the country grapples with rising crime rates and the upcoming election, the voices of these survivors will be impossible to ignore.

The Most Important Takeaway

The Crime Survivors Speak March on Washington isn’t just about calling attention to the struggles survivors face—it’s about creating a platform for change. By uniting thousands of survivors from across the country, the march represents a powerful demand for a justice system that prioritizes healing, prevention, and true public safety. This event marks the beginning of a new era in victim advocacy—one where survivors are no longer sidelined but are leading the way toward a safer, more just future for all.

As the survivors march forward in solidarity, they carry with them a collective hope—that what is broken can be mended, that justice can include healing, and that a safer future is within reach.