Crime survivors and family members rallied at the Mississippi State Capitol on Wednesday, calling on lawmakers to reform the state’s victim compensation program and to fund a trauma recovery center in Jackson, organizers said.
Organizers described the gathering as the first Survivors Speak Mississippi event. The crowd held a rally and a vigil to honor victims of gun violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and other crimes, Mississippi Today reported.
Speakers included Aswad Thomas, national director of Crime Survivors, and lawmakers who addressed the crowd. Democratic state Rep. Grace Butler-Washington of Jackson and Democratic state Sen. Sollie Norwood of Jackson spoke during the event, Mississippi Today reported.
Attendees included survivors and family members who prayed, held candles and shared their experiences. Felecia Marshall, whose daughter was killed by gun violence, spoke about her advocacy for victims and families, Mississippi Today reported. The gathering was documented by photographer Eric Shelton of Mississippi Today.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
