Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month (SHVAM)
Inform, Influence and Impact Policy
Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month (November 20-December 20) is a month-long effort to educate the public and policymakers about the impact of murder on families and communities and recognize the diverse contributions of the survivor’s movement.
Get Involved
- Host an event for survivors and/or providers to create a space for remembrance, healing, empowerment and action.
Send your information to alexandra@ldbpeaceinstitute.org. Or fill out this form!
- Attend one or more events taking place during SHVAM.
SHVAM Opening Ceremony: tinyurl.com/shvam2016opening
Monday, November 21, 2016
9:30am-12:00pm
MA State House, Grand Staircase
24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133SHVAM Closing Ceremony: tinyurl.com/shvam2016closing
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
9:30am-12:00pm
Roxbury Presbyterian Church
328 Warren St, Roxbury, MA 02119
Monday, November 14, 2016
Remembrance Forum for Homicide Survivors
6:00PM- 8:00PM
An evening for reflection, commemoration and support
1483 Tremont St., 2nd floor, Boston
Organized by BCYF, Boston Police Homicide Unit, center for Homicide Bereavement, CVRT, Boston Medical Center
Contact: Marivelle Crespo or Holly Aldrich 617-343-5543 or 617-591-6123 Marivelle.crespo@pd.boston.gov
Registration required.
Sunday November 20, 2016
An Evening of Healing, Hope and Encouragement in observance of Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month
4:00PM-7:00PM
Service will be from 4:00pm-5:00pm with dinner to follow. Guest speakers will be Chaplain Clementina M. Chery and Boston City Councilor at Large Ayanna Pressley.
Morning Star Baptist Church
1257 Blue Hill Avenue
Mattapan, MA 02126
Organized by: Healing and Encouragement Survivor Ministry
Contact: Marilynda- 857.251.1627 / Genie- 857.269.5610 Marilynda- 857.251.1627 / Genie- 857.269.5610
Sunday November 20, 2016
Pedal for Peace - Fundraising Indoor Cycling Ride
12:00PM-1:00 PM
To kick off Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month and in memory of my dear baby brother Anthony Carvalho, please join me while we PEDAL FOR PEACE on Sunday, November 20th, 2016 at 12:00pm at
REV'D INDOOR CYCLING at The Patriot Place in Foxboro, Massachusetts.If you’re coming, plan to arrive thirty minutes prior to ride time. The ride is for 45 minutes, followed by a short reception. Parking is free. There will light food and drinks, and raffle tickets for amazing gift baskets, all worth between $100-$200 each! Everyone who buys a seat for the ride and attends, will also take home a goody bag!
Tickets are $40 each and seating is limited to 30 bikes...100% of the money raised goes to the RIP Fund of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute!
Patriot Place Parking Lots 22A & 23A are best for attending class. Parking is free!
Organized by: Pedal for Peace - In Memory of Anthony Carvalho
Contact: Ashley Carvalho 508-916-8288 ashley.carvalho@ymail.com
Registration required www.revdindoorcycling.com
Sunday November 20, 2016
"Remembrance" Opening Ceremony
2:00PM -5:00 PM
Wear and display a purple peace ribbon.
The Worship Center
205 Middle Street
New Bedford
Organized by: Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month Committee- New Bedford
Contact: Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month Committee- New Bedford
508-993-8500 obvdcbr@yahoo.com
Sunday November 20, 2016
Remembrance" Alberto 'Tito' Gonzalez Jr. Family Vigil and Walk
6:00 PM-8:00 PM
Corner of Hillman and Spruce Street
New Bedford
Organized by: Survivors Homicide Victims Awareness Month Committee- New Bedford
Contact: New Bedford Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month Committee 2016
508-993-8500 obvdcbr@yahoo.com
Sunday November 20, 2016
“Remembrance” Closing Community Vigil In Loving Memory of all Victims
5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Corner Delano and South First Street
New Bedford
Organized by: New Bedford Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month Committee 2016
Contact: New Bedford Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month Committee 2016
508-993-8500 obvdcbr@yahoo.comMonday, November, 21, 2016
“Remembrance” West End Neighborhood Association Meeting
6:30PM -8:30 PM
Open Discussion: On Our Youth
Temple Landing Community Room
New Bedford
Organized by: New Bedford Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month Committee 2016
Contact: New Bedford Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month Committee 2016
508-993-8500 obvdcbr@yahoo.comTuesday, November 29, 2016
“Remembrance” Vigil, Walk, AJ Gomes Neighborhood Association Meeting
5:30 PM- 8:30PM
At 5:30 A walk from our Peace Garden to The Gomes School for a community discussion at 6:30.
Survivors Peace Garden
Russell Street
New BedfordOrganized by: New Bedford Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month Committee 2016
Contact: New Bedford Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month Committee 2016
508-993-8500 obvdcbr@yahoo.comMonday, December 5, 2015
AJ Gomes Neighborhood Association Monte Playground Christmas Tree Lighting
5:30 PM-8:00PM
Monte Playground
New BedfordOrganized by: New Bedford Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month Committee 2016
Contact: New Bedford Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month Committee 2016
508-993-8500 obvdcbr@yahoo.com
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
Holiday Wreath Making1st session 4:30PM – 6:00PM;
2nd Session 6:30PM – 8:00PMFor survivors of homicide victims, this time of year can be especially hard. Join us at the Peace Institute as we come together in solidarity and celebrate our loved ones and the holidays.
Dinner will be provided.
Please bring a photo, button, or memento of your loved one to incorporate into the wreath if you wish to do so.Location: Peace Institute, 15 Christopher St. Dorchester, MA 02122
RSVP required by Friday 12/2 to Amete Reda: 617-667-5658 areda@bidmc.harvard.edu
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
We are Better Together& The Spot for Life Presents "Healing the Heart" In Honor of Survivors of Victims Of Homicide Month
5:30PM -8:30PM
Ruth Rollins and Kim Odom Speaking about our Journey of our Hearts Healing from two mothers effected by gun violence . Introducing the work we are doing in honor of our love ones that have been effected by gun violence..New Academy Estates
2918 Washington St
Roxbury Mass 02119Contact: Ruth Rollins ruthrollins@comcast.net Kim Odom kimodom1@yahoo.com
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
“Remembrance” Raymond P. Andrade Albert “Rocky” Lopes Omar Bey Family Vigil
5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Corner Acushnet Ave. and Griffin Court
New Bedford
Organized by: New Bedford Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month Committee 2016
Contact: New Bedford Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month Committee 2016
508-993-8500 obvdcbr@yahoo.com
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Mass for Murdered Children and their Families
9:00 AM-11:00AM
Participants are invited to bring pictures of their loved ones to the Mass and place them in the Altar area. Also, if a family has lost a young person through disease, they can bring a picture to the Mass. During the Mass each person will have a candle which can be lit at various times during the Mass. Families’ spoken prayers can be offered during the Mass. After Mass there will be a Reception and opportunity to share in the Church Hall. It is provided by the Faith/Justice group from Milton and Quincy.
St. Patrick Church- lower level. 10 Magazine St. Roxbury, MA 02119Organized by: St. Patrick Church
Contact: Father Waldron (617) 445-7645 StPatrickRox@comcast.net
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Healing and Encouragement Christmas Giveaway
2:00PM -6:00 PM
Children who are survivors of homicide victims are invited to receive a free gift for Christmas. Must register children by November 30, 2016.
Morning Star Baptist Church
1257 Blue Hill Avenue Mattapan, MA 02126
Organized by : Morning Star Baptist Church Healing and Encouragement Survivor Ministry
Contact: Marilynda 857-869-1627 Registration required.Wednesday, December 14, 2016
“Remembrance” Community Vigil In Loving Memory of all Victims
5:30 PM-8:30PM
Monty Playground
Acushnet Ave.
New Bedford
Organized by: New Bedford Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month Committee 2016
Contact: New Bedford Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month Committee 2016
508-993-8500 obvdcbr@yahoo.com
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
Just Checking In
6:00-9:00PMMen that are experiencing the loss of a loved one, and are taking time to care for the needs of others and have neglected your own needs, please come and join us as we seek difference resources that will help us on our journey to wellness for we are "The Forgotten Greivers" and yes, the ladies are definitely invited. And bring your sons.
Dudley Cafe
5 Warren St
Boston
Organized by: The Spot/HoodFit
Contact: Ronald Odom 857-869-4907 Ronaldodom7@gmail.comFriday, December 17, 2016
17th Annual Christmas with Bobby
2:00 PM-5:30PM
A holiday celebration for children ages 1-12. We welcome all parents and all community members to join us in support of our wonderful children. Space is limited. You must register by December 12 with the number of children and their ages.
Kroc Center
650 Dudley Street
Dorchester, MA 02125
Organized by: The Bobby Mendes Peace Legacy
Conact: Isaura Mendes 617-372-1588 bobbymathew1972@yahoo.com
Registration requiredFriday, December 17, 2016
Holiday Bazaar
10:00 AM-3:00PM
Annual Winter Bazaar. Table cost $25-50.
Hiram Youth Development Center
98 Tablot Ave
Dorchester, MA
Organized by: Sisters of Trinity
Conact: Mayra 617-407-9754 Cynthia 617-905-1300 Fanny 617-346-9267
Registration requiredFriday, December 23, 2016
Tribute Toy Drive In Memory Of Rashad Lesley-Barnes
10:00AM-4:30PM
A tribute toy drive focusing on children who have been impacted by homicide/violence. Our mission is to turn sorrow and pain - into peace and positivity. By brighten up a child's life during the holiday season.
Boston Library-Dudley Branch
65 Warren Street,
Roxbury MA 02119Organized by: The Barnes Family
Contact: TieAsia Barnes 6179228528 TieAsiaBarnes@gmail.com
This is a closed event - Represent your city/town at the annual Opening Ceremony. Service Providers are asked to bring materials for resource tables
- Promote SHVAM calendar of events to your networks and/or add to your newsletters, calendars or websites.
- Support the work of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute. Donate or volunteer.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
A PROCLAMATION
His Excellency Governor Charlie Baker
WHEREAS, murder victims are loved and grieved by mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, partners, grandparents, aunts, uncles, extended family members, friends, neighbors, classmates and colleagues across the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, all families of murder victims deserve to be treated with dignity and compassion; and
WHEREAS, surviving family members need coordinated, compassionate, and consistent support and services in the immediate aftermath of a murder and ongoing opportunities for healing in the months and years afterward; and
WHEREAS, survivors of homicide victims experience overwhelming grief, isolation, and despair especially during the holiday season;
WHEREAS, survivors of homicide victims want to remember and honor their loved one’s lives regardless of the circumstances surrounding their death; and
WHEREAS, survivors of homicide victims are using their tragedies to inform, influence, and impact public policy so that all living children can grow up in a safe, peaceful community; and
WHEREAS, survivors and the providers who serve them use the 7 Principles of Peace (Love, Unity, Faith, Hope, Courage, Justice, and Forgiveness) as a foundation to guide them on their journey toward healing; and
WHEREAS, the leadership of survivors of homicide victims is essential to interrupting cycles of retaliatory violence and promoting peace in our state; and
WHEREAS Survivor-led initiatives across the Commonwealth are transforming the way society responds to homicide;
Now, Therefore, I, Charles D. Baker, Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim November 20th – December 20th, 2016, to be Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month And urge all the citizens of the Commonwealth to take cognizance of this event and participate fittingly in its observance.
By His Excellency
History of SHVAM
On September 28, 2000, Argeo Paul Cellucci, then Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, signed into law "An Act Providing for the Annual Observance of Survivors of Victims of Homicide Awareness, " making Massachusetts the first State in the country to set a side a time for survivors of homicide victims.
This act was introduced with House Bill 5093 by Massachusetts State Representative Marie St. Fleur (D-5th Suffolk District), and Massachusetts State Senator Cheryl Jacques (D-Needham). On behalf of Survivors of Homicide Organized for Change (SHOC) an ad hoc committee that is made up of a diverse group of organizations and individuals.