ICYMI: Watch the Transforming Narratives of Gun Violence launch event

BOSTON, MA – On Monday, December 20, the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI) hosted a virtual ceremony to commemorate the closing of the 21st Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month (SHVAM). This holiday month was filled with events centered around peace, healing, and transforming the narrative around gun violence. 

In 2000, SHVAM was enacted with a purpose to educate the public and policymakers about the impact of murder on families and communities – that purpose is more prevalent to this day. Homicide rates in the United States are steeply rising, and 2020 saw the highest increase in homicides rates within the country in the past 100 years. 

“Each homicide leaves behind survivors who must navigate the process of grief and loss,” said Danielle Bennett, LDBPI Policy and Network Manager. “These friends, family neighbors, and community members need resources to provide a critical sense of stability and support regardless of circumstances.” 

The closing ceremony recognized the growing impact of LDBPI. As of October 2021, the organization has served 452 survivors in Boston.

“Survivors of homicide victims are everywhere,” said Alexandra Chéry Dorrelus, LDBPI Co-Executive Director. “Research says that for every homicide victim, there are at least 10 immediate family members impacted, and this doesn’t include extended family members, friends, classmates, or teachers. We know this also doesn’t acknowledge the families suffering on the other end of that homicide.” 

At the beginning of SHVAM, LDBPI honored Rahsaan Peters, this year’s recipient of the Inform, Influence, and Impact award. Peters is a compassionate and dedicated advocate in this work of serving families of homicide victims and his community. Peter’s ability to make connections, collaborate and meet the family’s needs far exceeds the call of duty. In view of his advocacy within his role at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and the ground work with survivors, Louis D. Brown Peace Institute is proud to recognize Peters as the 2021 recipient of the Inform, Influence, Impact Award.

“The services we provide are crucial to all who contribute to transforming the narrative and response to homicide: health institutions, educational and community organizations, the media, arts etc.,” said Chaplain Clementina M. Chéry, LDBPI President & CEO. “When we envision peace and healing, it needs to come from a sustainable and fruitful environment. That is why we are dedicated to igniting a national movement that supports survivors in their path to healing from murder, trauma, grief and loss.”

To learn more about the Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month, visit the website at LDBpeaceinstitute.org.

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About the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute 

The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute (LDBPI), founded in 1994, after the murder of 15 year old Louis D. Brown, serves as a Center of Healing, Teaching and Learning for families and communities impacted by murder, trauma, grief and loss. The vision of the LDBPI is to create and sustain an environment where all people are valued and all families can live in peace. Additional information is available at www.LDBpeaceinstitute.org.