BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — On Mother’s Day, thousands walked in Boston to support mothers who have lost children to violence.
The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute’s 29th Annual Mother’s Day Walk for Peace (MDW4P) took place at Dorchester’s Town Field Park. Ruth Henry is an artist in residence with the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute and said it can be an emotional day for mothers who have had their children taken too soon.
“On a day that we’re afraid, we’re leaning into each other because we need it. We can’t do this alone and we’re not alone. So many people have been through it,” said Henry.
Organizers said they hoped to raise $600,000 by Father’s Day for the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute, which helps support people impacted by murder, trauma, grief and loss. As of Monday morning, they had already raised over $500,000.
While money can go a long way, Survivors Outreach Services Coordinator Damaris Ortiz said it is just as important to give people like herself a space to grieve and remember together.
“We are all healing together. We’re walking this walk because somebody has tragically [taken] our kids,” said Ortiz. “My little brother, he was killed in 2018.”
WBZ NewsRadio’s Chaiel Schaffel (@CSchaffelWBZ) reports.