25th Annual Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month Opening Ceremony

Established in 2000, Survivors of Homicide Victims Awareness Month (SHVAM) is a month-long observance from Nov. 20th - Dec. 20th dedicated to informing, influencing, and impacting how society responds to families affected by murder. It’s a time to educate the public and policymakers about the lasting effects of homicide, while uplifting the peace-building work led by survivors.

Each year, this month offers space—especially during the holiday season—for survivors to gather, honor their loved ones, and find strength in community. During this time, numerous workshops, events, and healing groups help mark the month-long observance, and you can find them all at LDBpeaceinstitute.org/events.

The Opening Ceremony commemorates the start of SHVAM, and is held yearly at the Massachusetts State House on November 20th.

This year, remarks were given by Chaplain Clementina Chéry, President and CEO of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute; MA State Senator Liz Miranda (Second Suffolk); MA State Representative Chris Worrell (5th Suffolk); MA State Senator Nick Collins (First Suffolk); Liam Lowney, Executive Director, MOVA; Lisa Randolph, Survivor Ambassador; Jarix Santiago, Survivor Ambassador; Pace McConkie Jr., Policy Manager of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute; and Alexandra Dorrelus, Co-Executive Director of the Louis D. Brown Peace Institute.