By Emily R. Evans
The Truth Reporter
On Saturday, November 22, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m, Woodward High School was the site of the Mothers Against Violence Flag Football Tournament.
This event was a tribute dedicated to all the mothers who have lost children or anyone who lost a loved one due to the constant gun violence that has shattered so many families and homes and caused irreparable damage to their mental well-being.
Too many are constantly haunted by memories of the ones they have lost along the way. Photos, murals, T shirts, trees, balloon releases, candles burning and sadness are all that is left in so many instances.
There are so many people suffering in the city due to daily effort of trying to understand what happened and trying to fathom the thoughts of losing someone who will never return.
Men and boys from all around the city, different age groups as well as students, signed up to play games of flag football to stand together for peace and unity and to plead to the city and state governments to enact changes to stop the gun violence.
The event organizers emphasized that families are losing so many people to gun violence alone not to mention the natural issues that cause loss so it’s imperative everyone do what they can to stop the meaningless shootings.
They noted that people need to stand up as a city and go to counseling, discuss their issues with those who care as well as use the resources available to everyone to try to heal.
Marquita Ford, from the NW Ohio Parents of Murdered Children, said: “This was a survivors’ and victims’ event and a public way to let the city know that the group is here for Toledo.”
There was money raised for victims of many forms of abuse and Ford wants to bring awareness to those in need. Donations are always helpful to support the movement, provide temporary housing, buy holiday gifts for those in need of assistance.
Ford added that they also provide a Blessings Cleaning service which assists the victims if there was a violent act that occurred on a property. Assistance is available to clean up any residue that could traumatize the families further, so in-shock families won’t have to deal with the aftermath of such terroristic events.
There are meetings every second Saturday of the month which are usually held at the Collingwood Arts Center or at the various library branches – safe spaces to assist those in need.
Courtroom advocacy is also provided to those who need help. The main point of the event was to promote community and to let Toledo know that it’s time to come together — Toledo Strong.
Aviance Hill, chapter leader for the NW Ohio Parents of Murdered Children, said: “It was the first annual Intercepting Violence Passing for Peace charity event.”
The event was a tribute to families of murdered children and loved ones to support and uplift survivors and victims of violence and those who came before and left a legacy. The group promoted peace and unity on the football field and showed power together at the 50-yard line. The group has supported each other and are a formidable community that provides an impact in the community.
All survivors and victims are welcome to help the movement and anyone can donate or join. If you have any questions, please contact 567-215-0045 or via email at nwoponc@gmail.com
This group wants Toledo and anyone suffering to know that you are loved, you are not alone and there is support available. There is no need to cry and pretend you’re ok while isolated from the people that are here to listen to how you feel don’t even know you are hurting deeply.