Click here to register for the Latasha Norman 6th Annual 5k Walk/Run
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The Latasha Norman Center for Counseling and Disability Services at Jackson State University is hosting a forum on Monday, Oct. 28, to bring awareness to domestic violence, to honor survivors and remember victims.
Also, from 7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. that morning, faculty, staff and students are invited to have free coffee and refreshments and sign up on the 2nd floor of the Student Center for the Nov. 9th Latasha Norman 5-K Run/Walk. This marks the sixth year for the run/walk, which was named in honor of Norman and is an event to raise awareness and support for programs that address domestic violence.
Speakers for the 6 p.m. event include Danny Bolden, whose stepdaughter, Latasha Norman died as the result of domestic violence; and Keisha Varnell, the Prevention/Intervention Specialist for the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
The forum will be held in the JSU Student Center Ballroom.
Prior to the forum, the Student Government Association, Greek letter organizations and student groups will join others in a balloon release at 5 p.m. as a way to recognize victims and encourage programs to fight against domestic violence.
Bolden has worked untiringly to sound the alarm against domestic, homicide, and dating violence in middle schools, high schools, colleges, and churches. Bolden has spoken to approximately 10,000 students in Washington, Bolivar, and Sunflower counties throughout the state of Mississippi about his domestic violence experience through the untimely death of his stepdaughter, Latasha Norman. He has also worked with Our House, Inc., in Greenville, Miss., which offers an array of services for domestic violence, sexual assault, and homicide.
Varnell develops, implements, and evaluates curricula for various groups, including youth, adolescents, teachers, and youth workers. Varnell also coordinates youth training and chairs the campus violence task force for MCADV. Varnell also works with schools and community organizations statewide to promote awareness and prevention of teen dating violence, bullying, stalking and cyber stalking. She has leveraged her experience by working in all aspects of child welfare, including teen dating violence, bullying, mentoring, coaching, self–esteem workshops, and a myriad of other youth-friendly trainings and activities.
For more information on the forum and to register for the Run/Walk, call the center at 601-979-0374 or 601-979-1557.
My heart goes out to Latasha and her family. Latasha did try to leave it was just her good heart that he manipulated to give him a chance to talk to her on that day and it led to death. Getting out of an abusive or violent relationship isn’t easy. Maybe you’re still hoping that things will change or you’re afraid of what your partner will do if he discovers you’re trying to leave. Whatever your reasons, you probably feel trapped and helpless. But help is available. There are many resources available for abused and battered women, including crisis hotlines, shelters—even job training, legal services, and childcare. You deserve to live free of fear. Start by reaching out. Why doesn’t she just leave? It’s the question many people ask when they learn that a woman is being battered and abused. But if you are in an abusive relationship, you know that it’s not that simple. Ending an important relationship is never easy. It’s even harder when you’ve been isolated from your family and friends, psychologically beaten down, financially controlled, and physically threatened.
If you’re trying to decide whether to stay or leave, you may be feeling confused, uncertain, frightened, and torn. One moment, you may desperately want to get away, and the next, you may want to hang on to the relationship. Maybe you even blame yourself for the abuse or feel weak and embarrassed because you’ve stuck around in spite of it. Don’t be trapped by confusion, guilt, or self-blame. The only thing that matters is your safety.