For years, Rosalind Page has collected the names and photos of Black women and girls lost to violence, posting them to social media accounts she created in an effort to raise awareness on the alarming issue.
Now, the 52-year-old nurse and mother of four is planning a march to raise up the names of those taken from their communities too soon and to prevent further violence, which has plagued Black women and girls at an "unacceptable rate."
"Not that any rate is acceptable," Page told The Washington Post. "But it was such a high rate I couldn't understand why nothing was being said or done about it."
In her spare time, Page compiled her own data of Black women and girls killed –– and her research seems to show much higher numbers than federal reports.
Aside from numbers, Page's social media accounts –– "Black Femicide" and "Black Femicide –– US" on Twitter and Facebook –– seek to provide clear, accessible information about the victims, who they were and the communities they belong to.
She continues to work full-time and run the accounts, and has connected with others around the country who do similar work.
"This is really a mission for me," Page told The Post. "I'm doing it seven days a week. Whenever I'm awake, I'm working."
She mainly does this work from Arkansas, but is planning a march in Washington D.C. this year to bring national awareness to the violence being committed against Black women and girls –– an issue further complicated by the Covid-19 pandemic.
"D.C. is the hub of political activity in America," she said." D.C. is where people go to discuss issues in America."
Her hope is that march will garner support from the local communities, receive national media attention, and hopefully the attention of those with the power to implement policy changes.
"I started this project as a labor of love and it has turned into something much bigger than I foresaw," Page wrote on a GoFundMe site she started to raise money for the march.
To support Page and to keep up with the planning of the march, please click HERE.
Reading about Black trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. These additional resources are also available:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
The National Alliance on Mental Illness 1-800-950-6264
The Association of Black Psychologists 1-301-449-3082
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America 1-240-485-1001
For more mental health resources, click HERE.
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