COURTESY DOMINIC DIAZ PHOTOGRAPHY
Montclair Domestic Violence Advocacy Group S.O.F.I.A. will hold its 8th Annual Walk Against Domestic Violence on Saturday, Sept. 8, in Canterbury Park, 49 Canterbury Drive.
Brittany Lewis, Miss Black America 2017, will be the Grand Marshal for the walk in September. Domestic violence awareness was a focus of Lewis’ Miss Black America platform. Her sister, Gina Clarke-Lewis was lost to domestic violence five years ago.
Lewis spoke at the National Council of Negro Women Awards in West Orange in March, and spoke to Montclair Local. At the time she told us that patriarchy is not going away, but was connected to capitalism, white supremacy, and structures created over 500 years. Being in a pageant is a choice that gives her power. About her choice to participate in pageants, Lewis said, “Some women feel power, some women don’t.”
Registration for the Walk begins at 9 a.m.
LOOK: PHOTOS, S.O.F.I.A. WALK AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN MONTCLAIR (2017)
READ: S.O.F.I.A., RAISING AWARENESS AND HOPE, IN MONTCLAIR
The Walk begins at 10 a.m., and the program ends at about noon. For full details, visit supportsofia.org. To make a donation directly to S.O.F.I.A., visit supportsofia.org/donate, or send a check to SOFIA, PO Box 674, Montclair, NJ 07042.
The organization writes, “By becoming a participant you will contribute in supporting the ongoing Domestic Violence education, awareness, assistance and prevention. You will be demonstrating support to victims and their families within your community.”
About S.O.F.I.A.
Start Out Fresh Intervention Advocates (fondly referred to as S.O.F.I.A.) is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization that provides advocacy, supportive services and referrals for temporary housing to “at risk” women and children of domestic violence.
Our mission is to provide domestic violence victims and survivors with assistance and encourage them to be positive, self-sufficient and successful.
The S.O.F.I.A. Success Center is now open! A Healing and Wellness Center for Domestic Violence victims and survivors wherein we offer a variety of free workshops to help in the process of emotional healing and financial independence.