By Emma Stone
With the evening sun rays peeking through Louisiana Tech’s trees, the Alpha Chi Omega sorority members gathered the quad to share 49 stories of domestic violence.
The Lady of the Mist stood tall among the circle of women who wore purple in recognition for lives lost.
Kylie Pepper, Vice President of Philanthropy for Alpha Chi Omega, has held her position for two years and put together the event.
“This sets the tone that this happens to real people,” said Pepper. “It shows we aren’t afraid to raise awareness.”
Each member could volunteer to pick a card numbered 1-49. Each member would real the card out in chronological order.
“It really brings out emotions for some members,” said Pepper. “But it’s events like these that allow them to feel more comfortable talking or sharing stories.”
Some stories were of women who had lost their lives at the hands of husbands and partners or those who passed on birthdays and New Year’s Day.
“It gives them a way to step back and see that these are real stories of people suffering much worse than us,” said Pepper.
October marks Domestic Violence Awareness month in which Alpha Chi Omega has been fundraising events.
This coming Saturday, Oct. 21, the organization’s 10th annual Walk a Mile event will be held 11 a.m. at the Argent Pavilion.
Tickets are $10 and all proceeds will go to the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) in Ruston. The event is open to all community members. For more information about this event, visit https://alphachiomega.crowdchange.co/33639/page/522897
