Thousands of people affected by suicide gathered Saturday at Chicago’s Montrose Harbor for the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk.
Organizers asked participants to wear beads showing whom they were remembering. A parent was represented by gold, a friend by purple, a child by white, and a spouse or partner by red. The event combined a festive atmosphere with a somber commemoration.
Tonesha Johnson and her husband, Nick Jenkins, held a sign in memory of their son EJ Maddox. JoElle Nixon and her father, Joseph Nixon, put on beaded necklaces, while Belden Gathman attended to support family members. Participants also joined in a group prayer.
People in crisis can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or text TALK to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.
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