Women dressed in wedding gowns and men in all black join hands to stand up and vow against domestic violence. My mother, Josie Ashton, who began this movement, originally walked in her wedding gown from New Jersey to Miami in 2000, after learning about the tragic matter of Gladys Ricart back in 1999. Ricart, a 41 year old Dominican women, was slain in front of her family on her wedding day by an abusive lover. The media immediately began to blame Gladys for her own victimization and with the conversation continuing in that direction a murder could potentially not be punished within proper justice. Mom, Josie Ashton walked in her wedding gown to raise awareness about domestic violence and open people's eyes to the harsh reality. 10 years later hundreds of men, women and children come together annually in different parts of the United States as well as other countries like Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico to commemorate the life of Gladys Ricart and all victims of domestic violence. Along with the growth a segment of The College Brides Walk began back in June 2011 to specifically gear resources and activism within college campuses and teenage to young adult victims.
Our next College Brides Walk event will take place on February 10,2011 at Barry University in
North Miami, Florida
www.collegebrideswalk.com for more information
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