MACON, Ga. — Several people flocked out to Macon on Saturday to raise awareness for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
They weren't there just for the month itself. They also came out in memory of La'Smockie Fountain, who was found dead on Case Street in 2015 after she was shot by her boyfriend, Derrick Booze. She had four children.
People walked together as a part of the 9th Annual Walk to Remember La'Smockie Fountain. The event is hosted by La'Smockie's Loved Ones Against Domestic Violence (L.O.A.D). 75 people were there, and 50 participated in the walk.
Each person was encouraged to bring purple and many people lit purple light bulbs to celebrate Purple Light Day, which was also celebrated on Saturday. Family chose to wear purple in honor of Fountain and to bring awareness to domestic violence.
The Purple Light signifies there’s either a survivor or someone who has lost their life, and her family feels the color purple shows solidarity
Many of these events and traditions were started by Fountain's aunt, Sharon Stafford, who created these traditions to inform others about the signs of domestic violence.
"If you see something, then you should say something. And when you say something you can do something," she said. "We have survivors, but we also have some who didn't survive. We just want to make sure that we keep it pushing and do whatever we can to get the word out."
Fountain's family and other supporters planted a "TREE OF HOPE" so anyone in the Macon-Bibb community could write the names of loved ones who they lost due to domestic violence.
The event is a collaboration with organizations like Crisis Line & Safe House of Central Georgia. Executive Director Jamie Borman says the organization has attended the walk every year.
"We do what we can to show up for La'Smockie's family, but also, they show up for us," Borman said. "I think it's wonderful they honor her life, but it's also wonderful they're giving a voice to domestic violence because often people in the community don't want to talk about it."
The event began on Case Street at 11 a.m. on Saturday.
The Crisis Line and Safe House of Central Georgia works to protect victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. You can reach them at 478-745-9292.
The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached at 1-800-799-7233. Advocates are available to speak 24/7 to talk confidentially with anyone experiencing domestic violence, trying to find resources or those with questions about unhealthy relationships.
If you're unable to speak safely, you can log onto the National Domestic Violence Hotline website or text LOVEIS to 22522.
If you're in an emergency situation, call 911 immediately.