DC Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement

Background

ONSE is a government agency created to address violence in the DC area while assisting families dealing with the grief and trauma caused by these occurrences. They aim to foster community-based strategies to prevent violence and increase public safety. Their strategy is rooted in a public health approach to violence prevention, recognizing that reducing crime is not accomplished through law enforcement alone.

The Challenge

The DC ONSE wanted to host families that have lost a loved one to gun violence in DC, for a day of remembrance. The organization sought out Black Digital to fully manage and coordinate all aspects of the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims.

The Solution

Black Digital organized the venue and 13 vendors to make the night an event that would honor the lives of those lost and heal the hearts of those left behind. The event took place at the DC Water Headquarters and featured an opening ceremony, a private remembrance, a video presentation of those lost to gun violence, a dinner, musical performances, and a candlelight vigil. Black Digital created and designed the slideshow and token of remembrance for the event.

Results

More than 15 families — around 80 residents — showed up to the event to make sure the faces of their loved ones were remembered and honored. In addition, the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge was lit up with orange lights during the event — the official color for the National Day of Remembrance for Homicide Victims — to spread awareness of the day throughout the city.