On Thursday, October 9th, the Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (DART) held its annual candlelight vigil to honor and remember those who lost their lives to domestic violence across the seven parishes DART serves. The event took place at the Pentecostals of Jonesboro Church.

The program opened with a warm welcome from DART Advocate Andrea Malone, followed by Pastor Ronald Harper of the Pentecostals of Jonesboro, who spoke on the meaning of love from a clergy’s perspective. A heartfelt prayer was shared by Ms. Eloise Lowery, setting a solemn tone for the evening.

Guest speaker Ms. Yvonne Jones gave a powerful testimony, recounting her own experience with domestic violence—a tragedy that claimed her son’s life and cost her seven years of freedom.

As Tamara Tate read the names of victims, Marlon Malone Jr. lit a candle in memory of each life lost. The ceremony concluded with remarks from Wanda James, DART Legal Advocate and Rural Program Supervisor, who shared sobering statistics and facts about domestic violence.

Malone expressed her gratitude to all participants and attendees who came together to honor the victims and support the cause. “Together, we can stop domestic violence,” she said.