Center to host domestic violence forum and Run/Walk

Special to the Flash

The Latasha Norman Center for Counseling and Disability Services at Jackson State University is hosting a forum on Monday, Oct. 28 to bring awareness to domestic violence, to honor survivors and remember victims.

Also, from 7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. that morning, faculty, staff and students are invited to have free coffee and refreshments and sign up on the 2nd floor of the Student Center for the Nov. 9th Latasha Norman 5-K Run/Walk. This marks the sixth year for the run/walk, which was named in honor of Latasha and is an event to raise awareness and support for programs that address domestic violence.

Speakers for the 6 p.m. event include Danny Bolden, whose (step)daughter, Latasha Norman died as the result of domestic violence; and Keisha Varnell, the Prevention/Intervention Specialist for the MS Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

The forum will be held in the JSU Student Center Ballroom.

Prior to the forum, the Student Government Association, Greek letter organizations and student groups will join others in a balloon release at 5 p.m. as a way to recognize victims and encourage programs to fight against domestic violence.

Bolden has worked untiringly to sound the alarm against domestic, homicide, and
dating violence in middle schools, high schools, colleges, and churches. Bolden has spoken to approximately 10,000 students in Washington, Bolivar, and Sunflower counties throughout the state of Mississippi of his domestic violence experience through the untimely death of his stepdaughter, Latasha Norman. He has also worked with Our House, Inc., in Greenville, Miss., which offers an array of services for domestic violence, sexual assault, and homicide.

Varnell develops, implements, and evaluates curriculums for various groups, including youth, adolescents, teachers, and youth workers. Varnell also coordinates youth training and chairs the campus violence task force for MCADV. Varnell also works with schools and community organizations statewide to promote awareness and prevention of teen dating violence, bullying, stalking and cyber stalking. She has leveraged her experience by working in all aspects of child welfare, including teen dating violence, bullying, mentoring, coaching, self –esteem workshops, and a myriad of other youth-friendly trainings and activities.

For more information on the forum and to register for the Run/Walk, call the center at 601-979-0374 or 601-979-1557.