Darrius Barron
Managing Editor
Losing a life is a tragic thing that can leave a family with brooding emotions, and a mind full of memories that remind the family of the void that cannot be filled.
Latasha Norman, an accounting major at Jackson State by way of Greenville, Miss., disappeared after leaving class on Nov. 13, 2007. The next time Norman would be seen was when authorities found her decomposing body in a north Jackson wooded area.
According to the original article published on CBSNews.com, Norman had been subjected to attacks from her then boyfriend, Dwayne Cole. It is reported that Norman’s car tires were slashed and someone removed her license plate before her disappearance.
Cole would eventually be charged for physically assaulting Norman. In the end, Cole would be arrested, tried, and sentenced for the murder of his ex-girlfriend; Latasha Norman.
Nov. 9, 2019 marked the 12thanniversary of the event honoring Norman’s name.
The Latasha Norman run/walk is a 5K marathon that is hosted on JSU’s campus in honor of the late Norman. Students, community members, alumni, and several other organizations all participate in the event every year.
On the plaza, along with a DJ for the event, was several vendors, all with information about domestic violence. Contestants and spectators were able to learn things about domestic violence they previously may not have known.
The annual three-mile race features different categories for participants to be placed in for prizes like medals and trophies. Although it is a race and there are prizes available, there is a much bigger message for participants and spectators; domestic violence is a serious issue.
Shanice Moore, a junior social work major from Milwaukee, Wis., believes that the message behind the race is being received well.
“Most people who attend the walk like me and my friend, learned some important information afterwards. That event opened our eyes to a lot of things that are happening each day. Becoming aware of what is happening around us causes a person to understand more of who to talk to and what we can do in order to protect ourselves,” said Moore.
Clement Gibson, JSU alumnus from Minneapolis, Minn., came back to his alma mater to participate in the event because of what it means for society.
“The importance of the event is what brought me back. With all of the news with sex trafficking, especially amongst black women, I think it’s important to remember Latasha Norman and pay homage to someone who was fighting the same fight for our women today.”
Gibson was the second-place winner in the 5K run category, and first place for his age group.
Before the race, participants indulged in a light breakfast consisting of fruit, water, and their choice of breakfast sandwiches. Breakfast was followed by a selection from a local high school’s drumline.
The race had participants completing most of the competition on Dr. Robert Smith Sr. Pkwy, just north of campus. Participants ranged from all sorts of ages from pre-teen to senior citizen, and gave different campus organizations the opportunity to compete against each other.
Once the race was concluded, contestants celebrated their accomplishments with one another by dancing with each other and taking photos. Friends and family of Norman also gave brief words of positivity, even well as the mayor of Norman’s hometown gave kind words to the crowd followed by inspiration.
The Latasha Norman center for counseling and disability services was founded in 2007. Since its inception, the Latasha Norman center has provided students with a place to come and speak with mental health professionals about their heaviest burdens.
Shanice White, the lead therapist for the Latasha Norman center gave word on the purpose of the event.
“The message behind the Latasha Norman run/walk is to let everyone know that domestic violence is a serious issue, and I call it a public health crisis because there are so many different cases that come out on the news that we learn of on the daily basis. One in three women and one in seven men can be victims of domestic violence. The event is to spread awareness about domestic violence and to share different resources for students or anyone who is a victim.”
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