Memorial Walk-Brides March

Gathering begins at 8AM in front of the Centennial Plaza Chapel, 200 East Beach Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39501 

There will be guest speakers and various tributes to and an acknowledgment of domestic violence victims on the MS Gulf Coast, from the previous & current year of the March Date. 

The Opening Ceremony will conclude with a welcome from the Keeping Keli Foundation, Kay's Di'Vine Beauty Line  & a representative of the Gulf Coast Center for Domestic Violence.

Walking will commence immediately following the conclusion of the Opening Ceremony at approximately 9:00am.

Marching Starts in front of the Centennial Plaza Chapel, 200 East Beach Blvd, Gulfport, MS 39501 (approx. 2.5-3 miles)

• Marching South across Beach Blvd at the traffic light then....
• Marching East on Hwy 49 to Cowen Lorraine Road.
• A Brief Stop to Regroup & a short speech that will take place at the Court House Road Beachfront Bathroom Pavillion then...
• We will continue to Cowen Lorraine Road for another brief regrouping, short speach & begin our return to The Centennial Plaza Chapel.

The Marchers will have approx. 20 minutes for a bathroom break, to get water before the start of the Marchers return to The Chapel. 

Upon arrival back to The Chapel there will be a Closing Ceremony where there will be tributes to victims, guest speakers, and acknowledgment of participants.

*Wedding Dresses can be donated and will be collected at the Closing or you may call: 228-313-9883 to donate prior to the March date.

Request to Supporters and Marchers

As a supporter and participant of the Victims of Domestic Violence Memorial Walk/Brides’ March, please:

1. Read and become familiar with our Mission and Goals, and all March information below, so that you are prepared to promote the March.
2. Encourage your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors to form a group and march with you and/or to help you spread the word by sharing the info/flyer with their circle of family, friends and colleagues.
3. Share the Brides March official Flyer,  and promote the March by disseminating the flyer to your constituency, colleagues and community using as many forms of dissemination  (social media, email, websites, handout) as possible. (Feel free to translate the Invite to other languages)
4. March in a wedding gown or in all white and take a stance against domestic violence on Saturday, October 30th, 2023.
5. Encourage men who denounce domestic violence to support and march wearing all black, symbolizing mourning for those who have lost their lives.
6. Put out a call to your family, friends and coworkers that the donation of wedding dresses are needed. (To arrange drop-off of dresses, please call or email the March Coordinator at 228-313-9883 or 678-934-4063)
7. Organize a Sign Making Party to make signs for the march. (All signs should be standard--black marker on white cardboard and stenciled letters. In keeping with the Mission and Goals of the March, we request that ALL messages be empowering and not offensive. For slogans suggestions, contact the March Coordinator)
8. Inform the March Coordinator ASAP but no later than noontime, October 20th, of how many women from your group you anticipate will march in wedding dresses. (We need this info for the press release that will go out on 10/21)
9. Inform the March Coordinator, ASAP, of the anticipated number of participants that will be marching with you. Please note that all Marchers must march from the March's "gathering" place at the start of the route. This information will assist with preparing for enough water and info for the press releases.

Disclosures

• Walking—We will ONLY walk on the sidewalk and NOT on the street. Marchers MUST obey crosswalk signs, directions given by the March Organizers, as well as practice safety at all times and be mindful and courteous to pedestrians.
• Footwear—Wearing comfortable and closed footwear is important and encouraged.
• Media and Press Coverage—Marchers must be aware that the March will be covered by the media and that the possibility of being photographed does exist. For confidentiality/safety reasons, survivors who have decided to participate in the March but do not want their face photographed/exposed, we suggest they wear a white or black veil. Please be advised that wearing the veil will not guarantee your face or identity will be fully protected.
• Snacks—We encourage everyone to bring their own snacks or be prepared to purchase their snacks or lunch at a nearby restaurant.
• Water—We encourage marchers to bring their own since our supply is limited and hydration is very important.
• Weather—The March will NOT be canceled due to rain. If the weather calls for rain, we encourage marchers to wear appropriate rain gear and bring a dry change of clothing for the end of the march. For safety reasons, open umbrellas during the march are discouraged.
• Conduct—While walking through the streets, marchers are expected to conduct themselves in a civilized and courteous manner.
• Spectator’s Reactions—Marchers must be aware that there could be spectators who will react unsupportive and/or disruptive to the March. Any such behavior should be ignored. If a March participant feels threatened or an act of violence is committed by a spectator, the Local Police Department must be immediately informed.

If you have questions email them to: kelibrixxfoundationms@gmail.com