Families reeling from overdose fatalities to march on Washington D.C.

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 19:50:13 -0700

A march on Washington D.C scheduled for this weekend will demand lawmakers take immediate action to curb the surging numbers of drug overdose deaths in America.

Demonstrators will carry symbolic headstones emblazoned with the names of loved ones lost to substance use disorder.

Kristy Hanson visits with Marlys McConnell, and together they craft the symbolic headstones, holding memorials to loved ones who have died from a drug overdose.

"I’m going to create change," said McConnell.

On each headstone are the names and photos of those lost in the grip of substance abuse. But they are now living on, as a reminder that addiction touches nearly every American family.

The two create the headstones in their kitchens, saying they symbolize what has been lost and what could be saved if access and attitudes surrounding substance abuse treatment were a matter of dignity and respect.

"I know that if my boy’s picture and information was on someone else’s kitchen table, I would want them to treat it with love and respect," said McConnell. "You really want to give that to other families."

The Trail of Truth Memorial March began in 2016 in New York State, where locals demanded officials make an accurate count of those lost to addiction.

As overdose deaths skyrocket across America, what began as a demonstration in New York now spreads across the country as a march on Washington D.C. The march includes dozens of other grassroots organizations that demand policymakers address two barriers to successful recovery.

First, to make available immediate access to treatment for anyone ready for it, and second, to end discriminatory medical care practices that perpetuate stigma.

"We need to come together as a community and really do better," said Jessica Saemen from Trail of Truth. "Why is this country okay with 107,000 lives gone with substance abuse disorder?"

Hanson marches for her son, who died from an overdose in April 2022.

"He had so much desire to be clean and be a good dad and family member," she said.

McConnell marches for her son and her mother, who both struggled with substance use.

Black Lives Matter Plaza to become permanent installation; lane closures begin Monday

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 08:19:15 -0700

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) announced Friday that construction to make Black Lives Matter Plaza a permanent installation will begin on Monday, July 19 with lane closures expected.

During construction, DDOT will close all northbound and southbound travel lanes to vehicular traffic on 16th Street NW between H Street NW and K Street NW.

Construction is expected to conclude by October 1, 2021.

Once completed, the permanent installation will protect pedestrian safety while accommodating vehicles and keeping with the spirit of the original mural design.

The Black Lives Matter mural was painted over in May of this year due to planned work by Pepco, sparking criticism online, including from Black Lives Matter DC. The mural was repainted days later.

Bowser commissioned the 35-foot-tall message in June 2020 as her feud with President Donald Trump over local policing escalated.

It spells out "Black Lives Matter" in giant yellow letters down 16th Street near the White House. Bowser also renamed a stretch of 16th Street "Black Lives Matter Plaza."

Construction will occur from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekdays, and local access to businesses will be maintained. Through access, however, will remain closed for the duration of construction.

Sidewalks will remain open to pedestrian traffic. Traffic controls, including signage, will be in place to guide motorists and pedestrians safely around the work zone.

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All users of the roadway are advised to stay alert and be observant of signage and work zones while traveling in this area.

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Families reeling from overdose fatalities to march on Washington D.C.

Black Lives Matter Plaza to become permanent installation; lane closures begin Monday