Assembly Member Septimo’s Generous Donation
Assembly Member Amanda Septimo made a significant contribution to the Brides’ March against domestic violence, donating $50,000 to support the cause. The donation was presented during a public ceremony at 780 Grand Concourse, a location with a poignant history as the site where off-duty NYPD Officer Arianna Reyes-Gomez was tragically murdered by her estranged husband in 2022. This act of violence serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address and combat domestic violence in our communities.
The Brides’ March, also known as the Annual Gladys Ricart and Victims of Domestic Violence Memorial Walk, was established in 2001 to honor the memory of Gladys Ricart, a Dominican woman from Washington Heights who was killed by an abusive ex-boyfriend on her wedding day in 1999. This annual march serves as a powerful platform to raise awareness about domestic violence and to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives to intimate partner violence.
Gratitude for Assembly Member Septimo’s Support
Maria Lizardo, the Executive Director of the Northern Manhattan Improvement Corporation (NMIC), expressed profound gratitude for Assembly Member Septimo’s generous donation. Lizardo emphasized the critical importance of this funding in expanding the reach and impact of the Brides’ March, enabling the organization to provide essential resources to more survivors of domestic violence. She stressed the collective responsibility we all share in eradicating domestic violence and commended Septimo for her unwavering commitment to this vital cause.
Lethy Liriano, a domestic violence survivor and Brides’ March Coordinator, underscored the significance of the financial support received from Assembly Member Septimo. This substantial investment represents a major opportunity to enhance the effectiveness of the movement and extend its influence to a broader audience. Liriano highlighted the importance of amplifying the voices of youth and men in the conversation surrounding domestic violence, while also incorporating healing through arts for both survivors and service providers.
Commitment to Ending Domestic Violence
Assembly Member Septimo reaffirmed her dedication to supporting domestic abuse survivors and raising awareness about the devastating impact of domestic violence. She emphasized the collaborative effort required to create a safer community and expressed pride in contributing to the important work of the Brides’ March. Septimo’s commitment to this cause serves as a beacon of hope for survivors and advocates striving to combat domestic violence in all its forms.
The event where the donation was made was attended by the co-founders of the Brides’ March, including the Dominican Women’s Development Center (DWDC), Violence Intervention Program (VIP), and NMIC, as well as the family of Gladys Ricart. CONNECT, a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing interpersonal violence and promoting gender justice, also lent its support to the occasion. The presence of these influential organizations underscores the collaborative nature of the fight against domestic violence and the shared commitment to creating a safer and more equitable society for all individuals.
