2009 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Candlelight Ceremony

Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr. addresses the audience at the 2009 National Crime Victim's Rights Week Candlelight Ceremony.

On the evening of April 23rd, I attended the 2009 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week National Observance and Candlelight Ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Building. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the signage of the Victims of Crime Act. It was a very touching ceremony, yet one filled with hope with people from all over the country in attendance.

There were several speakers, but it was obvious that there were two the audience really wanted to hear from. The first was Attorney General Eric Holder, Jr and the second was Quincy Arrianna Lucas, the keynote speaker. Ms. Lucas is the founder of Witney’s Lights, Inc., a nonprofit organization focused on raising awareness of domestic violence and crime victim’s issues, and co-victim and homicide survivor of her sister, Dr. Witney Rose. Dr. Rose was killed by an ex-boyfriend in 2003 at the age of 34. Ms. Lucas challenged each of us to stand up for victims, to become empowered, and to make a difference in our communities.

The most touching part of the ceremony was the lighting of the candles while the Alexandria (VA) Choral Society Children’s Chorus sang. The whole event was a moving experience that reminded me why the work of all of us in the corrections field is so important.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will be observed next year April 18-24, 2010-it’s not too early to begin your planning.

Blogged by Kathy Black-Dennis, Director of Professional Development at ACA.