Families and community honor 12 people killed in domestic-violence-related incidents at Meet Us at the Bridge

Hundreds gathered on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge as Susan Tucker Smith and other organizers read the names of 12 people who died in domestic-violence-related incidents since last year’s ceremony and invited family and friends to offer tributes.

Captain Blake Giles of Metro’s domestic violence division led the remembrance. Family members and friends stepped forward as each name was read; speakers described relationships, occupations and personal qualities and called for continued community and policy action to prevent further deaths.

Those named and commemorated at the ceremony were: Amina Anna Darbashi Pierce (30), Sharon Sanders (47), Leslie Yunt (44), Elansha Williams (25), Marquis Bass (34), Darlene "Didi" DeRosa (65), Merlin Esther Cordova Naderin (35), Cassidy Shuli Madison Jackson (23), Nyirka Alfonso Acevedo (52), Samia Magzawi (34), Miranda Gray (46) and Jomani Parker (20). Organizers said family liaisons had contacted families in advance; several families were unable to attend and submitted written tributes read aloud.

Speakers included teachers, friends and relatives who shared memories and urged action. The program emphasized support for survivors: counselors and support staff were available at the event, and organizers directed attendees to nashville.gov for more information about services.

The memorial portion of the program followed awards and program announcements and concluded with a closing statement that asked attendees to honor victims by continuing work to prevent domestic violence and support survivors.