Oklahoma City residents are invited to a powerful evening of testimony and remembrance at Scissortail Park on Saturday, Oct. 14. The event, organized by the nonprofit Voices OKC, will transform the Skydance Bridge into a glowing purple beacon as survivors of domestic violence share their journeys and honor those whose lives were cut short.
Testimony Trail and candlelight walk
Dubbed the Testimony Trail, the gathering will feature 87 pairs of shoes placed along the park’s pathway, each pair representing an Oklahoman who was killed by domestic violence in the past year, according to the state’s most recent fatality report. The visual tribute aims to make the scale of the crisis visible while offering a space for healing.
“The violence and the darkness is not your story,” survivor and Voices OKC advocate Natalie Seiden told local media. “You feel alone. You are secluded. It’s part of the abuse. We want to create a space for the survivors and for those who have lost a loved one.”
The evening will begin at 6:30 p.m. with survivors stepping onto the bridge to share personal testimonies. At 7 p.m., the event will transition into a candlelight walk, allowing participants to walk the illuminated path together, symbolizing hope and community support. No registration is required; attendees are asked to meet at the south garden trellis on the southeast side of the park near Union Station.
Why the purple lighting matters
Purple has become the recognized color for domestic‑violence awareness, and lighting the bridge serves both a commemorative and educational purpose. By turning a public landmark into a visual reminder, the organizers hope to spark conversations about the systemic flaws that allow abuse to persist and to encourage neighbors to look out for one another.
Voices OKC, a local advocacy group, emphasizes that the event is not solely about mourning. It is also about empowering survivors to speak out, breaking the isolation that often accompanies abuse. “Where you’re at and what you’re going through is dark and is hard. I remember going through it and not knowing where to start,” Seiden said, underscoring the need for community‑wide support networks.
Community response and support
Local faith leaders, business owners, and civic groups have pledged to stand with the survivors. Several churches have offered prayer services, and nearby businesses will provide refreshments for participants. The event aligns with broader efforts across Oklahoma to strengthen family stability and protect the sanctity of the home, core values cherished by many in the community.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a candle, a small token of light, to add to the collective glow. The organizers hope the visual impact will inspire ongoing dialogue and action, prompting policymakers and law‑enforcement agencies to examine how resources can better protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
How to get involved
Anyone interested in supporting the cause can volunteer with Voices OKC, donate to local shelters, or simply attend the walk to show solidarity. Information about volunteer opportunities and donation links can be found on the Voices OKC website.
By lighting Scissortail Park purple and sharing personal stories, the community aims to turn grief into a catalyst for change, offering hope to those still trapped in abusive situations and honoring the memory of those lost.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
