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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” These words offer a beacon of hope for those navigating the complex journey of grief. Loss often brings feelings of isolation and uncertainty, but Dr. King’s legacy reminds us that even in our darkest moments, there is hope, light, and healing.
At the United By Loss Foundation, we are committed to fostering hope and connection. Grief is not a journey meant to be traveled alone—it is one we walk together, building resilience through community and support.
Grief in Our Communities: The Reality
Grief is a universal experience, yet many feel unprepared to cope with it. Consider these statistics:
1 in 5 children will experience the death of someone close to them by age 18.
Nearly 57% of adults report significant unresolved grief after losing a loved one.
Studies show that Black families often face unique challenges when navigating grief, including cultural stigmas around seeking mental health support and limited access to grief-focused resources.
These numbers highlight the importance of accessible, inclusive support systems for anyone grieving.
A Personal Story of Hope and Healing
In A Childless Mother: A Journey Through Perinatal Loss, Raquel Woullard shared, "As time passed, I began to find new ways to honor my son's memory. I got a tattoo of his footprints on my forearm symbolizing the ensuring love I have for him. I also became involved in support groups and advocacy work with United By Loss Foundation with my close friend, Dr. Simbi Animashaun. I am using my experience to help others navigate their own grief journey. I thank God that Simbi founded this organization because it has allowed me to heal through helping others. This organization provides so many resources for the community and families who have experienced pregnancy and infant loss. This sense of purpose gave me strength and a renewed sense of meaning."
How You Can Honor MLK’s Legacy
This MLK Day, we reflect on Dr. King’s message of love, compassion, and justice. One way to honor his legacy is by fostering healing—both within ourselves and in our communities.
If you or someone you love is grieving, we invite you to join our upcoming Grief Support Workshop:
Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
Location: Salem-Panola Library
Who Can Join: Anyone seeking support after pregnancy and loss
In this workshop, participants will learn strategies to process grief, connect with others who understand their journey, and discover ways to move forward with hope.
Together, We Can Create a Brighter Future
Dr. King’s legacy teaches us to rise above adversity and create a compassionate, united world. By supporting one another through grief, we honor his vision of community and love.
Let’s find light in the darkness and take the next step toward healing—together.
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