CLEVELAND, Ohio—It was a day of donating both service and supplies for the alumnae of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in Cleveland.

“We have toothpaste, we have household goods, we have feminine hygiene products,” Evette Jackson Clark said.

What You Need To Know

  • October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

  • Alumnae of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. donated goods to victims of domestic violence for a day of service

  • They were joined by alumni members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Joined by alumni of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., the group gathered on Oct. 15 to give back to victims of domestic violence at the Journey Center for Safety and Healing.

“The goal is to help empower individuals to be successful in life,” Jackson Clark said.

 Evette Jackson Clark was one of the event's organizers and is serving in her seventh year as the chair of the chapter’s Domestic Violence Awareness Initiative.

“It's important for me because, one, I’m a survivor, and two, I believe that it is important for us to raise awareness and, more importantly, help with prevention,” Jackson Clark said.

The group's mission was inspired by the loss of a sister.  

“Our chapter, unfortunately, is very aware of the impact of domestic violence as we have had one of our sorority members who was taken from us because of domestic violence,” Jackson Clark said.

Aisha Fraser was a mother, a Shaker Heights teacher, and a friend who was stabbed to death by her ex-husband, former Cuyahoga County judge Lance Mason. 

“We have named a law in House Bill Three, Aisha’s Law, [and it] is actually going to the senate because people need to know that there's a safe place that they can be safe,” Jackson Clark said.

Aisha’s Law, which has been passed by the Ohio House, would grant additional protections to survivors of domestic violence. The law would also expand the definition of domestic violence and allocate money to train officers on how to respond to these calls.

“We are gathering and supporting and asking people to support to House Bill Three,” Jackson Clark said.

Jackson Clark added that Fraser’s death inspired the chapter to do more. The group now runs a women’s shelter of their own. 

“It galvanized us to make sure that we have a voice and make sure that there is support and there's legislation and more importantly, we give back,” Jackson Clark said.

 Making a difference in the community and for this cause is ultimately what Jackson Clark said drove and the chapter to give back. 

“This just fits along with who we are and what we do, impacting the community and making a difference,” Jackson Clark said. 

If you, or someone you know, are in crisis, help is available.