Thousands attend Out of the Darkness Walk in commemoration of lives affected by suicide
Thousands affected by suicide came together Saturday at Chicago’s Montrose Harbor for the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk.
Each participant was asked to wear “honor beads,” representing a loved one they’ve lost. They wore white for a child, red for a spouse or partner, gold for a parent and purple for a friend.
The colorful beads, the sort of thing you’d ordinarily see at a Mardi Gras celebration, reflect an event that’s part festival, part somber commemoration.
This article references suicide. If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
People walk during the Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention near Montrose Harbor.
Jim Urquhart/For the Sun-Times
JoElle Nixon and her father Joseph Nixon put on beaded necklaces during the Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention near Montrose Harbor.
Jim Urquhart/For the Sun-Times
Tonesha Johnson and her husband Nick Jenkins hold a sign in memory of their son EJ Maddox during the Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention near Montrose Harbor.
Jim Urquhart/For the Sun-Times
Belden Gathman attends, in support of family members, the Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention.
Jim Urquhart/For the Sun-Times
People walk during the Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention near Montrose Harbor.
Jim Urquhart/For the Sun-Times
Robert Sanoshy of Roger’s Park attends the Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention near Montrose Harbor.
Jim Urquhart/For the Sun-Times
Maria Llopiz waves to participants during the Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention near Montrose Harbor.
Jim Urquhart/For the Sun-Times
Participants engage in a group prayer during the Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention near Montrose Harbor in Chicago.
Jim Urquhart/For the Sun-Times