FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hundreds Gather in Baltimore for the 1st Annual Say Her Name Walk Honoring Women and Girls Lost to Violence

A community movement led by Developing Lives unites families, organizations, and local leaders — and earns official recognition from the Maryland General Assembly and the City of Baltimore.

BALTIMORE, MD — June 30, 2026 — On Saturday, June 27, 2026, hundreds of community members gathered at Montebello Lake in Baltimore for the 1st Annual Say Her Name Walk — an annual community movement dedicated to honoring women and girls whose lives were taken too soon while supporting their families, raising awareness about violence, and bringing communities together through healing, remembrance, and hope.

Presented by Developing Lives, the walk united families, community organizations, volunteers, and local leaders. Families were honored and recognized, and the day created meaningful conversations around healing and violence prevention.

"The more support we receive, the more families we can honor and the greater impact we can make each year."
    — Raquann Mitchell, Founder of Developing Lives

The walk was formally recognized by the Maryland General Assembly — through official citations from the Baltimore City House Delegation and Delegate Jacqueline T. Addison — and by the City of Baltimore, with a Certificate of Recognition from Mayor Brandon M. Scott, each honoring organizer Izhnae Lane for her leadership.

The movement's reach extended well beyond Montebello Lake. Across social media, the event drew more than 13,700 reel views and reached over 8,600 accounts in the days surrounding the walk.

The Say Her Name Walk is designed to become one of Baltimore's premier annual community events dedicated to honoring women and girls lost to violence. Each year, the goal is to honor more families, expand community partnerships, increase resources for attendees, and bring together more residents, organizations, and community leaders.

The movement is built alongside founding partners and supporters including Heritage Treatment Center, We Responders, Redirecting Our Culture, and Pastor Dr. Marcia Williams.

To learn more, support the movement, or get involved, visit developinglivescommunity.org or follow @developing_lives on Instagram.

About Developing Lives
Developing Lives is a Baltimore-based community organization focused on youth development, healing, mentorship, and community empowerment. It is the home of the annual Say Her Name Walk, a community movement honoring women and girls whose lives were taken too soon.

Media contact: developinglivesfounder@gmail.com · developinglivescommunity.org · @developing_lives

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