A Morning of Remembrance and Resolve: 21st Annual Meet Us at the Bridge
Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Vice Mayor Angie Henderson, Council Member Brenda Gadd, Metro Nashville Police Dept. Chief John Drake, Asst. DA Christina Johnson, Davidson County Registrar of Deed Karen Johnson join YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee leadership and community members at the 21s Meet Us at the Bridge on Sat., Oct. 4, 2025.
(NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Oct. 4, 2025) — It was a beautiful, sunny morning as hundreds gathered on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for the 21st annual Meet Us at the Bridge ceremony—the official kickoff to Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Nashville. The event, hosted by the Nashville Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), brought together survivors, families, advocates, law enforcement, elected officials, and community leaders to honor those whose lives were tragically cut short by domestic violence.
Mayor Freddie O’Connell joined in solidarity, reminding all in attendance of the power of unity in the face of grief. “As grief brings us together, purpose must drive us forward,” O’Connell said, underscoring the importance of remembrance paired with collective action.
Vice Mayor Angie Henderson and Metro Council Members Brenda Gadd and Joy Styles also stood with families, advocates, and survivors, reaffirming the city’s commitment to addressing domestic violence.
Honoring Lives Lost
This year, the names of 12 individuals from Davidson County who lost their lives to domestic violence were read aloud:
Amina “Anna” Darbashi Pierce, 30
Cheron Sanders, 47
Leslie Yount, 44
Elonshe Williams, 25
Markeith Bass, 34
Darlene “DeeDee” DeRosa, 65
Merlin Esther Covdova Nataren, 35
Cassidy Chalee Madison Jackson, 23
Niurka Alfonso Acevedo, 52
Samia G. Magzaoui, 34
Miranda Gray, 46
Jamani N. Parker, 20
As their names echoed across the bridge, loved ones and advocates carried purple roses and released them into the Cumberland River below—a moving symbol of remembrance and hope for change. Family members, friends, and advocates spoke of lives lost, urging all present to continue the work of ending domestic violence in our community.
Spotlight on Survivorship and Courage
One of the most powerful moments of the day came as YWCA Board Member and Survivor of the Year honoree Rusty L. Burdge shared her story. Seventeen years ago, Rusty relied on the safety of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee’s Weaver Domestic Violence Center when her life was in imminent danger. Standing before the crowd, she pointed to the poster displaying the names and faces of victims and bravely acknowledged, “That could have been me.”
Rusty is not only a survivor—she is a champion. Her journey from crisis to leadership embodies the resilience and strength of so many who have walked through Weaver’s doors. Today, she advocates for others, inspiring hope and reminding us of the critical importance of providing safe shelter and pathways to healing.
Recognizing Leadership in Action
Each year, Meet Us at the Bridge also recognizes outstanding contributions to ending domestic violence in our community. This year’s honorees included:
Outstanding Service Provider: Mary Parrish Center
Outstanding Law Enforcement Leader: Detective Joshua Beauchesne
Outstanding Government Official: General Sessions Domestic Violence Court
Innovative DV Program: Survivors First (YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee and the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office)
Outstanding Survivor: Rusty L. Burdge
YWCA’s Senior Vice President of Domestic Violence Services, Daffany Baker, who also serves as President of NCADV, captured the spirit of the morning: “This gathering is a reminder that we are not powerless. By standing together as a community, we can break the cycle of abuse and create a future where every person is safe, valued, and free from violence.”
YWCA’s Commitment
YWCA staff and leadership stood in solidarity at the bridge, including President & CEO Sharon K. Roberson, Board Chair Marlene Moses, and Board Member Roxianne Bethune. Their presence reinforced the organization’s unwavering commitment to survivors, families, and a safer Nashville.
Since its founding more than two decades ago, Meet Us at the Bridge has honored over 214 lives lost to domestic violence in Davidson County. Tennessee remains among the top ten states for women murdered by men, and in Nashville alone, Metro Police respond to more than 26,000 domestic violence calls each year.
On this day of remembrance, voices rose with grief, courage, and determination. Together, survivors and advocates reaffirmed that while the work is far from over, hope will continue to drive this community forward.
Photos by Orin Crouch - YWCA Chief Project Officer
