Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

Community comes together to raise awareness of domestic violence

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

Hundreds of residents from Crittenden County gathered at Tilden-Rodgers Park this past Saturday for the annual “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” event hosted by Families in Transition (FIT) of West Memphis. The event saw dozens of men don high heels and walk a mile in support of raising awareness about domestic violence.

Although last year was the weather was rainy and dreary, event organizers could not have asked for more beautiful weather for this year’s festival. Shawna Rhinehart, a local hotel owner and board president of FIT, expressed her excitement about the growth of the event since its inception in 2019. What started with only 50 participants has now turned into a festival with food trucks, vendors, a bouncy house, a video game truck, live music, and more.

Participants donned high heels and took to the park to walk a mile, with many _nding humor in the challenge. One participant joked about not knowing whether his feet or sides hurt more from laughing, but acknowledged the dif_culty of walking in heels.

“I chose to participate in this great cause because it allowed me to give back in a small way to a very valuable resource in this community that provides support to the women, men and children who have been victims of various types of abuse and homicide,” said District 35 candidate Robert Thorne Jr adorned in black highheeled boots and wincing though pain because he ran most of the mile around the park lake, “It was a privilege to hear the speakers stories and educate myself more on why this festival was put on and what FIT looks like in our communities. Actually putting on a pair of heels and walking was de_nitely tough but I was proud to say I _nished not falling once! I look forward to next year!”

FIT is a non-pro_t organization that works to make services available for those experiencing domestic violence, human traf_cking, sexual assault, and teen dating violence. Their services are completely anonymous and discretion is given the utmost priority. Anyone wishing to know more about FIT or in need of their services in cases of domestic violence, human traf_cking, sexual assault and teen

See WALK, page A3

All ages, races and genders came together for a common cause.

Photo by Don Wilburn WALK

From page A1

dating violence through their 24 hour crisis hotline at 870-732-4077 during the inclement weather.

Should you have difficulty getting through to the crisis hotline because the phones are down, they can be reached via Facebook messenger, at 901-8330815, 901-422-1793 or 901-422-3514.

If you are injured or in an immediate life threatening situation, please call 9-11. Once you are safe, the local hospital, ambulance service or law enforcement will connect you with them.

These boots may have been made for walking, but certainly not running according to Thorne.

Photo by Don Wilburn

Shawna Rhinehart and her mom who she described as “the oldest participant in the event,” but we say they could be sisters!

ABOVE: The boys get a small taste of what it’s like to “Walk A Mile in Her Shoes.” Literally.

LEFT:

In this case it really is harder than it looks!