Dear Supporters, Advocates, and Community Members,
As we journey through February, a month rich in meaning and significance, I reflect on the weight of its observances. Not only do we honor Black History Month—a time to celebrate the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black individuals throughout history—but we also recognize Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. And, most dear to my heart, this month marks our 2nd Annual MayDay for Domestic Violence Prevention Luncheon, where we remembered Maylaysia Ariel Levy, Carmen Peterson, and Dairen Lewis, lives tragically lost to domestic violence. Their stories fuel our mission, reminding us that our fight is far from over.
Teen dating violence is an often-overlooked crisis. Studies show that 1 in 3 teens in the U.S. will experience physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal abuse in a dating relationship. Even more alarming, only 33% of those affected ever tell anyone about the abuse. Among Black teens, systemic challenges and cultural stigmas can make seeking help even more difficult.
In the Black community, domestic violence remains a devastating issue. Black women experience domestic violence at a rate 35% higher than White women and 2.5 times the rate of women of other races. The cycle of abuse, fueled by economic disparities, generational trauma, and lack of resources, continues to claim lives. This is why we do what we do—because awareness, education, and support can break the cycle.
To every person who attended, donated, or helped make this year’s MayDay Luncheon possible—thank you. Your generosity and commitment to our cause will directly support our mission of preventing domestic abuse, starting with our youth. Through education, outreach, and advocacy, we are working to ensure that young people recognize the signs of unhealthy relationships and know their worth beyond abuse.
As we approach the end of this month, we invite you to join us on Sunday, February 23, 2025, as we partner with Kendra Scott to continue raising awareness and funds for our cause. You can support by shopping in-store or online, where a portion of sales will be donated to The M. Ariel Love Foundation. You can also spread the word—tell friends, family, and colleagues to participate, and share on social media to help amplify our message.
Whether you can attend or not, whether you choose to donate or not, I challenge you to take action in another way. Start conversations with the teens in your life. Ask them about their relationships, listen for what they aren’t saying, and be a source of guidance. Awareness begins with us, and together, we can end domestic abuse.
With gratitude and purpose,
Quin Levy-Flemings
Founder, The M. Ariel Love Foundation
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