WEAR BLACK. NOT FOR A TREND — FOR THEIR LIVES.
This Friday, Eastrand Helping Souls asks our community to come together and WEAR BLACK.
Not for fashion.
Not for attention.
Not because it is a trend.
Wear black because 7 women should still be here.
They should still be making memories.
Still laughing with their families.
Still watching their children grow.
Still making plans for tomorrow.
But instead, families are left with photographs, memories, empty chairs and questions that may never have answers.
Wear black for the mothers.
Wear black for the daughters.
Wear black for the sisters.
Wear black for the friends.
Wear black for the men whose lives have also been taken.
Wear black for every family left behind.
Your black shirt might look like something small…
But imagine a community of people wearing black together.
A community saying:
“WE REMEMBER.”
“WE CARE.”
“YOU ARE NOT ALONE.”
“YOUR LOVED ONE MATTERED.”
7 WOMEN. 7 LIVES. COUNTLESS HEARTS BROKEN.
Across the East Rand, families and communities continue to experience the devastating loss of women and men through violence.
These are not just statistics.
Behind every number is a name.
Behind every name is a person.
Behind every person is a family.
And behind every family is a story of someone who was loved.
One community is left asking:
WHY?
Why must another family experience this pain?
Why must another child grow up without their mother or father?
Why must another parent bury their child?
Why must we keep saying goodbye to people who should still be here?
We may not have all the answers.
But we can refuse to be silent.
We can stand together.
We can support one another.
We can remember those we’ve lost.
And we can remind grieving families that their community has not forgotten them.
EASTRAND HELPING SOULS — ONE HOUR OF REMEMBRANCE
On Friday, 18 September, from 12:00 to 13:00, Eastrand Helping Souls will be LOCKED DOWN.
For one hour, we will pause our normal activities.
One hour to remember.
One hour to reflect.
One hour to honour the women and men whose lives have been taken from them.
One hour to think about the families who are still trying to pick up the pieces.
During this time, we ask our community to join us in whatever way they can.
Pray.
Light a candle.
Wear black.
Remember someone you’ve lost.
Check on someone who may be hurting.
Sometimes the smallest gesture can remind someone that they are not walking through their pain alone.
A PRAYER FOR THOSE WE HAVE LOST
Heavenly Father,
Today we remember every woman and man whose life was taken too soon.
Please comfort the mothers, fathers, children, brothers, sisters, partners and friends who are left behind.
Give them strength for the days when the pain feels unbearable.
Hold those who are grieving close to You.
Bring comfort where there is sadness, hope where there is darkness and peace where there are questions that cannot be answered.
And Lord, please watch over our communities.
Protect our children.
Protect our families.
Protect our neighbours.
Help us to look after one another, to speak up when something is wrong and to never become numb to the loss of another human life.
May every life lost be remembered.
May every family left behind feel supported.
And may we never forget that every person matters.
Amen.
EAST RAND — LET’S STAND TOGETHER.
This Friday, look around you.
If you see someone wearing black, remember what it represents.
It represents a life.
It represents a family.
It represents a community that cares.
And if you know someone who is grieving, don’t wait for them to ask for help.
Send them a message.
Give them a call.
Sit with them.
Listen to them.
Sometimes “I’m here for you” is more powerful than we realise.
WE ARE NOT JUST A COMMUNITY WHEN THINGS ARE GOOD.
We are a community when someone needs a shoulder.
We are a community when a family is hurting.
We are a community when someone feels forgotten.
And we are a community when we stand together and say:
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.
Friday, 18 September 2026
WEAR BLACK
REMEMBER THEIR LIVES
PRAY FOR THEIR FAMILIES
STAND WITH YOUR COMMUNITY
12:00–13:00 — EASTRAND HELPING SOULS LOCKDOWN
Not for a trend.
FOR THEIR LIVES.
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https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbDeCKG3rZZWec4EgN2o
Eastrand Helping Souls
One community. One voice. One heart.
