Nashville, Tennessee — Trees are being planted in eight communities across Tennessee this week to recognize and honor victims of crime. The Tennessee Board of Parole, the Department of Correction and TRICOR are partnering to plan the events, which also honor victim advocates during National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The Jackson event took place this afternoon.
“Assisting crime victims in understanding and navigating the parole process is a vital part of our work,” said Board Chairman Richard Montgomery. “These events highlight the importance of victim impact in the criminal justice process.”
Department of Correction Commissioner Derrick Schofield agreed. “Both the Board and TDOC place a strong emphasis on victim services,” he said. “Maintaining safe communities is a core value for the department, and we are pleased to partner with the Board and with TRICOR to demonstrate our joint concern for crime victims.”
Each tree planted includes a marker to remind the public that it was planted in honor of crime victims. “TRICOR makes sure each tree is marked,” said Chief Executive Officer Patricia Weiland. “These events are important, and we are honored to be a full sponsor in hosting them.”
The keynote speaker for the Jackson event was homicide survivor Norma Ellington, whose son, Jerome, was murdered in 2009. Jerome Ellington was a graduate of Jackson Central-Merry and Dyersburg State, and was attending Lane College at the time of his death. His family has since founded the Jerome Ellington Perseverance Scholarship fund, which awards college scholarships to deserving high school seniors.
The Voice for Victims honoree for west Tennessee for 2014 is Roger Wright, Project Manager of the Victim Advocacy and Assistance Project at West Tennessee Legal Services. Wright founded the project in 1996. It serves victims of violent crime in 17 west Tennessee counties. The goal is to protect crime victims’ rights and assist crime victims in obtaining benefits of all kinds. Wright’s work also extends to the classroom, where he teaches paralegal studies, and he is a frequent speaker and trainer for area social services, government and community groups.
