Reporter staff

Denise Brown, sister of the late Nicole Brown Simpson, is the keynote speaker at the inaugural Domestic Violence Awareness, Education and Prevention Event on Oct. 16 at Grace Community Church, 1302 Auburn Way S.

The Auburn Domestic Violence Task Force – in coordination with the Community Response Against Domestic Violence, a nonprofit agency – hosts the event. The Muckleshoot Tribal Council supported the event with a generous donation.

The event is from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

Brown’s life changed since her sister’s murder more than 21 years ago.

On June 12, 1994, Nicole Brown, the ex-wife of O.J. Simpson, was found stabbed to death along with her friend outside her California home.

Denise Brown has channeled her grief over her sister’s death into advocacy for women who live the same kind of violence she says her sister kept hidden before her death. She is working to stop domestic violence, and tours and speaks throughout the country on the issue at shelters, schools, churches, hospitals and prisons.

She also has established the Nicole Brown Foundation.

Doors for the Oct. 16 event open at noon.

A silent auction and raffle precede the event from noon to 1 p.m. There will be walk down the path of Silent Witnesses.

Brown will be available after the program from 2:30 to 3 p.m. to meet, sign her book and share photo opportunities.

City and community leaders plan to honor Nicole by planting an “Angel tree” in her memory.

Cookies, cupcakes, coffee and water will be available during the event.

Because of the potential graphic nature of the event, children under the age of 13 are restricted. No daycare will be available.

Proceeds from the event support survivors of domestic violence.

Seating is limited. Register for the free event at www.auburnwa.gov/dv, Registration closes Oct. 10.

For more information call 253-261-6536 or visit dvadvocate@auburnwa.gov.

Elsewhere

Mayor Nancy Backus proclaims October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month at the Oct. 5 City Council meeting, with a purple tree lighting ceremony, silent vigil and presentation of officers awards. The program begins at 6 p.m. at the City Hall Plaza, 25 W. Main St., just prior to the 7 o’clock council meeting in the chambers.