Monroe. The Black Poster Project: Raising awareness through lives lost to addiction

The Black Poster Project and Alumni in Recovery will sponsor “Silent Memorials,” an exhibit of lives lost to addiction on Saturday, Aug. 7, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Crane Park on Millpond Parkway in the Village of Monroe.

The Black Poster Project was created by Dee Gillen after losing her son, Scott, to an overdose. According to the Black Poster Project website, Gillen, while preparing for an overdose awareness event in 2019, felt it would be an impactful visual to have posters of lost loved ones displayed behind the event speakers.

“And impactful it was,” the information continues. “So much so, that the project grew. And grew. And sadly, continues to grow. What started out with 50 awareness posters is now over 300. Each poster that enters the display is made at the request of the grieving family and at no cost to them. The posters are collectively used in a very moving exhibit entitled Silent Memorials that travels throughout New Jersey and New York.”

Attendees to the display may come anytime during the scheduled event to spend a few moments or longer. All are invited to walk at their own pace to view the posters, look at the faces, read their stories.

There is no cost to visit the display.

Sponsored by Hope Not Handcuffs (Tri-County Community Partnership).

The rain date is Sunday, Aug. 8, from 1 to 5 p.m.

For more information, visit theblackposterproject.com or email theblackposterproject@gmail.com.