August 30th marks National Grief Awareness Day, a day dedicated to acknowledging the many forms of grief and the unique ways individuals cope with loss. Founded in 2014 by Angie Cartwright, the observance sheds light on an often-overlooked yet universal experience. Cartwright, whose life was shaped by profound personal losses—including the deaths of her sister, grandfather, uncle, husband, and mother—turned her pain into a movement of compassion and support.
Grief transcends the loss of a loved one. According to the National Grief Awareness Day initiative website, grief can be triggered by many life-altering experiences: losing a job, enduring trauma, facing divorce or a breakup, experiencing health setbacks, or adjusting to sudden life changes. The day serves as a reminder that grief is deeply personal and that healing comes in different forms for everyone.
L-R: Roxie Dewitt Dawson’s book display during the last month’s Ruler Day event at the Bill Crisp Senior Center and her son, Chaz Dawson, announcing the ticketing drawing winner during 4th annual Ruler Day Pop Up Market; Photo Credit: Tracey Morrison/The Exclusive Press
For Roxie Dewitt Dawson, a professional marriage and family therapist and certified grief counselor, the journey through grief has been both personal and professional. Dawson, who lost two sons, Erran Zachary Dawson and Darius “DJ” Dawson, has dedicated her life to helping others navigate pain while honoring her sons’ memory. Just last month, on July 26th, Dawson hosted a community day event, Ruler Day, at the Bill Crisp Senior Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina. This event, named after Darius’s DJ persona, “DJ Ruler,” is a celebration of her son’s life and a testament to the healing power of community support.
The event, named after Darius’s DJ persona, “DJ Ruler,” which started in 2021, is a celebration of her son’s life. This year’s theme, The Pop-Up Shop, supported Black small businesses, featuring food trucks, vendors, prizes, music, and kid- and family-friendly activities. Ruler Day, to Dawson, was about joy, community, and keeping my son’s legacy alive in a way that uplifts others. She also established a scholarship in memory of her younger son, Darius, at his alma mater, North Carolina A&T State University. In addition, she also authored a book, “Silenced by Arms…Children Are Dying,” on gun safety, in honor of her son Erran, who tragically passed away from an accidental gunshot, aiming to prevent similar tragedies.
This year’s theme for Ruler Day celebration, Ruler Day Pop Up Market, supported small business owners – July 26, 2025; Photo Credit: Tracey Morrison/The Exclusive Press
Earlier this year, Dawson released her second book, Chasing Trauma, during Mental Health Awareness Month. The book explores layers of trauma through her own lived experiences while offering insight into the journey toward healing. National Grief Awareness Day reminds us that grief is not a burden to be carried alone but a shared human experience. Through her work, Dawson exemplifies how pain can be transformed into meaningful action—supporting others while finding healing herself.
Readers can click on the highlighted link to learn more about the signs of grief, resources on coping with grief and ways to support loved ones. Also visit chasedbytrauma.com, where Dawson’s books are also available for purchase.
