news-record.com

GREENSBORO — Friends of Sherri Denese Jackson continue their campaign against domestic violence, nearly a year and a half after Jackson was found slain at the hands of her ex-boyfriend.

The Sherri Denese Jackson Foundation for the Prevention of Domestic Violence will hold a fundraiser Sunday at Page High School. Money raised will help the nonprofit continue its work, said founder and executive director Portia Shipman.

Shipman started the foundation the day authorities found Jackson’s body buried in the backyard of the Greensboro home where her former boyfriend once lived.

Jackson, 27, had been missing for 19 months before her former boyfriend confessed and led authorities to her body on June 26, 2008.

For that information, DeCarlo Rayshaun Bennett pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 13 to 16 years in prison.
Since that day, Shipman has tried to build up the foundation, which relies on donations and volunteers.

Last month, the group opened an office on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.

In 2010, they’ll add more training and expand programs in local schools to teach awareness of domestic violence and healthy relationships, she said. The foundation also will seek grants to help with its work.

Shipman said the group won’t stop its efforts to prevent domestic violence.

“Because we’re losing too many people,” she said. “We’ve got to do something.”

Sunday’s event will include various performances, including a Gospel band and poetry by local artist Josephus III. The four-hour program is dedicated to survivors and families of lost victims.

“It’s gonna be powerful,” Shipman said.

Contact Jennifer Fernandez at 373-7064 or jennifer.fernandez@news-record.com