"Speak our Truth Project Rally" raises awareness for child safety

ELKHART COUNTY, Ind. -- The second annual "Speak our Truth Project Rally" was held in Elkhart at the Tolson Center on Saturday.

Members of the community came together to raise awareness and advocate for child safety and human rights in Indiana.

"The goal was never to be just an Elkhart issue or solve Elkhart issues or Indiana issues," says Aaron Ball, co-founder of  Rio's Rainbow. "We're well aware that this is a problem that is nationwide, I can even go as far as to say worldwide, that everybody has a relatable story when it comes to bullying or knows somebody who has died by suicide and people who need help. The more those people realize that it can be done, as long as we all do it together, then we can only expect that these groups will keep getting bigger and bigger."

A moment of silence was held for Rio Allred, who took her own life three years ago due to bullying. Other victims of suicide, violence, or systemic abuse were honored as well.

Young adult speakers were able to share their own stories and support the mission of pushing for change.