The Soul Box Project on the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
This Loss We Carry
October 16-17, 2021
The Soul Box Project exhibit on the National Mall has been our the largest memorial to date, providing a dramatic visual for the incomprehensible number of 200,000 people killed or injured by gunfire in the U.S. in fewer than three years.
Within this exhibit, almost 36,000 Soul Boxes represented the number of U.S. gunfire deaths in just one year. This selection of Boxes was exhibited on 800 linear feet of display panels under an open pavilion spanning the width of the Mall. Visitors were able to get up close to view these small, poignant memorials personalized with names, messages and compelling artwork.
Hundreds of volunteers carried the additional 164,000 Soul Boxes onto the Mall in solemn processions, enabling visitors to comprehend the full scale of U.S. gunfire deaths and injuries in just under three years.
The title of this exhibit, This Loss We Carry, is an apt description of how we can honor the many lives torn apart by the gunfire epidemic, echoing similar words from Amanda Gorman’s 2021 inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb.”
This Loss We Carry
October 16-17, 2021
The Soul Box Project exhibit on the National Mall has been our largest memorial to date, providing a dramatic visual for the incomprehensible number of people killed or injured by gunfire in the U.S. in fewer than three years.
Within this exhibit, almost 36,000 Soul Boxes represented the number of U.S. gunfire deaths in just one year. This selection of Boxes was exhibited on display panels under an open pavilion spanning 800 linear feet, across the width of the Mall. Visitors were able to get up close to view these memorials personalized with names, messages and compelling artwork.
Hundreds of volunteers carried 164,000 additional Soul Boxes, representing the unnamed victims of gunfire, onto the Mall in a solemn procession.
The title of this exhibit, This Loss We Carry, is an apt description of how we can honor the many lives torn apart by the gunfire epidemic, echoing similar words from Amanda Gorman’s 2021 inaugural poem, “The Hill We Climb.”
The weekend in Washington, D.C., on the National Mall.
We are thankful for everyone who assisted in attaining this major goal of revealing the U.S. gunfire epidemic at our nation’s Capitol. This Loss We Carry was a VISUALLY STUNNING call-to-action and a source of solace and healing for many who participated.
Excellent national media reach by major networks and the Washington Post exceeded 500 million. An estimated 5,000 visitors viewed the exhibit.
Check Out the National Media Coverage for This Loss We Carry
This Loss We Carry Photo and Video Highlights
Saturday’s Highlights
Our first day open with visitors coming through the installation – Saturday, October 16.
Whether it was the loss of a son, daughter, friend, or parent due to gunfire, a personal experience with gun violence, injury, or anxiety, or being fed up with the news of gunfire deaths and injuries in their community, each person had a reason to show up. There was joy that loved ones were being counted, honored, and remembered, but a deep sadness and anger at the magnitude of Soul Boxes as well. –Kelsea Ashenbrenner, Soul Box Project Administrative Assistant
Sunday’s Highlights
Sunday’s Video Highlights
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