Thousands affected by suicide came together Saturday at Chicago's Montrose Harbor for the Out of the Darkness Chicagoland Walk.

Each participant was asked to wear  honor beads,  representing a loved one they've lost. They wore white for a child, red for a spouse or partner, gold for a parent and purple for a friend.

The colorful beads, the sort of thing you'd ordinarily see at a Mardi Gras celebration, reflect an event that's part festival, part somber commemoration.


People walk during the Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention near Montrose Harbor. Jim Urquhart/For the Sun-Times

JoElle Nixon and her father Joseph Nixon put on beaded necklaces during the Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention near Montrose Harbor. Jim Urquhart/For the Sun-Times

Tonesha Johnson and her husband Nick Jenkins hold a sign in memory of their son EJ Maddox during the Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention near Montrose Harbor. Jim Urquhart/For the Sun-Times

Belden Gathman attends, in support of family members, the Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention. Jim Urquhart/For the Sun-Times

People walk during the Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention near Montrose Harbor. Jim Urquhart/For the Sun-Times

Robert Sanoshy of Roger's Park attends the Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention near Montrose Harbor. Jim Urquhart/For the Sun-Times

Maria Llopiz waves to participants during the Out of Darkness Walk for suicide prevention near Montrose Harbor. Jim Urquhart/For the Sun-Times

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