On Monday March 2, 2020, the Alaska State House and Alaska State Senate passed a bill unanimously to designate March 12 as “Ashley Johnson-Barr Day.”

Ashley was a ten-year-old girl from Kotzebue who was kidnapped, raped, and murdered in September of 2018. March 12 is Ashley’s birthday. Ashley Johnson Barr Day is celebrated every year on March 12 in remembrance of Ashley and to bring attention to the disproportionately high rate of sexual assault and violent crimes, including murder, against Native women state and nationwide.

To honor Ashley, supporters of the bill are asking everyone to wear purple, which was Ashley’s favorite color, and also represents domestic violence awareness; to volunteer for child abuse prevention organizations; or simply celebrate the liveliness and youthfulness of Alaska’s children.

This year, March 12 falls on a Saturday. However, everyone is encourage to wear purple on Friday, March 11, to honor the day. It should be noted purple is the color designated to bring awareness to the critical issue of domestic violence.