SAN DIEGO -- As bullying and hate violence continue to plague schools and communities across the nation, San Diego Remembers hopes to empower people to get involved and take a stand against it.

The organization will host the fourth annual San Diego Remembers: Matthew Shepard event on Tuesday, Oct. 11, which will include a rally, march and celebration.

This year's event will focus on honoring and celebrating the lives of people who have died due to hate violence while giving participants information about involvement opportunities with organizations that are working to combat hate and bullying.

The event was started in 2008 by SDGLN Staff Writer Benny Cartwright and fellow community activist Ricky Cervantes to honor the 10-year anniversary of the brutal hate-incited murder of Matthew Shepard in Wyoming.

The two placed a purple ribbon, some candles, and a poster with a photo of Matthew Shepard near San Diego's John Wear Memorial hate crimes plaque located on the sidewalk in front of Obelisk Shoppe in Hillcrest.

Since then, the San Diego Remembers organization was born, with the goal of engaging new community members by empowering them to help organize the annual event. The group welcomes community input and invites those who wish to get involved to join in the final phase of planning for this year's event.

The Oct. 11 event will kick off at 7 pm with a march and be followed by a brief program and celebration at The Center in Hillcrest.

For more information, to get involved, or to become a sponsor of the event, click HERE.