WE ARE FREE TO MOVE
Women must be completely aware of their surroundings every day, whether they are at a park, restaurant, or even in their own homes. Women have fought for too long to see women, who may have rights now but don’t have safety precautions put in place to protect their lives. Alyssa Lokits, a young woman who lived in Nashville, was murdered while on a run in October of 2024. She was murdered in broad daylight, on a populated trail with a parking lot not far from it. Family members and friends of Alyssa are still grieving
this loss, 5 months after the incident. “Free To Move” is a foundation founded in the memory of Alyssa Lokits. This foundation is remembering all women who have been killed and injured while exercising and plans to help ensure women’s safety in every community in order to prevent another loss like Alyssa’s.
The “Free To Move” foundation hosted a 5K run in honor of Alyssa on March 8th, 2025. This day was chosen because it was National Women’s Day as well as Alyssa’s birthday weekend. Over 700 people attended this event, including family, friends, and people who had no connection to Alyssa but still felt moved by her death. This day will be remembered as a significant day in the progression of women’s exercise. At this 5K, there was an overwhelming feeling of love and security surrounding everyone who ran that day. Abby Lokits, Alyssa’s sister-in-law, ran this event in memory of her. “Something everyone could do to help is simply talk about it. people need to understand that the world isn’t as safe as most people think it is. From there, simple steps could be taken to be so much safer.” Said Autumn Rivers, Alyssa’s cousin.
This 5k has changed many people’s opinions on how women’s safety should be handled now and in the future. “I learned that the world isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, and life happens whether you want it to or not. it’s definitely challenged my faith in God, but I know that everything happens for a reason, and I think Alyssa would be proud of all that she has inspired.” Further explains Rivers.
In its entirety, Alyssa’s death affected and touched people who didn’t even know her, that shows just how much she was loved, respected, and appreciated in her community. She will always be remembered as a figure and advocate for women’s health and safety. Her death brought to light how common it is to be in danger if you’re a woman. We will never back down. We will always fight for what’s correct. We will always be free to move.
