September 05, 2008
How We Brought Justice Home
After garnering coverage in the New York Daily News, August 30th’s memorial march was a success on many fronts. First, we achieved our goal of connecting with Rashawn’s neighbors by flyering his Bushwick neighborhood. Second, we were able to connect with the families of other LGBT people of color who have been the targets of violent crime. And, thanks to the coverage we got on CNBC, we were able to send all of New York a clear message that we will not stop fighting until Rashawn’s killer is brought to justice.
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August 21, 2008
Bringing Justice Home: A March for Rashawn
Three years after the brutal murder of her son, Desire Brazell literally sees him everywhere. Much of the city is covered in posters offering a $12,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Rashawn’s killer; the Nostrand Avenue subway station where his dismembered remains were discovered in February 2005, the streets of Greenwich Village where he enjoyed nights out with friends and even on several Jersey-bound PATH trains. Everywhere but in the bustling Bushwick neighborhood that he called home.
With each day that witnesses and would-be informants remain silent about the crime, the callous murderer that killed her 19-year old son gains a little more time to elude justice. So, after three years without a single suspect in custody, Desire believes that the time has come for the Bushwick community that embraced and nurtured Rashawn to aid in tracking down his killer. On Saturday, August 30th, Desire will be directing an hour-long flyering session geared toward soliciting tips from neighbors and commuters who might have information about what happened on Valentine’s day of 2005 when her son left their Gates Avenue apartment, never to be seen again. Her message is a simple one: if you want justice, you have to start at home.
And Desire will not be alone. After posting reward flyers throughout the area where Rashawn was raised, Desire will lead NYPD officers, elected officials, activists and concerned community members in a march to the subway stop where her son’s severed body parts were found to proclaim that no parent should ever lose their child to homophobic violence or intolerance of any kind. Also joining her will be the parents and families of gay and lesbian people of color from New York and New Jersey who have been jailed, assaulted, killed or treated unjustly because of their identities.
Desire is supported by the Rashawn Brazell Memorial Fund, which honors the teen’s legacy by granting $1500 scholarships annually to college-bound NYC students committed to the fight against racism, sexism and homophobia. Invited guests include NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Councilwoman Letitia James, Kimma Dandridge (mother of the New Jersey Four’s Terrain Dandridge), Denise and Ezekiel Sandy (parents of the late Michael Sandy) and LaTona Gunn (mother of the late Sakia Gunn).
Date: Saturday, August 30th
Time: Flyering begins at 12pm, March begins at 1pm
Location: Start at the intersection of Gates Avenue and Broadway
(J train to Gates Avenue Station, or take the B47 or B52 bus to Gates and Broadway).
The March ends at the intersection of Nostrand Avenue and Fulton Street, Brooklyn
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May 25, 2008
Brighter Days 4: A Huge Success!
As you know, the RBMFs Brighter Days events serve as an annual opportunity to celebrate Rashawn’s life, distinguishing his vibrant legacy from the bleak shadow cast by his death. This year’s event came in the form of an awards banquet that honored community leaders and organizations that are leading the efforts to end violence against LGBT people of color.
(All images courtesy of Rod Patrick Risbrook)
As New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn received her award, she shared how she’d been deeply moved by Desire Brazell’s commitment to justice and pledged to support the RBMF in our future endeavors. Members of the Audre Lorde Project’s “Safe OUTside the System” Collective shared an original poem when accepting their award. A memorable moment in the evening came when Dashana Payne, our 2007 scholarship recipient, discussed the impact that receiving the $1500 scholarship had on her first year at St Joseph College and what she plans to do to further his legacy.
Though immensely thankful for the thousands of dollars we raised, we are equally appreciative to have had the opportunity to share our gratitude with the network of bloggers, activists, artists, scholars and community members who have made invaluable contributions to our work throughout the years.
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May 09, 2008
Brighter Days 4: The Awards Banquet and Afterparty
Dear friends,
It's hard to believe that we've been fighting for justice in the case of Rashawn Brazell for three years now. But the facts cannot lie: It's been three full years since 19 year-old Rashawn's dismembered body parts were found strewn though Brooklyn's subways. And three years later, the murder that America's Most Wanted has called one of the most gruesome in New York's history remains unsolved.
Luckily, there's good news. Since the inception of the Rashawn Brazell Memorial Scholarship in 2005, we've been blessed to have people like you in our corner pledging time, resources, sympathy and support for our ongoing fight against racism, homophobia and hate violence. This year, we are elated to have the opportunity to thank each of your for the myriad ways in which you've made it possible to offer a sustainable tribute to Rashawn's memory. To this end, we hope that you'll join us at our awards dinner on May 22nd. Because the evening's purpose is to show our gratitude for the unwavering support of community members like you, it simply wouldn't be complete without... you!
Hosted at the LGBT Community Center in Manhattan, this year’s Brighter Days celebration will honor New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Council Member Letitia James and the Audre Lorde Project's SOS Collective for their respective efforts to end violence against LGBT people of color in our community. Additionally, we'll be recognizing the network of bloggers, activists, artists and scholars who have made invaluable contributions to our work throughout the years.
So, click here to RSVP today and let us show you our appreciation!
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February 27, 2008
RBMS Update: Meet the Scholars
As you know, the centerpiece of the RBMF is the $1500 memorial scholarship that we grant annually to a college-bound NYC high schooler who is committed to the fight against racism, sexism and homophobia. You may also recall that this year, the Fund's selection committee made an unprecedented decision to bestow the award upon not one but two applicants.
As we mark the third anniversary of Rashawn's death, we are proud to celebrate his legacy by introducing you to those two students -- Kenneth Jeffers and Dashana Payne.
Kenneth Jeffers
A native of Westchester County, Kenneth is a freshman at Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he plans to major in Business Administration and Mathematics.
An honors’ student for all four years at Mount Saint Michael Academy in the Bronx, Kenneth graduated with honors and received numerous academic awards. During his tenure, Kenneth was active in varsity track as co-captain, feeding the homeless, organizing clothes and coat drives, and cleaning the neighborhood parks.
Giving back to his community is very important to Kenneth, which is why he has served as a peer tutor to at-risk students. He was also active in the Sunday school at his church, where he sang in the choir for seven years, often serving as a youth speaker.
“I have been truly inspired by Rashawn Brazell’s legacy because we shared similar values and morals of valuing family and academic excellence and giving back to the community. Mr. Brazell was a young man who was dedicated to high ideals and principles of compassion for others. I hope to use my gifts to help others as Rashawn Brazell did.”
Dashana Payne
Born in Colon, Panama and raised in New York City, Dashana is a freshman residing on the Brooklyn campus of St. Joseph College, where she plans to major in Biology.
A natural leader, Dashana served as a Student Council representative and as Captain of both track and cross country teams at Erasmus High School. Outside of school, she volunteered countless hours at Brookdale Hospital, where she was able to pursue her lifelong passion for helping others.
While maintaining an impressive academic record, Dashana currently manages to participate on her college’s Hispanic Awareness Club, Students Joined Through Christ, the Science Club and the Off-Campus Housing Council.
“I lived in a shelter for most of my life and if I had a person like Rashawn there to help me I would have been extremely grateful. From that experience, I know how many people out there are looking for a person like Rashawn. I want to be that person.”
These young folks are the reason we at the RBMF do what we do. If you want to join us in creating opportunities for growth and mentorship for the next generation of scholars and activists, contact us today!
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September 28, 2007
News From the Michael Sandy Foundation
The following message comes from our friends at The Michael Sandy Foundation. The RBMF proudly supports their efforts, and hopes that you'll join us in attending the events they've scheduled.
Dear Friends
Only one short year ago Michael was taken from us...and as this anniversary arises we'd like you to know the current status and updates from The Michael Sandy Foundation.
The Michael Sandy Foundation has been accredited with a 501(c)3 which makes us a NY Nonprofit Organization established with a Board of Directors. We've been very busy this past year finaling all the paperwork necessary to be given exempt tax status and become Incorporated, and now that we are the real work begins.
Please, dear friends, join with us in a one year memorial for Michael Sandy on Saturday the 13th of October 2007 at the St. Ignatius Church in Manhattan. The following day, October 14th, a candlelight vigil will be held where Michael was killed, Plumb Beach.
The events that are currently scheduled are:
Memorial Service
Sat. October 13th
St. Ignatius Loyola Parish
980 Park Ave. at 84th st.
New York, Ny 10028
Please arrive at 6:30, Service commences promptly at 7pm.
Candle Light Vigil and Public Statement
Sun. October 14th
Plumb Beach, Sheepshead Bay
Brooklyn, NY
Please arrive at 4:30, Event will commence promptly at 5pm.
This is serious, and we are committed. We know you are to.
All our love,
Michael Sandy Foundation
-Patrick McBride
-Keith Winsted
-Tony Bruce
-Michael Dudek
-Chelsea Tillett
All always donations can be made out to: The Michael Sandy Foundation
Mailing Address: The Michael Sandy Foundation PO BOX 20706 New York, NY 10011
Voicemail: 917 677 3108
Website: http://www.michaelsandyfoundation.org/
Email: michaelsandyfoundation@gmail.com
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September 13, 2007
Scholarship Committee Makes Unprecedented Decision
Last week, the RBMS selection committee convened to select our 2007 scholar. After careful deliberation, we were unable to decide between two exceptionally strong applicants. One had an amazing story of triumph over adversity, detailing how she maintained her drive and her grades even as she and her family while navigated NYC’s homeless shelters. One spoke eloquently about how he coordinated a series of social outings to help ease racial tensions in his school.
How could we possibly choose between two scholars who so clearly embodied two distinct aspects of Rashawn’s legacy? Well, we’re hoping that through your generosity, we won’t have to.
Since the meeting, the selection committee has collected and donated over $700 to make it possible for BOTH of these promising scholars to receive the award. Today, we are less than $500 away from meeting our goal. For as little as $25, you could help us show these promising young scholars how much we appreciate their commitment to furthering Rashawn’s legacy of academic excellence and selfless service.
Will you donate today?
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