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April 26, 2006
Memorial March Coverage and Impact
(photo by Andres Duque)
The April 15th Rashawn Brazell Memorial March was a success in more ways than one. In addition to showing the NYPD our determination to find justice for Rashawn, we also showed the press and the public that we are not willing to allow the case to be denied the visibility afforded to the white heterosexual women whose unfortunate murders have dominated the press.
The Advocate, the award-winning national LGBT news source, covered the march in their April 25th issue. The article, features quotes from co-founder Mervyn Marcano and marks the RBMF's first spot in a national magazine.
To view a scanned image of "Staying True to Rashawn", click here.
The march was also covered on Fox 5 New York. After the story aired, a link to RashawnBrazell.com was added to the website's "Viewer Information" section. At long last, the scholarship established to honor Rashawn's legacy was added to the area that had formely housed similar programs for white, straight murder victims Immette St. Guillen and Nicole DuFresne.
To view the listing, visit the "Viewer Information" page of the Fox 5 News website and click on Rashawn Brazell Fund.
The march was also attended and reviewed by several New York area bloggers, activists and photographers. Check out the following sites for original photography and more!
Ocean Morisette (41 photo slideshow),
Donald Agarrat (24 image photoset),
Andres Duque (139 pictures), whose noteworthy blog entry can be read here
and TaylorSiluwe (28 pictures).
The RBMF would like to thank The Advocate, Fox 5 News, Andres, Donald, Ocean and Taylor for the crucial work they have played and continue to play in keeping the story alive in the hearts and minds of the community at large.
Posted by RBMF at 07:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
April 17, 2006
The Campaign for Black Gay Men’s Lives
The Rashawn Brazell Memorial Fund is a proud supporter of
The Campaign for Black Gay Men’s Lives
We invite you to join others who are concerned about the lives of Black Gay Men
We will be working together to:
· Respond to the city-wide silence concerning the lives of Black Gay Men
· Challenge homophobia in Black Communities
· Build community awareness on issues impacting Black Gay Men
Campaign Kick-Off Meeting
Tuesday, April 18th, 2006
6 pm – 9 pm
RSVP at: ourlivesmatter@yahoo.com or 212.828.9393 x137
Refreshments and light foods will be available
GMHC
119 West 24th Street (btw 7th & 6th aves)
New York, NY 10011
Rooms 610/615 on 6th floor
*This campaign is being launched by the New York State Black Gay Network, its members, and ally organizations that have an expressed commitment to Black men who practice same-sex desire.*
Posted by RBMF at 09:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
Rashawn's Memorial March: A Success!
Anger, pain and tears mingled with determination for justice at the Rashawn Brazell Memorial March.
Chanting "Justice for Rashawn!" from the train station where his partial remains were found to the 79th precinct where the investigation of his murder has lulled, we gathered on April 15th not only to honor Rashawn’s memory, but also to support his mother, Desire Brazell, in her tireless fight to ensure that the NYPD devote the maximum amount of resources to finding her son’s killer.
Alongside representatives from the RBMF, City Councilmember Leticia James spoke out on Rashawn’s behalf, issuing the angry message that “homophobia kills!” Among the 200+ attendees were representatives from the Audre Lorde Project, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, the New York City Anti-Violence Project, People of Color in Crisis, the Reverend Ralph "Chaz" Crowder, and Eric Adams of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement.
In a particularly moving moment, a close friend of Rashawn’s vowed that she would march every weekend if she had to. Another told an anecdote about Rashawn’s selfless nature and the unwavering support he offered his close friends. Some were unable to speak at all, overcome by the loss of their friend and the failure of the NYPD to prioritize the investigation.
The Rashawn Brazell Memorial Fund thanks everyone who came out to support Desire Brazell’s plea for justice. It was an honor to assist in realizing the community’s goal of ensuring that neither the NYPD nor the general public allow this case to remain unsolved and underreported and a joy to be reminded how many people stand in support of our organizing.
Posted by RBMF at 06:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)