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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.
Posted by RBMF at 06:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
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!
Posted by RBMF at 06:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)