A special thanks to Reginald Cociffi-Pointdujour (our current Scholar Selections Coordinator), Julius Pateman (our Communications Associate) and Marie Varghese (our former Scholar Selections Coordinator) for providing remarks during the event and introducing attendees to the work of the Fund. We'd also like to extend our thanks to Terik King for capturing some of the evening's most hilarious moments on film and new RBMF volunteer Phillip Howze for pitching in at his very first RBMF mixer! The evening wouldn't have been possible without your collective contributions!

If you missed the event, don't fret. An opportunity to mix and mingle with the RBMF staff, scholars and supporters is never far away. Add us on Facebook today to keep abreast of the latest developments in the case and all of our nifty programming. We hope to see you soon!

The RBMF invites you to mix and mingle with us on Friday, November 13th at the Ruben Museum of Art's ultra-chic K2 Lounge. While there, you can learn more about our current programs and future plans while enjoying 2-for-1 drink specials, breathtaking Himalayan art and Brooklyn's own DJ Tikka Masala on the turntables.

Also, you can purchase your ticket for the 40" Toshiba LCD television we're auctioning off to support the 2010 Rashawn Brazell Memorial Scholarship. How's that for social justice with a twist?!

RSVP today by emailing info@rashawnbrazell.com, our facebook group or just drop by!

The Rashawn Brazell Memorial Fund would like to invite you to join us at our first Mentor Mixer. For those who are just being introduced to our work, we’ll be providing a brief overview of our history and initiatives. For those who have supported our work over the past four years, we’ll be unveiling our fall fundraisers and announcing the winners of the 2009 scholarship award. Most importantly, we’ll use the evening to begin transforming talented folks like you from young professionals and agents of change into mentors for the next generation of scholars and activists.

At the event, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the amazing young men and women who have received the seven scholarships we’ve granted since 2006. 2007 scholarship recipient Dashana Payne and her mentor Kemi Ilesanmi will be discussing their experience with our mentoring program, and 2009 recipient Nafissatou Traore (who has not yet been paired with a mentor) will speak briefly about how she’s been inspired by Rashawn’s legacy of selfless service and academic excellence.

We do hope that you’ll join us for this exciting event. Have a drink, bring a friend and learn a little about the role YOU can play in helping us build the New York City that Rashawn wanted to see; a diverse and affirming city free of violent crime.

To RSVP, email us today by clicking here.

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

(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.

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!

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

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?

Click here to Donate Now!

In addition to ensuring that all attendees arrived and departed safely, the event collected donations for the New Jersey 4 and Justice for Erika Keels Organizing.

The event was co-sponsored by the following organizatins:
The New York City Anti-Violence Project
Center for Anti-Violence Education
FIERCE
Justice Committee
Rashawn Brazell Memorial Fund
Reflect Connect Move
RightRides
Sylvia Rivera Law Project

In response to the significant amount of anti-lgbtst violence occuring in the early morning hours when people are traveling home from parties, SAFEPARTIES are our way of demonstrating to the community how to work towards ensuring all party attendees arrive home safely. SAFEPARTIES offer free rides home, volunteers to walk people to the subway and train stop, and will distribute information to attendees about resources and their rights in case of an incident of violence.

About the S.O.S. Collective

The S.O.S. Collective is a program of the Audre Lorde Project united by the belief that safety is a human right, and that we cannot rely on the same police that brutalize our communities to keep us safe. Therefore we work to create organizing campaigns to prevent, intervene, and repair the harm that violence causes without relying upon law enforcement.

Shuga Khane Entertainment's SWEAT!
&
Safe OUTside the System (S.O.S.) Collective
present ...
A Celebration of Living Against Violence

The Official After Party to ALP's Chillin and Grillin
Saturday August 18th 8pm
at
Outpost
DJ Sojal & DJ Asere
$7 at the door.
Proceeds to benefit the S.O.S. Collective.
In collaboration with other fundraising activities donations will be collected for the New Jersey 4 and Justice for Erika Keels Organizing.
No one will be turned away because of lack of funds.


Directions:
1014 Fulton St. b/w Classon & Grand
Train: C or A when local to Franklin
Bus: B25/B26 to Classon

Celebrate the launch of the S.O.S. Collective's SAFEPARTY program. A
program created by LGBTSTGNC people of color to stop violence against our communities. All SAFEPARTIES will provide free rides home to partygoers living in certain neighborhoods in Brooklyn, as well as volunteers willing to walk people to nearby public transportation.

On Wednesday, June 20th over 500 people filled the City Council chamber for a celebration of "LGBT Pride and the Journey to End Violence and Hate." Among those honored were the RBMF, NYPD Detective Kevin Czartoryski and the Gay-Straight Alliance at Port Richmond High School in Staten Island.

Tony-winning actor Stephen Spinella opened the evening, and Speaker Christine Quinn, the first openly lesbian or gay leader of the Council, flanked in the front row by her partner, Kim Catullo, and her father Lawrence, recalled the city's decades-long struggle to achieve gay rights.

Remarks were given by Council Member Rosie Mendez, the chamber's other out lesbian member, and a music performance was provided by Lavender Light, The Black and People of All Colors Lesbian and Gay Gospel Choir.

She recently partnered with the RBMF on her "Beyond Fierce" exhibition. Read our exclusive interview with her below and check out pictures from the show's opening.

I first heard about the Rashawn Brazell around the time of the incident while listening to the news. On the first day that I began doing my online research for Beyond Fierce, I came across the Rashawn Brazell Fund. When I read the RBMF (Re)Vision event description, it seemed like the perfect fit for my project.

Talk a bit about the motivation behind Beyond Fierce.

I am a social documentarian and feel that it is imperative for people of African descent to document every aspect of our culture. Throughout American history, people of African descent have been degraded and misrepresented through imagery created through the eyes of others. I feel that it is my duty as a photographer to create an accurate historical record.

I think that image of the “homosexual” male of African descent is one that has been very limited, and therefore is often perceived through stereotypes. I thought Beyond Fierce would create a different perspective.

Photography can be very subjective, with this project I really wanted to get the perspective of the people that I was photographing. I feel that the voice of Black and Latino men “in the life” is not one that is often heard. As a heterosexual black woman, I am use to hearing opinions of what people think about “homosexual” males of African descent. It wasn’t until I did this project that I had the opportunity to hear what these men think of themselves and the community in which they exist. I feel that this perspective is extremely beneficial to the community at large.

In the Beyond Fierce exhibition, you pair a series of portraits with several comments that presumably come from your subjects themselves. What do you think is achieved by providing the audience with both text and images?

I feel that because the voice or perspectives of the Black and Latino men in the life are rarely heard, it was a significant part of this exhibit. I purposely did not match the text with the person who made the statement. I felt the text was a project within itself. Words are so powerful, especially, when they stand alone. In the audience experienced photographs of everyday men, who could be their brothers, cousins, dads, uncles, co-workers, or friends. They then got a chance to read powerful words that represented a group of men that we rarely hear from. These words answered questions that some have always wondered about. They destroyed stereotypes that were embedded in the consciousness of many. They struck chords in those who shared similar experiences. They evoked feelings of joy, hope, shock, humor and pain.

In a favorable review of the exhibition, the Village Voice reads the "Beyond Fierce" title as a challenge to or abnegation of the stereotype of gay men of color as "bitchy queens and creepin' husbands on the D.L.". How do you read it?

I think that the Village Voice hit it right on the nose. However, of course Beyond Fierce does not frown upon gay men of color who may be a bit flamboyant, it just says that there is so much more to the package.

You describe Beyond Fierce as a "living photo-essay". What exactly is meant by this designation and how does it differ from a regular photo-essay or collection of portraits?
I decided to use “living photo-essay” because the words were actually part of the exhibit. I think that it made the exhibition more interactive. Also, it was so nice to see so many of the men that I photographed at the exhibit, making it even more interactive.

Your previous photo series, which you shot as a Gulf Coast fellow with the National Association of Black Journalists, documented the lives of Katrina survivors in New Orleans. How often do you find your photography serving as a political statement or social commentary? What challenges do you face as a result?

I find that most of the time I am making some type of political or social statement. Sometimes the challenge with creating these images is that there is a thin line between documentation and exploitation. However, I am true to my art form, true to myself, and true to the people that I photograph, therefore, the images say it all.

Beyond Fierce has also been called a work-in-progress. How do you see the series developing? What else can we expect from Delphine Fawundu-Buford in the future?

I am proud to say that a smaller version of the Beyond Fierce exhibit will be featured at the Pride in the City Black Out Arts Series. I see this series developing into a more extensive collection. I can’t wait to see what happens!