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?
Posted by RBMF at 10:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
August 19, 2007
RBMF Helps to Launch SAFEPARTY program
On Saturday August 18th the RBMF helped celebrate the launch of the Safe OUTside the System (S.O.S.) Collective's SAFEPARTY program. The program, created by LGBT people of color to stop violence against our communities, provided free rides home to partygoers living in certain neighborhoods in Brooklyn, as well as volunteers to walk people to nearby public transportation.
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
Continue reading "RBMF Helps to Launch SAFEPARTY program" »
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August 09, 2007
Safe OUTside the System Collective Presents: A Celebration of Living Against Violence
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.
Posted by RBMF at 12:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)
June 22, 2007
RBMF Honored at City Council Pride Celebration
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.
Posted by RBMF at 02:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)