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!

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!

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

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.

Desire Brazell, Rashawn's mother, is asking that the community show their support by joining her as she marks the two year anniversary of her son's disappearance and the discovery of his dismembered remains at the Nostrand Avenue subway station.The vigil, which will begin at 7pm, is open to the public.

Desire adds, "We will not allow this tragedy to be forgotten. Gather with as we pray that this never happens to anyone else and that no more families have to suffer this kind of loss."

While attaining his GED, Roger served as Vice President of the Future Giants Program, a life preparation organization dedicated to educating, encouraging and empowering New York’s at-risk youth. During his tenure, Roger was proud to assist in planning protests against businesses with discriminatory policies against people of color and the LGBT community. In addition, he co-founded the organization’s “Next Generation” initiative, which prepared his peers (ages 11 – 21) to serve as advocates for tolerance and sexual health.

In his application essay, Roger shared that he was committed to continuing his organizing on campus while also mentoring the young men and women of Future Giants whenever possible. Having been deeply inspired by Rashawn’s story, Roger is elated to receive the scholarship and hopes that his work in the community follows in Brazell’s legacy of selfless service.

“This scholarship will allow me to become more active on campus and join other organizations and help to continue the struggle towards racial, ethnic and sexual equality and rights,” Fleming says.

As we celebrate awarding Roger Fleming the 2006 Rashawn Brazell Memorial Scholarship recipient, we are excited to start search for our 2007 recipient. Contact us today to assist in our recruiting efforts. Your assistance will help a new wave of New York City high school students pay tribute to Rashawn while thinking critically about the impact of intolerance and violence on their communities.

When: Saturday, June 17, 2006

Where: Gather at NE Corner of 14th Street and First Avenue at 2PM;
March at 3PM to Christopher Park (Christopher & West 4th Streets)

Why: In the last week a number of hate incidents have impacted our community

Saturday, June 10, 12:30 AM - East Village, Manhattan
On his way home, Kevin Aviance is brutally attacked by a group of men yelling anti-gay slurs

Saturday, June 10, 1:10 AM - Astoria, Queens
A group of three friends are attacked by a larger group yelling anti-gay and racist epithets and wielding a baseball bat

Sunday, June 11, 5:45 AM - Astoria, Queens
A man is followed off of an "N" train by another man who harassed him with anti-gay language, pushed him down elevated platform exit stairs to the street, and kicked and punched repeatedly.

Make your voice heard...
We will not be targeted even as we celebrate our History, our Pride and our Survival...

Community Partners in this Effort include: the NYC Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, Daniel Dromm, Empire State Pride Agenda, Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Gay Men of African Descent, Hedda Lettuce, Lambda Independent Democrats of Brooklyn, the Latino Commission on AIDS, Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, mano a mano, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, New York State Black Gay Network, NYC Council Member Rosie Mendez, NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn, NYS Assembly Member Deborah Glick, NYS Assembly Member Sylvia Friedman, NYS Senator Tom Duane, People of Color in Crisis, Unity Fellowship Church of Christ, the Rashawn Brazell Memorial Fund list in formation

Click here for more information and safety tips.