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Media Releases

Statement on Tragic Death of Monika Diamond
June 4, 2020 10:15 AM

NORTH CAROLINA – In response to the slaying of Monika Diamond, the National Black Justice Coalition released the following statement: 
Monika Diamond, a 34-year-old  Black trans woman was co-owner and founder of Ncphyne Promotion Company LLC and co-CEO of the International Mother of the Year Pageantry System, a pageant that honors LGBTQ mothers.  Like most Black women, cis and trans, Monika held space for and ensured our community was safe...

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Statement on the Assault of Iyanna Dior
June 3, 2020 12:09 PM

MINNESOTA – In response to the brutal beating of Iyanna Dior, the National Black Justice Coalition released the following statements: 
“Too many members of our community, Black trans women who are always on the front line—who put our bodies on the line fighting for the lives of Black cis folx, are afraid that those we’re marching against may inflict violence against us. We’re fighting for the same thing.  We’re fighting for the right to take up space, without fear of violence. If Black lives really do matter, our lives must matter too.

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The National Black Justice celebrates the life and mourns the loss of our brother, Ron Simmons, Ph.D.
May 29, 2020 09:10 PM

NEW YORK — In response to the passing of Dr. Ron Simmons, the National Black Justice Coalition released the following statements:
“Ron was one of the most knowledgeable, kind, and accessible professionals in the network who gladly took newcomers under his wing. He was so instrumental and welcoming to help NBJC navigate in the HIV education and awareness space. I valued his mentorship and friendship. A true giant has gone home to glory.”
—Sharon Lettman-Hicks, CEO, National Black Justice Coalition

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Statement Mourning Tragic Death of Tony McDade by Police
May 28, 2020 04:31 PM

WASHINGTON, DC — In response to news that Tony McDade, a Black transgender man, was murdered in Tallahassee, FL yesterday by police, David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition, released the following statement:

“Adequate words do not exist to describe the weight of the pain that accompanies drafting statements to honor Black people who have been murdered as a result of who they are and how they show up in the world. 

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National Black Justice Coalition Calls for Justice in the Murder of McKinsley LaKeith Lincoln
May 19, 2020 11:44 AM

WASHINGTON, DC — On the morning of May 15, 2020, the family of McKinsley LaKeith Lincoln filed a missing person report after McKinsley had been missing from the family home for more than 24 hours. Within hours of filing the missing persons report the Alexandria Police Department discovered the body of a “deceased male with visible gunshot wound,” as reported by the local news. The Lincoln family learned that the body reported by the news may have been McKinsley through phone calls from neighbors.

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NBJC Celebrates International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
May 17, 2020 10:22 AM

WASHINGTON -- On May 17, 2020, in recognition of International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT), David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition, released the following statement:
“Did you know that today, May 17, 2020 is the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOBIT)? Today is an opportunity to raise awareness to address, and ultimately end, the violence, discrimination, and repression experienced by LGBTQ and same gender loving (LGBTQ/SGL) communities throughout the world.

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Statement in Recognition of National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day
May 15, 2020 02:07 PM

WASHINGTON — In anticipation of May 16, National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day, David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition, released the following statement:
“National Honor Our LGBT Elders Day comes at a time when older Americans are especially vulnerable. While much is known about how COVID-19 disproportionately endangers older adults, we must recognize that there is little known about how LGBTQ elders, and especially Black LGBTQ and same gender loving elders, are uniquely impacted. 

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Statement on Tragic Death of Breonna Taylor
May 12, 2020 03:34 PM

New York—On March 13, Breonna Taylor was killed in her Louisville, KY apartment by police officers. Her family has recently hired lawyer Benjamin Crump to represent them in a lawsuit against three officers alleging wrongful death, excessive force, and gross negligence. In response to the tragic news, National Black Justice Coalition Executive Director David Johns released the following statement:
“Breonna Taylor was murdered by Louisville, Kentucky police officers who broke into her home and shot her eight times while in the process of serving a search warrant. Not that it should matter, because each of us should have the opportunity to due process regardless of our educational, professional, or social accomplishments, but Breonna was a decorated Emergency Medical Technician.

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Statement on Tragic Death of Nina Pop
May 9, 2020 11:34 AM

In response to the murder of Nina Pop, a Black trans woman who was found murdered in her home in Sikeston, Missouri this week, David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition, released the following statement:
“Last week was especially tough for Black Americans, who, in addition to coping with the coronavirus crisis, were reminded that while there is one United States of America, the justice system works differently, if at all, for Black Americans. 

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Statement Celebrating Jericho Brown and Michael R. Jackson’s Pulitzer Prizes
May 7, 2020 02:27 PM

NEW YORK — In Response to the Pulitzer Prize wins of Jericho Brown and Michael R. Jackson in Poetry and Drama respectively, David J. Johns, Executive Director of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) released the following statement:
“With all that’s happening in the world it’s important to celebrate a little Black Boy Joy. For those who don’t already know, two Black same gender loving men recently won Pulitzer Prizes (awarded Monday). Jericho Brown, won for his book, The Tradition, and playwright Michael R. Jackson, won for his musical A Strange Loop. Jackson is the first Black writer to win the prize for musical theatre.

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