The National Black Justice Coalition Mourns the Death of Banko Brown
CONTACT: Brett Abrams | brett@unbendablemedia.com
SAN FRANCISCO, CA– The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) mourns the death of Banko Brown, a 24-year-old Black trans man. Brown was shot and killed by a private security guard at a Walgreens in San Francisco, California, on April 27, 2023. Community members have rallied in honor of Brown to demand justice.
Banko was beloved. He had been a part of the Young Women’s Freedom Center since he was 12. He worked as a community organizer, advocating for the rights of young people in San Francisco. Loved ones describe him as brilliant and someone who made everyone laugh.
“My heart breaks for Banko Brown and his friends, family, and loved ones,” said Victoria Kirby York, Director of Public Policy and Programs at the National Black Justice Coalition, a leading national Black LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. “I am proud to see the community rally and demand justice; however, it is sad that we still have to do this and cannot trust our justice system to work for us. We cannot go to Walgreens without worrying that we will not return home.”
“This shows the intersection of the violence that the Black trans community faces, where both of their identities make them targets of brutality. I pray the man responsible is held accountable, as no security guard should be able to play judge and executioner. I pray the family and community get the justice they are demanding so they may find peace and know their place will protect them.”
If you are in San Francisco, join a demonstration to demand justice for Banko Brown.
Learn more about reducing gender-based violence here and here.
Look here to learn more about changing local laws and increasing protections for trans and non-binary community members.
The NBJC Stolen Lives list of trans and non-binary individuals lost to violence and hate can be found here.