ICYMI: National Civil Rights Organizations Call on the FBI to Support the Murder Investigation of 17-year-old Ja’Quarius Taylor as a Possible Hate Crime
ICYMI: National Civil Rights Organizations Call on the FBI to Support the Murder Investigation of 17-year-old Ja’Quarius Taylor as a Possible Hate Crime
WASHINGTON, DC— In response to the gruesome murder of 17-year-old Ja’Quarius Taylor of Varnado, Louisiana, and possible hate crime, National Black Justice Coalition Executive Director David Johns and Executive Director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law Kristen Clarke released the following joint statement:
“First and foremost, we extend our prayers and support to the family of Ja’Quarius Taylor. The tragic passing of a loved one is heartbreaking. We hope our words and our actions help to honor the memory of Ja’Quarius and keep his name in the light.
“The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) and the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law support calls for the FBI to aid the local investigation into the murder of Ja’Quarius Taylor given evidence suggesting that this was a potential hate crime.
“The dangers faced by young, Black, LGBTQ+ people are disturbing and becoming increasingly violent and fatal. With the increase in reported hate crimes since President Trump took office, we are deeply concerned that there is not a full accounting of the violence that members of our community have faced. It is critical that the FBI support Washington Parish law enforcement by providing the resources necessary to ensure a full and fair investigation.
“Over the past several years, we have seen one too many young, Black, LGBTQ+ people violently murdered, beaten, bullied, and even harassed to the point of suicide. We cannot grow numb to this reality or ignore what is continuing to happen. Members of the Black community are dying because of crimes inspired by hate and vitriol — from15-year-old Nigel Shelby who died by suicide after being bullied for being both Black and gay, to the near fatal attack of Daniela Calderon Rivera, to the murder of Ja’Quarius.
“Out of For fear of more retribution and abuse, many Black LGBTQ+ people do not report these crimes to law enforcement. Furthermore, our nation does not have data on intersectionality, so we should imagine the incidents of hate crimes against Black LGBTQ+ people are worse than reported. These startling statistics, and the Black people they represent, should inspire each of us to action–to demand full and complete investigations whenever we learn of victims of potential hate crimes and investments in programs and policies to mitigate the impact of racism and homophobia.
“The murder of Ja’Quarius Taylor demans immediate attention- the same level of attention devoted to our brother Trayvon. We’re in this together. Ja’Quarius deserves justice and his family deserves answers. Our community and our country deserve better.”
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The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization, was formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy to involve the private bar in providing legal services to address racial discrimination. Now in its 57th year, the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is continuing its quest to “Move America Toward Justice.” The principal mission of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is to secure, through the rule of law, equal justice for all, particularly in the areas of criminal justice, fair housing and community development, economic justice, educational opportunities, and voting rights.
