The National Black Justice Coalition Mourns the Death of Ashia Davis
CONTACT: Brett Abrams | brett@unbendablemedia.com
DETROIT, MI– The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) mourns the death of Ashia Davis, a 34-year-old Black transgender woman. She was shot and killed in a Highland Park hotel room in Detroit, Michigan, on June 2, 2023.
Ashia had finished nursing school and was set to begin a new job this week. She was a pet parent to her Yorkie, Clyde. Family and friends say she was full of joy, devoted to her faith, and ready to help the world by giving back to her community.
“I am heartbroken about the death of Ashia, which happened only two days into Pride Month,” said Victoria Kirby York, Director of Public Policy and Programs. “While we take the time this month to celebrate our community, we also need to amplify and demand protection from the constant violence we face. There is a lot more decision makers must do to ensure we can all live safely and thrive in our communities. For instance, city governments can request hotels partner with public safety officials to create protocols for hotel guests and staff to discreetly call for help when dealing with domestic violence, whether it is being perpetrated by someone the person knows or a client. Businesses like the hotel Ashia was murdered at must not feign ignorance but become leaders in driving solutions to end this epidemic of violence.
“As certain legislators nationwide try to reverse the progress we have made to build a nation that includes our transgender siblings, we must all continue to fight to show that we are here and we will protect our community.“
The Michigan State Police are currently investigating the death of Ashia Davis. Anyone with information is asked to contact 855-MICH-TIP or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.
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.
