The National Black Justice Coalition Mourns the Death of Cashay Henderson
CONTACT: Brett Abrams | brett@unbendablemedia.com
MILWAUKEE – The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) mourns the death of Cashay Henderson, a 31-year-old Black transgender woman. She was shot, killed, and found inside a burning apartment building on February 26, 2023, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Cashay was an active Sisters Helping Each Other Battle Adversity (SHEBA) member. Members of SHEBA described her as a joy to be around, funny, sweet, fabulous, and open to sisterhood. Based on her social media, she enjoyed makeup, fashion, and hip-hop.
“My heart goes out to the family, friends, and loved ones of Cashay, who are now trying to figure out how to navigate a world without her in it,” said Victoria Kirby York, Director of Public Policy and Programs. “This is the 3rd Black trans woman killed in Milwaukee in the past year. This pattern is disturbing, and more attention must be paid to this. Local and state authorities must take action to protect the Black trans community in Milwaukee.”
“Other states should also take actions to protect the trans community so trends like this do not occur in their states. The community deserves to feel safe in any spaces they occupy.”
“The same night of Cashay’s murder, actress and mom of a Black transgender teen, Gabrielle Union, with righteous anger and truth, told Black leaders and entertainers gathered at the NAACP Image Awards that ‘Black trans people are being targeted, terrorized and hunted in this country, every day, everywhere. And there’s rarely a whisper about it.’ It is long past time that we SHOUT about it everywhere and to everyone, while demanding the Black community and those entrusted to protect and serve us defend and seek justice for Black women – transgender and cisgender – with the same fervor as we do for our brothers.”
The police are investigating Cashay Henderson’s death and have asked anyone with information to contact the Milwaukee Police at 414-933-4444. Cashay’s family has set up a GoFundMe to help with expenses related to her funeral. Donate here.
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.
