The National Black Justice Coalition Mourns the Death of Koko Da Doll
CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com
ATLANTA – The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) mourns the death of Koko Da Doll, a Black transgender woman, and musician, who was recently featured in the documentary “Kokomo City.” The police found her shot to death in Atlanta, Georgia, near a shopping plaza. Police have not yet identified the suspect.
“Kokomo City” focuses on the lives of four Black trans sex workers in the United States. Directed by D. Smith, the film received the Audience Award and the Adobe Innovator Award at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
“I am devastated to hear about the death of Koko. My heart goes out to her family, friends, and loved ones during this time,” said the Director of Public Policy and Programs, Victoria Kirby York. “Koko was vulnerable and honest in her appearance in “Kokomo City” and brought essential representation to the nuanced experiences of Black trans women.”
“This is the second Black transgender woman murdered in Atlanta in the past two weeks, that we know of. This deadly trend is concerning, especially considering the anti-trans bills moving through the Georgia legislature. Continued and often unaccounted violence against Black trans people normalizes transphobia and violence against all members of our community. We must continue to draw attention to these murders and the bills that encourage and enable them. It is imperative that our trans siblings experience us working with them to ensure they thrive.”
The Atlanta Police Department is currently investigating and asks anyone with information to call 405-614-6544 or 404-577-8477.
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.
