NBJC Mourns the Stolen Life of Daquane ‘Dream’ Johnson
WASHINGTON, D.C.– The National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) mourns the death of Daquane ‘Dream’ Johnson, a 28-year-old Black transgender woman. She was shot and killed on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Washington, D.C. The D.C. police are asking for the public’s help in solving this case. Dream’s family and local advocates believe this is a hate crime.
A memorial honoring Dream’s life is scheduled for Saturday, July 12th.
“Being based in D.C., the death of Dream hits home for us,” says Victoria Kirby York, Director of Public Policy and Programs. “Before she was shot, witnesses report the suspects calling Dream a derogatory name, making it likely she was targeted, harassed, and killed because of her identity as a trans woman. I pray that community members come forward to help solve this crime and provide the family with justice and peace. Too often, the murders of our trans siblings remain unsolved, and it should be a priority of law enforcement across the country to solve these cases, to prevent more murders from occurring, and to show the trans community that they are cared for and are safe where they live. We appreciate the advocacy of longtime trans advocate Earline Budd in this case, especially in drawing media attention to it.”
Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Homicide Detective Natasha Kennedy at 202-380-6198. A $25,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Remember the lives of all of the Black trans siblings we have lost this year with action by viewing NBJC’s resources for the transgender and gender-expansive/non-conforming community 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.