NBJC Mourns the Stolen Life of Kaitoria “Kai” Bankz
CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com
AUTAUGAVILLE – The National Black Justice Collective (NBJC) mourns the death of Kaitoria “Kai” Bankz, a 31-year-old Black transgender woman. On March 31, 2025, Trans Day of Visibility, Kia was killed, and her brother was injured during an attempted carjacking in Autaugaville, Atlanta. A suspect has been arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder.
Kai worked as a PrEP Navigator and HIV Prevention Outreach at The Knights and Orchids Society, where she was a bright light and bold presence who was dedicated to providing life-saving services and helping Black LGBTQ+/SGL people in the South live full and healthy lives free from harm. She was working towards her GED and had plans to go to college, where she was interested in studying psychology. She wanted to become a “hood therapist,” saying, “A lot of Black people are less fortunate and need to heal. They need an outlet. I want to be that outlet, I want to help people.” She had overcome many obstacles in her life and wanted to help others do the same..
“My heart breaks hearing about the death of Kaitoria Bankz,” said Victoria Kirby York, Director of Public Policy and Programs. “It is clear with Kai, like all our trans siblings taken too early, that they had plans for the future, a full life they hoped to live, and goals they wished to accomplish. It is essential that we remember the lives taken are not just statistics in the ongoing epidemic of violence, but real people with full lives, hopes, and desires. As Kai died on Trans Day of Visibility, we must make sure trans people are not only visible when they are suffering, but when they are joyful and thriving. I also want to thank Kai for all the work she did to serve the community and mourn all she would have accomplished. It is up to all of us to honor her with actions supporting and uplifting the transgender community and her life’s mission to connect mental health care to those who need it most.”
We encourage people to honor Kai by supporting the work of our Benevolence grantee and her employer, The Knights and Orchids Society, and encouraging members of the Black LGBTQ+/SGL community to apply for six FREE therapy sessions through our partnership with the Boris L. Henson Foundation.
Remember the lives 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.