CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com  SAN JUAN, PR– The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) mourns the death of Africa Parrilla Garcia, a 25-year-old trans woman who was shot and killed in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on February 2, 2024. It has been reported that Africa was Afro-Latina.  There have not been many personal details shared about Africa. She was experiencing homelessness and had been engaged in survival sex work. She was loved by her friends.  “Knowledge about the death of Africa was delayed because she was misgendered and deadnamed by police and news ..read more

CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com  HALLANDALE BEACH, FL– The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) mourns the death of Tee Arnold, also known as Lagend Billions, a 35-year-old Black transgender man who was shot and killed in Hallandale Beach, Florida.  Tee was a significant figure in the lives of his nieces and nephews from his large extended family. Friends and loved ones described Tee as compassionate and kind, always taking the time to connect, listen, and support them during difficult times. He was interested in travel, music, and good food. Tee was planning ..read more

WASHINGTON – On Sunday, April 7, the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball team won the NCAA National Championship. Ahead of the championship game, South Carolina’s head coach Dawn Staley made comments in support of transgender athlete inclusion in sports when she was pressed by a media member on the topic. Her remarks came ahead of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) voting Monday, April 8, to all but ban transgender women from women’s competitions starting next school year.  A number of Black leaders in the LGBTQIA movement shared their messages of c ..read more

CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com  HOUSTON, TX– The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) mourns the death of Diamond Brigman, a Black woman of transgender experience from Houston, Texas. She was shot multiple times and killed in a drive-by shooting on March 16, 2024.  “I send my prayers, condolences, and commitment to push for justice to Diamond’s family, friends, and loved ones during this time of heartbreak and loss,” said Director of Public Policy and Programs Victoria Kirby York. “As a community, it feels that we are constantly mourning the loss of a trans ..read more

CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com  WASHINGTON – Today marks National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NWGHAAD), and in commemoration, Dr. David J. Johns, CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), a leading Black LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, issued the following statement: “National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day provides us with an opportunity to shed light on the disproportionate burden of HIV/AIDS transmissions faced by Black women and girls in the United States and the remarkable resilience they exhibit in spite of enduring systemic bar ..read more

CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com  ATLANTA, GA– The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) mourns the death of Righteous Torrence “Chevy” Hill, a 35-year-old Black trans man from Macon, Georgia. He was murdered in Atlanta, Georgia, on February 29, 2024.  Hill founded and owned Evollusion, a beauty bar dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+/SGL community with hair, nails, barbering, and makeup services. He was a beloved son, brother, father, and partner. In one of his last posts, he said, “If you truly know me, you know I am a humble, modest, private man, that I love my ..read more

CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com WASHINGTON – Following reports that the Ghanaian Parliament passed a bill criminalizing individuals who promote, sponsor, or support LGBTQ+ activities, Dr. David J. Johns, CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), a leading Black LGBTQ+/same-gender loving civil rights organization, issued the following statement: “We condemn the recent advancement of a discriminatory bill by the Ghanaian Parliament proposing custodial sentences of up to five years for advocates promoting LGBTQ+ rights. This legislation represents a direct assault ..read more

CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com  WASHINGTON – Today, February 7, marks National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (NBHAAD). In commemoration, Dr. David J. Johns, CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), a leading Black LGBTQ+/same-gender loving (LGBTQ+/SGL) civil rights organization, issued the following statement: “National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day continues to serve as an opportunity for Black people, and those who co-conspire for our full freedom, to shine a spotlight on the disproportionate impact the HIV/AIDS crisis continues to have on the Black commu ..read more

CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com  KANSAS CITY, MO– The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) mourns the death of Amber Minor, a 40-year-old Black transgender woman. Amber was shot and killed on December 24, 2023, in Kansas City, Missouri.  Amber’s loved ones said that she was fun-loving, loud, bright, funny, and loved to get dolled up. She was also strong and persistent and believed things could be better.  “My condolences and prayers go out to Amber’s family and friends as they mourn her murder and fight for justice to be served,” said Victoria Kirby York ..read more

CONTACT: Jordan Wilhelmi | jordan@unbendablemedia.com  Call on USPS to Recognize March on Washington Architect with Black Heritage Stamp HOLLYWOOD – This morning, actor Colman Domingo received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of civil rights icon and Black, same-gender loving man, Bayard Rustin, in the Netflix film, “Rustin.” Dr. David J. Johns, CEO of the National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC), a leading Black LGBTQ+/SGL (same gender loving) civil rights organization, issued the following statement congratulating Domingo: “We are delighted for Colman to receive his well-deserved fl ..read more