Pgh Lesbian Correspondents

From Young Philly Politics

CALL OUT FOR SUPPORT TO DEMAND JUSTICE FOR ERICA KEEL

THIS FRIDAY, MAY 11TH, 4pm, at 12O1 LOCUST ST
OPEN PLANNING MEETING

On March 22nd of this year, Erica Keel, a 20-yr-old African American trans woman, was fatally run over at Broad and Thompson streets in North Philadelphia. According to witness accounts, the driver in question intentionally ran over Erica four times after ejecting her from his car. A medical examiner's report supports these accounts. However, the police have ruled Erica's death an accident and have refused to conduct an investigation. The driver, Roland Button, fled the scene but was later apprehended by police. He has yet to face criminal charges, including “hit and run.” When friends of Erica, who are themselves trans, questioned police officials about the classification of Erica's death as an “accident,” they were asked to disclose their “birth” names and were told they were “trying to make something out of nothing.”

As community members and allies, we are asking for your support in challenging police injustice by demanding a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding Erica's death. Our efforts to demand justice for Erica are part of building a larger strategy to address state violence against trans youth of color in Philadelphia.

Please join us THIS FRIDAY at 4pm at the Washington West Project, 1201 Locust St., to help plan a demonstration. For more information contact Savannah: 267-879-1339 n_hornback@yahoo.com

Be sure to read the comments.  It would be great to see this kind of dialogue happening in Pittsburgh, but instead we have a candidate for Sheriff and former Pittsburgh Police Officer who sees no real law enforcement issues with the LGBTQ community.  Ahem. I guess that stuff just happens in Philly?