As the largest civil rights movement in history continues into Pride month, thousands hit the streets on Sunday to rally for Black trans lives. The powerful call to action came in response to the murders of two Black trans women - Dominique "Rem'Mie" Fells and Riah Milton - which were reported last week. It also followed a recent announcement that the Trump administration would be reversing Obama-era protections for trans people receiving healthcare.
The event kicked off at the Brooklyn Museum, where activists including Raquel Willis delivered speeches and led chants on the museum's deck before the crowd went on the move in a silent march in commemoration of the lives lost and in demand of protection for trans people of color.
"I believe in my power," Willis spoke to the crowd. Thousands chanted back, "I believe in your power. I believe in our power. I believe in black trans power."
View this post on InstagramYesterday changed something in me, in all of us. No longer will we ever doubt whether we are winning or folks are transforming in the ways that we need them to keep us all alive and safe. No longer will we doubt whether it’s possible for the #BlackTransMovement to be elevated and supported. No longer will we doubt #BlackTransPower. . Today starts a new day as sister @thefreeactorvist said in her speech. Transphobia, transmisogyny, and white supremacy ended yesterday. Thanks to @iamwestdakota, @fransquishco, @elielcruz, @peytondix, @mobaby, and so many more who stepped up to provide space for Black trans people. Y'all modelled how glorious true allyship can be. We salute you. And to all my beautiful, brilliant Black trans people who spoke and showed up and showed out—I love you and let’s keep this fire burning! . Our movements, our liberation WILL be built of the little reclamations of power we heard in that crowd of 15,000 yesterday. We won’t go back. For Marsha, for Sylvia, for @doroshow, for @deedeechamblee, for @missmajor1, for Layleen, Rem’mie, Riah, Tony, Nina, Monika, Chyna, and countless more. This was #BrooklynLiberation. This is just the start. . 📸: @colewitter
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View this post on InstagramBeautiful, huge crowd at the Black Trans Lives Matter rally at the Brooklyn Museum. #blacktranslivesmatter
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View this post on Instagram#brooklynliberation #blacktranslivesmatter June 14th, 2020
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View this post on InstagramAs we celebrate the Supreme Court ruling that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects LGBTQ+ workers, we should remember the words of @raquel_willis from yesterday’s action for Black trans lives: “Yes the legislation matters, but White queer folk get to worry about legislation while Black queer folk is worrying about our lives.” . . Consider donating to the groups that organized the rally, whose work serves the Black trans community: @papijuicebk @theokraproject @mpjinstitute @glits_inc @forthegworls @btfacollective #BlackTransLivesMatter 🏳️🌈
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View this post on InstagramYesterday supporting Black Trans life matter protest.
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View this post on InstagramThis is a moment I’ll remember for the rest of my life. This is history. 📸: @colewitter #BlackTransLivesMatter #BrooklynLiberation
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[Photo via Getty]
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