Two more Black trans women were killed over the past week. In Ohio, 25-year-old Riah Milton was shot and killed last Tuesday during a robbery in Liberty Township, according to local authorities. Two people have been arrested and charged with her murder. Milton worked as a home health aide and attended the University of Cincinnati. One day earlier, Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells was found killed in Philadelphia. An investigation is underway. Friends remember her as a “social butterfly.” Fells was a dancer and artist who hoped to become a fashion designer.
As the trans community mourned the recent deaths, the Trump administration reversed health protections for transgender people under the Affordable Care Act. The move was announced Friday, the fourth anniversary of the Pulse massacre that claimed 49 lives at a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida.
Here in New York City, an estimated 12,000 people turned out Sunday for a rally and silent march in solidarity with the Black trans community. This is journalist and activist Raquel Willis addressing a sea of people in front of the Brooklyn Museum.
Raquel Willis: “I believe in my power.”
Crowd: “I believe in my power.”
Raquel Willis: “I believe in your power.”
Crowd: “I believe in your power.”
Raquel Willis: “I believe in our power.”
Crowd: “I believe in our power.”
Raquel Willis: “I believe in Black trans power.”
Crowd: “I believe in Black trans power.”