Charlotte Black women call for inclusion, justice in rally over death of Breonna Taylor

Marshall Park was filled with calls for unity, change and justice for Black women Thursday, a response to the death of Breonna Taylor.

Taylor was killed in her home in Louisville, Kentucky, on March 13, shot to death by police. Her death, along with that of George Floyd, a Minneapolis man who died after a police officer knelt on his neck, have been the subject of national protests calling for police reform and an end to systemic racism.

Black Women United was a panel discussion with community advocates and leaders calling for justice and visibility for Black women.

Photos of Taylor were taped on every chair panelists sat in and around the park, next to signs reading “Black lives matter,” “No justice, no peace,” and “Happy 27th birthday Breonna.”

Tia Brown, one of the event’s organizers and founder of Beauty After the Bars, an organization focused on prison reform and advocacy for incarcerated women, said Black women don’t get the support they need in the community.

Brown, who said she was incarcerated twice in federal prison, said she wanted to be an example for the community.

“This means everything to me to be able to come back, to support the Black women, to say that we love you,” Brown said. “That’s why I’m here today.”

The panel included 12 Black women, each sharing their experiences as educators, judges, community leaders and more. Several called for police reform and encouraged voting in local elections.

Charlene Henderson, who coordinated the event with Brown, said the event’s message was one of unity and love and was meant to push people to mobilize and come together.

“Black lives matter, but women’s lives matter as much,” Henderson said.

She referred to the pictures of Taylor.

“She still needs justice,” Henderson said. “And this is why we’re continuously out here, making sure that we’re fighting for her, and making sure that Black women continue to have a voice.”

A similar event was held in Marshall Park the night before, Black Men United, where local officials and community advocates called for an end to racism in remembrance of Floyd.

During Thursday’s event, many speakers made note of how more people had attended the men’s rally, including community leaders like Mayor Vi Lyles, and others who didn’t attend the women’s.

Alesha Brown, an attorney and panelist, noted a “distinct contrast” in the number of attendees at both rallies and said it was a problem. She said Black women were the most neglected people in America.

“Rest in peace to Brother Floyd,” Alesha Brown said. “But Breonna Taylor matters, too.”

Tia Brown said she hoped the event would bring the needed support for Black women, unite them and create an opportunity to make changes in the community.

“But not only systemic racism, it’s systemic sexism as well,” Tia Brown said. “Women are pushed to the back.”

This story was originally published June 18, 2020 at 10:21 PM.