The National Black Justice Coalition Mourns the Death of Marquiisha ‘Quii’ Lawrence

The National Black Justice Coalition (NBJC) mourns the death of Marquiisha ‘Quii’ Lawrence, a 28-year-old Black transgender woman. Lawrence was shot and killed in her home in Greenville, South Carolina, on November 4, 2021. Eboni Sinclaire, Lawrence’s trans mother, said she was a “very humbled, free thinker who was loved by many” and “will forever be remembered by her infectious smile and her heart of gold.” Lawrence’s favorite thing to do was cook.

“My heart is broken learning about another trans sister stolen from us,” said Victoria Kirby York, NBJC Deputy Executive Director. “An appalling amount of trans people have been murdered in this country, and we have simply not seen the action needed to end the silent epidemic of violence. Our trans siblings are not safe, their needs are not being met, and we all need to come together, stand with, and fight with them. Lawmakers must introduce and pass legislation that prioritizes the protection and safety of the trans, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming community. And if they do not take action or if they oppose the action that is taken, we must remember that come election day and hold them accountable.”

“The upcoming Transgender Day of Remembrance & Resilience on November 20th will highlight the growing epidemic,” said Camden Hargrove, NBJC’s National Organizing Manager. “Last year by Transgender Day of Remembrance, 37 trans, nonbinary, or gender non-conforming people had been killed. This year 45 people have been killed. That increase should disgust everyone and demonstrate how urgent this issue is. This cannot keep happening; we cannot keep losing members of our family and community, the violence and hate must be stopped, and we can only do that when we work together.”

2021 is now the deadliest year on record for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people. The majority of lives lost this year have been Black transgender women like Lawrence.

The Greenville County Coroner’s Office and Greenville County Sheriff’s Office continue to investigate Marquiisha Lawrence’s death. If you have information on this case, call CrimeStoppers at 864-232-7463.

Learn more about reducing gender-based violence here and here.

To learn more about changing local laws and increasing protections for trans and non-binary community members, look here.

The NBJC Stolen Lives list of trans and non-binary individuals lost to violence and hate can be found here.