Another black man has died under the guise of mystery and the police are trying to piece together what happened. Mel Grovesdescribed on his social media as a 25-year-old transgender black man who drove himself to Merit Health hospital on October 11.
According to Clarion Ledger, he collapsed as he got out of the car. After being transferred to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, he died.
Authorities are currently investigating Groves’ death as a homicide and attempts to determine the motive for the shooting and who may have been involved. However, supporters have criticized local law enforcement for Groves’ misdirection.
Victoria Kirby York, deputy executive director of the National Black Justice Coalition, said in a declare, “How many times must we point out that misrepresentation and mislabeling in police reports and news reports will damage investigations? How many times must we highlight the need for training and action from public safety officials to address and prevent violence against the transgender community? We cannot continue on the path we are on. It’s time to act before more lives are lost. “
Kirby also added, “What is even more heartbreaking is the fact Mel has expressed fear for his life because he has moved to Jackson. Transgender people should not fear violence simply because of their identity, but that is the reality of our country today. This has to do with the prevalence of agoraphobia in our daily lives and inaction around the epidemic of violence against the transgender community. ”
Hinds County Coroner Sharon Grisham-Stewarthowever, gender will not impede the county investigation.
“The cause of death will not change whether the person is labeled male or female, and I think what families feel comfortable labeling the individual as male or female is what they are,” Grisham-Stewart said. we should do.
Orchids and Knights Association, a horticultural program where Groves is a farmer, wrote on Facebook, “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mel Groves. Mel Robert Groves is a 25-year-old transgender Black male from Jackson, Mississippi. He was assassinated. The newspapers misreported Mel and used his old name. “
The Orchid and Knights Association also confirmed that Groves lived in fear of having to live his true life as a transgender in the southern city.
The post continued, “Please contact the Mississippi media outlets and ask them to stop misreporting him. We are offering rewards for any leads and information. “
According to the Human Rights CampaignAt least 38 transgender or gender-nonconforming people – the majority of whom are Black or brown – have been killed in the US so far this year.
