Newark Vigil For Trans Lives Lost To Violence: ‘Stories Of Resilience’

NEWARK, NJ — A day of remembrance in solidarity with Newark’s transgender community recently honored the lives of people who have been lost to acts of violence and discrimination, including a local resident: Ashley Moore.

Last week, the Newark LGBTQ Community Center, Out Montclair and the Trans Affirming Alliance stood together with other local LGBTQ organizations for a vigil at the NJPAC Educational Center on Rector Street in Newark.

While the event was solemn, it also included a celebration of lives lost via poetry and song – all intended to honor the “stories of resilience” that keep their memories alive.

Among those remembered was Ashley Moore, a young Black trans woman who was found “unresponsive” in Newark about a week before her birthday. Read More: Newark Advocates Demand Action After Transgender Woman's Death

The evening ended with a candlelight vigil dedicated to lives lost this year to violence, including guns, interpersonal violence and suicide.

Beatrice Simpkins, executive director of the Newark LGBTQ Community Center, offered some rousing closing remarks at the event.

“I hope one day the list will get shorter, and eventually there will be no list – there will be no murders, no deaths, no depression and no oppression – because we will be free … free to be our divine beautiful and authentic selves,” Simpkins said.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site. Don’t forget to visit the Patch Newark Facebook page.