Today (June 5) marks what should have been Breonna Taylor’s 27th birthday. The award-winning EMT was fatally shot on March 13 by Louisville police after cops barged into her and her boyfriend’s home and fired 22 shots at both of them. The officers had been acting under a No Knock Search Warrant, which allows police to enter a home without identifying themselves as officers.
According to The Louisville Courier Journal, police had been investigating two men they believed to be selling drugs from a house that was nowhere near Breonna’s. A Louisville judge signed the warrant allowing police to enter Breonna’s home because cops allegedly believed her house had been receiving packages from the suspects. However, no drugs were found in her home. Furthermore, Breonna’s family’s lawyer says police had already located the main suspect in the investigation before raiding her home.
As protests continue around the world against police violence, it’s important to honor Breonna on her birthday and remember that the officers involved in her death have still not been arrested. In an effort to remember Breonna and continue fighting for her justice, Busy Philipps, Victoria Wilson, Jane Shin and Zosha Millman have launched the #BirthdayForBreonna campaign, detailing nine ways that supporters can celebrate her birthday, provide for relief for her family and hold the Louisville officers responsible for her death accountable. According to the website, artwork for the campaign was created by Ariel Sinha, Ayla Sydney, Jane Cartwright, Izzy Mitchell and Imosemen Omiunu.
Sign the petition to demand justice for Breonna
Sign the Change.org petition that calls for the arrest of the officers involved in Breonna’s death, demands her family be awarded financial damages, calls for an investigation into the Louisville Police department and demands the end of No Knock Search Warrants.
Donate to Breonna’s family
Consider donating to Breonna’s family through their GoFundMe here. So far, the campaign has far surpassed its $500,000 goal.
Email the Kentucky governor and demand that the officers be charged
Send an email to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear and demand that all officers involved in Breonna’s death be arrested and charged. Email addresses for the Kentucky mayor, attorney general and governor are listed on the campaign’s website.
Send a birthday card or letter to Kentucky officials
Additionally, consider sending a birthday card or postcard to Kentucky officials in honor of Breonna. The campaign’s page includes the mailing addresses for Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, Louisville Metro Mayor Greg Fischer and Gov. Beshear.
Flood social media with #SayHerName and #BirthdayForBreonna hashtags
Supporters are encouraged to create songs, artwork, poems and more in honor of Breonna and to circulate the hashtags #SayHerName and #BirthdayForBreonna in her memory.
Share artwork for Breonna
The campaign’s organizers have also provided artwork and images of Breonna to circulate on social media along with the hashtags.
Help Kentucky protesters with bail
Consider donating to the Louisville Community Bail Fund, which provides bail assistance for those who are protesting against Breonna’s unjust death.
Share the campaign’s link
Share the link to the #BirthdayForBreonna campaign so that others can help celebrate her, too.
Send her family a note
See more ways you can support Breonna’s family and send them a note on the Justice For Breonna website.
According to the campaign website, there will be a vigil ceremony for Breonna and balloon release in Louisville on Saturday (June 6) organized by her family. We continue to send our condolences to Breonna’s friends and family. Rest in Peace.