San Francisco, CA — On Thursday, April 27, San Francisco experienced a tragic loss with the shooting and killing of Banko Brown, a young community organizer and transgender man, by a security guard outside of Walgreens at 825 Market Street. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
We believe, as Banko Brown’s shooting death illustrates yet again, when some of us are not safe, none of us are safe, and we openly oppose the erosion of the rights of transgender people, gun violence, and the continued criminalization and institutional punishment of Black and trans youth who have had their survival needs ignored.
At HealthRIGHT 360, we firmly believe that our work cannot be disconnected from community healing and social justice. We are committed to advocating for policies and programs that prioritize the safety, housing, health, dignity, and civil rights of transgender individuals and Black and trans youth. We will continue to work with community partners and policymakers to ensure that impacted communities have access to evidence-based resources to address their needs.
HealthRIGHT 360 stands in support of Banko Brown’s loved ones. In the spirit of transparency pertaining to Banko Brown’s shooting death, we ask that all evidence relevant to the investigation be shared with his family. We also urge the City to prioritize funding community-led, evidence-based solutions that affirm and support the safety, housing, and well-being of Black and trans youth.
About HealthRIGHT 360:
HealthRIGHT 360 is a non-profit provider of substance use disorder treatment, mental health services, and primary care to over 47,000 Californians annually, including more than 15,000 San Franciscans. HealthRIGHT 360 provides care that is compassionate, non-judgmental, and evidence-based. We provide services, regardless of one’s ability to pay; inspired by our belief that healthcare is a right, not a privilege. Learn more about HealthRIGHT 360 and our programs at http://www.healthright360.org
