To know her was to love her is a common refrain from friends and colleagues across social media in reaction to the passing of Koko Da Doll, 35, also known by her chosen name Rasheeda Williams—a prominent figure in the Black LGBTQ community and the latest victim of gun violence in Atlanta that has claimed the lives of at least three transgender women in recent weeks.
According to a report from The Atlanta Police Department, Williams was fatally shot in the Southwest area of Atlanta on April 18. APD confirmed a call was received around 10:42 pm alerting them of a victim with a gunshot wound at the Holmes Shopping Plaza on Martin Luther King Jr. Drive.
“She was not alert, conscious or breathing and pronounced deceased on the scene by Atlanta Fire Rescue Department,” police said in a statement.
Williams is a principal cast member in the upcoming documentary “Kokomo City.” The documentary premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in January to critical acclaim and is the feature directorial debut of Grammy-nominated producer, singer, and songwriter D. Smith. “Kokomo City” chronicles the lives of four Black trans sex workers in Atlanta and New York City as they navigate the challenges of existing as trans in the Black community and the persistent threat of violence they encounter daily.
Smith provided a statement on Williams’ death to Deadline.
“I created Kokomo City because I wanted to show the fun, humanized, natural side of Black trans women,” she said. “I wanted to create images that didn’t show the trauma or the statistics of murder of transgender lives. I wanted to create something fresh and inspiring. I did that. We did that! But here we are again. It’s extremely difficult to process Koko’s passing, but as a team, we are more encouraged now than ever to inspire the world with her story. To show how beautiful and full of life she was. She will inspire generations to come and will never be forgotten.”
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“Never thought I’d lose you, but here I am, standing alone without you by my side. We’re sisters for life, we promised, but now you’re gone. I don’t know what to do without you. I’m going crazy, I’m trying to hold on to keep strong, but it just doesn’t feel right. I’m waiting here, my arms wide open, tears running down my face, ready for you to return even if it takes forever, my sister. I will truly miss you, sis.”
Tributes across social media began pouring in as news spread about Wiliiams’ tragic and untimely death.
Alexandra Grey
Actress
“The recent death of my sweet sister Koko is nothing short of a tragedy. I, as a black transgender woman myself, am terrified for us. We are in crisis! We need everyone to bring awareness to the ongoing violence against the trans community, specifically Black trans women. Koko was recently celebrated at one of the largest film festivals in the world, and her life was taken so viciously just because she was trans? This is horrifying! I ask that every ally join us and spread the word and let’s figure out how to change this.”
Elegance Bratton
Director, Screenwriter
“I met Koko at this year’s Sundance Film Festival after the premiere of D Smith’s incredible documentary “Kokomo City.” This film is a love letter to Black trans women and doesn’t shy away from the threats they face. What struck me most about Koko was her honesty. She spoke so plainly about her path to the life and how it changed her ability to give and receive love. We spoke for hours at the party. I really felt her spirit. She was a sweet, kind woman who had to wear a tough exterior to protect herself in a wildly risky world. I assured her that her appearance in Kokomo City would change her life. I’m gutted that she was killed so violently and so suddenly. Koko, you did it, girl! You offered your spirit to make it better for girls like you. I respect you so much! Rest in peace. There is no way this crime happened in a vacuum. I hope the witnesses tell the truth so that her killer will be prosecuted.”
Chanel Hudson-O’Connor
Publicist & TV Producer
“It saddens my heart to see yet another beautiful trans woman of color taken out of this world by such a violent act. Although I am saddened, I am more angered than not. Less than two weeks ago, Ashley Burton, another trans woman of color, was shot to death and found in the breezeway of her apartment in southwest Atlanta. The untimely murders of both Koko Da Doll and Ashley Burton add to a vicious cycle that continues to rear its ugly head in the trans community. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to both families as they mourn the sudden loss of these beautiful souls.”
Friends have created a Go Fund Me to assist Williams’ family with burial costs. At the time of publishing, $10,391 towards the $15,000 goal has been raised.
Williams’ murder occurred days after the murder of Ashley Burton, 37, on April 11. Burton, a hair stylist also identified as trans, was fatally shot at City Park Apartments on Fairburn Road in Atlanta. Authorities discovered Burton’s body in an adjacent breezeway to her apartment. Details on a third murder of a Latina transgender woman in Atlanta are yet to be released.
In a statement, APD assured the public they were taking the recent violence against transgender citizens seriously.
“…we want you to know violent crimes are our top priority and our investigators are working hard on each case. We have some of the best investigators in the business and we are confident in their abilities,” APD said. “We are committed to identifying everyone involved in these incidents and bringing those to justice. The APD’s LGBTQ+ Liaison is aware and closely monitoring these investigations. We will continue working with the Mayor’s Division of LGTBQ+ Affairs and community advocates on these cases, and overall engagement with the LGTBQ+ community.”
GLAAD is working closely with Atlanta journalists to ensure coverage of transgender people and victims of violence is covered accurately and with respect. Williams should be alive today. All transgender people deserve to live in safety and acceptance, beloved by their families, communities, and able to contribute to a world where all are more free.