PAC sets deadline for Morris evidence
The city’s Police Advisory Commission has issued a public appeal for any additional evidence related to the Nizah Morris incident before it wraps up investigation of the matter.
The deadline for submitting any additional evidence is April 1.
Morris was a transgender woman found with a fatal head wound in December 2002, shortly after receiving a courtesy ride from Philadelphia police. She died two days later, on Dec. 24, 2002.
The homicide remains unsolved, and the PAC is investigating possible police misconduct.
The members who will write the PAC’s final Morris report include Ronda B. Goldfein, Chuck Volz and James C. Crumlish 3rd.
After the meeting, Crumlish expressed hope that the report, and accompanying recommendations, will help bring closure for those interested in justice for Morris.
Submissions of evidence may be sent to the PAC office at 990 Spring Garden St., Seventh Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19123, or emailed to [email protected].
— Tim Cwiek
Mazzoni ‘opens’ up with new legal director
Mazzoni Center Legal Services will host its annual “Open Bar” from 5:30-7 p.m. March 6 at Opa, 1311 Sansom St.
The fundraising event will allow guests to mix and mingle with legal director David Rosenblum, who took the helm of the department last year. Rosenblum will give a brief presentation detailing the department’s key victories and highlights in the last year.
“As we are growing in visibility within the LGBT and the legal communities, we are also building our capacity and expanding our vision of what the department can provide for the community,” Rosenblum said.
The organization will also present City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown with the Mazzoni Center Justice in Action Award for her work on behalf of the LGBT community. Reynolds Brown was the first elected official in the city to create an “It Gets Better” video and last year spearheaded the successful measure to require some city contractors to extend benefits to the same-sex partners of employees.
“Her work has advanced the cause of civil rights and nondiscrimination in the city of Philadelphia and sent an important message about fairness and equity under the law,” said Mazzoni Center executive director Nurit Shein.
Tickets to the event are $50, $25 for professionals under 30 and “pay what you can” for law students. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance at www.mazzonicenter.org.
Soulforce sets off from Philly
The 2012 Soulforce Equality Ride will head out of Philadelphia March 4, and the night before the community is invited to celebrate the sendoff from 7-10:30 p.m. at the William Way LGBT Community Center, 1315 Spruce St.
The event will feature DJs, food, drinks and a silent auction, as well as presentations honoring the history and mission of the ride. Now in its fifth year, the Equality Ride visits colleges across the nation that have anti-LGBT policies to raise awareness about the community.
This year’s ride has a particular Philadelphia connection: Of the 17 riders, both co-directors, J. Mason and Jason Conner, are Philadelphians, as are four other riders — Crystal Cheatham, Ovid Amorson, Ibrahim Vicks and Christian Parks.
The suggested admission fee is $40, and space is limited. Tickets can be purchased at www.equalityride.eventbrite.com.
— Jen Colletta