Oluwatoyin "Toyin” Salau The Force to be Reckoned With

Thurgood Marshall Pre-Law Society would like to dedicate today's post to mourn the life of Oluwatoyin Salau, also known as “Toyin.” Toyin was a 19 year old Black Lives Matter Activist, writer, protestor, and an avid advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. From Talhasse, FL Toyin was no amateur to the activist scene. She was known to speak up for injustices whether being for herself or for her community. Toyin over the past few days had been actively protesting in Black Lives Matter demonstrations by reciting the names of the numerous amounts of black people who had been killed at the hands of the police including Tony McDade of Tallahassee and George Floyd of Minneapolis. Toyin appeared on several videos of the protests in the state's capital where she stated "I don't want their names gone in vain”.

Unfortunately Toyin had the sad fate of being a victim of sexual abuse and later murder. While fleeing from her abuse home she had no choice but to seek refuge somewhere else. While doing so Toyin came out about her past abuse while also trusting her life to someone who in turn sexually assaulted her. With enough courage Toyin spoke out about the actions of her assailant on a Twitter thread on June 6th.

She was reported missing soon after. On Saturday June 13th the Tallahassee police found the bodies of Toyin as well as 75-year-old Victoria Sims, an AARP volunteer. Their deaths are being investigated as homicides. Currently in custody is 49-year-old Aaron Glee Jr who was arrested on battery charges previously.

Toyins disappearance and untimely death calls for further attention on the larger pattern of violence against Black womxn especially trans women. Why have Black womxn become an “afterthought” in the movement? Why haven't the lives of Breonna Taylor, Riah Milton, Dominique “Rem’mie” Fells, Nina Pop, Monika Diamond and many more been properly dealt with? Our system has failed the black community. What is even more disheartening is the fact that the Black Lives Matter Movement's origins and soul came from the brains of 3 Black womxn. When will it end? When will the words ALL BLACK LIVES MATTER MEAN ALL BLACK LIVES? We must not stop the advocacy until every black person is included.

A recent highschool graduate, Toyin put her last remaining moments on earth dedicating herself towards a bigger movement, one that shows inclusivity to all black folk especially trans women who are put to the sidelines. Her passion and dedication did not go unnoticed and WILL NOT go unnoticed. Rest easy Toyin as we say your name. (2001-2020)

#SAY HER NAME.

#SAY THEIR NAMES

#BLACK LIVES MATTER

#BLACK WOMXN LIVES MATTER

#BLACK TRANS LIVES MATTER