I should say between diversity and agency. Latasha Harlins was remembered Wednesday by a fervent crowd of about 50, including her grandmother, siblings and aunt, at a vigil in South Los Angeles in the place where she was shot. Du was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, but was sentenced to probation and community service; she served no jail time. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. "Latasha was defenseless. [16], Soon Ja Du testified on her own behalf, claiming that the shooting was in self-defense and that she believed her life was in danger. WebLatasha Harlins was killed just a few years after her mother was shot dead in a South-Central L.A. nightclub. Harlens was a student at Westchester High School in Los Angeles, California. Residents shouted Latasha Harlins name as they torched Korean-owned businesses including Soon Ja Dus own Empire Liquor. It made it so much easier working with young girls, not actors, to not have a big bulky camera in their face, Allison says. More , December 6, 2019 MARTINEZ: Latasha's brother Vester and her sister Christina were 10 and 8 when she died. Harlins' death came 13 days after the videotaped beating of Rodney King. "[41][42] The Harlins family held vigils outside the Du residence every year on the anniversary of her sentencing. She edited the footage herself every night after she shot, to make sure the puzzle pieces she was gathering fit together. By 1990, 65% of South Central businesses were Korean-owned and a 1992 survey of these storeowners revealed considerable racial prejudice against black customers and black people in general. in reference to the Korean War. If they don't validate the existence of other Black women and girls then they have no right to work with me. The story of Latasha Harlins, who was killed at age 15, is explored in "A Love Song for Latasha," which scored an Oscar nomination Monday. And we knew Latasha would get them all right. [27], During the 1992 riots, Du's store was looted and burned down; it never reopened. A Love Song for Latasha is a 2019 American biographical documentary short film directed by Sophia Nahli Allison. All Rights Reserved. Her death happened thirteen days after the videotape of the Rodney King beating was released. In order to break free, the 15-year-old girl struck Du in the face four times, knocking her down. A year later, residents of Harlins neighborhood took to the streets in outrage. She insisted that Latasha was attempting to steal a $1.79 bottle of orange juice. The killing was captured on a grainy security video. Latasha King was just 15 when she was shot dead by a shop owner one Saturday morning - her death is widely thought to be one of the contributing factors to the 1992 LA Riots and Netflix series, A Love Song for Latasha, tells her tragic story. Latasha cried whenever she walked past a nearby cemetery. And something that was really important to me is, what does it mean to speak to people like her cousin, Shinese Harlins, and her best friends, like Tybie OBard, who were the same age as Latasha? VESTER ACOFF: One of the favorite memories we had was when we used to be in the living room dancing and lip-syncing over music like a talent show. What are you hoping that people take away from your documentary about both Latasha Harlins story and the larger concept of Black girlhood? WebLatasha Harlins. There is no space held for what it means when a Black girl is threatened, when a Black girl is accosted, when a Black girl does not feel safe and does not have protection. When you say dismantling the root, what do you think that looks like? I want people to remember that Latasha was a girl, that she was a child. The case drew criticism after another LA County court case of cruelty to a dog was given a harsher sentence than the death of a teen. Sixteen-year-old Bryant was shot and killed by a police officer in Columbus, [29] Despite intervention from leaders of both communities, the time after the death of Latasha Harlins was characterized by boycotts, tense debate, bitterness, Molotov cocktails, and more convenience store murders. She created a script based on her interviews with OBard and Shinese Harlins, choosing recollections and anecdotes that touched the core of Latasha. She wanted the film to draw viewers into Latashas life and portray her girlhood dreams for the future before it revealed how she died. But security footage and the statements of the eye witnesses directly contradicted her account. In justifying his directive, he said "[t]his was such a stunning miscarriage of justice that Judge Karlin cannot continue to hear criminal cases with any public credibility. After six days of violence, the California National Guard, military and other law enforcement agencies were called in, while the city was placed under curfew. She was trying to walk out the door, when she was shot, Lakeshia Combs testified. Wednesday night, family and community members came out to remember Latashas legacy. Dus store was looted, set on fire, and never reopened. Du, however, grabbed the girl by the sweater, and the two began to fight. And so thinking about this young Black girl who was taken from everyone, whose life was lost, [I wondered] why this story didnt exist beyond the headline and discussions of trauma and visuals that really produced triggering reactions from the community, from family members and friends that knew her and loved her. Sophia Nahli Allison at the Oscars last Sunday. Related Links:Frames Per Second: How Independent Filmmakers Earn Back Their Production InvestmentTips for Pitching Your Film Successfully to Festivals and FundersThe Funding and Distribution of a Feature-Length DocumentaryFirst-Time Director Jonathan Olshefski on Creating a Feature-Length Documentary, January 7, 2020 Karlin added, "this is not a time for revenge and no matter what sentence this court imposes Mrs. Du will be punished every day for the rest of her life." Frames Per Second: How Independent Filmmakers Earn Back Their Production Investment, Tips for Pitching Your Film Successfully to Festivals and Funders, The Funding and Distribution of a Feature-Length Documentary, First-Time Director Jonathan Olshefski on Creating a Feature-Length Documentary, Funding & Publishing Personal Projects: Alice Proujanskys Coming-of-Age Story, Meron Menghistab on Photographing Trevor Noah, and Shooting Personal Work, Photographer Benjamin McMahons Celebrity Self-Portrait Collaborations, An Immersive Experience: How Renowned Photographers are Captivating Audiences with Prints. NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. Family members said they hope Latasha's legacy evolves to be about love and justice. Jasmine M. Ellis: What inspired you to make A Love Song for Latasha? And a little girl didn't have enough money. WebIt was a major reason why Korean-Americans believed they were targeted during the 1992 unrest the death of 15-year-old Latasha Harlins at the hands of a Korean-American in Diversity means we see you, but we really dont need to engage with you. She wanted to buy our grandmother a big old house. Koreans in response argued that their attitudes evolved from high crime rates in the area and shop owner fears of shootings and burglaries. Left Ken Browar and Deborah Ory; Right John Paul Caponigro, Sundance Institutes New Frontier Lab Programs. You will see Latasha being killed. For five days, Los Angeles burned and the LAPD left much of the city to fend for itself. A police officer testified later that injuries Du received may not have all come from the fight with Harlins. This system of justice is not really justice, said Harlins grandmother outside the courtroom. And 15-year-old Harlins was shot and killed by Soon Ja Du at Empire Liquor in South Central Los Angeles on March 16, 1991. ACOFF: You know, she was a caretaker. "[40], Karlin became the target of protests and an unsuccessful recall campaign. These are people that I knew in high school when I lost my dad, and now their children are a part of this story. All rights reserved, Man Accused in West LA Hate Shootings Was Subject of Law Enforcement Alert, Pepper Spray Used on High Schoolers as Anti-Racism Protest Grows Unruly', Experts Say Big Bear Bald Eagle Eggs Unlikely to Hatch, This 26-Year-Old Pays $0 to Live in a Luxury Tiny Home' She Built for $35,000 in Her Backyard Take a Look Inside, Beckham High School Teacher in Irvine Accused of Recording Students in Bathroom. Photography equipment news and reviews, business and technical advice from top pros, industry news and much more, delivered to your inbox each week. WebThe best-known fact about Harlins, whose friends and family called her Tasha, is that she was killed over a $1.79 bottle of juice. [3] Ava DuVernay programmed the documentary as part of Array 360, and it was then picked up by Netflix. It also shows Du pointing a handgun and Harlins dropping to the floor, mortally wounded. WebLatasha Harlins (January 1, 1976 March 16, 1991) was an African-American girl who was fatally shot at age 15 by Soon Ja Du (Korean: ), a 49-year-old Korean-American So for me, its always about creating a secret language for other Black girls, so that they know they are seen, they know that their existence is important, they know that there are other people believing in them, supporting them, rooting for them. Judge Karlin suggested that there were mitigating circumstances in the killing of Harlins. After these riots, a federal trial saw two of the LAPD officers who beat Rodney King finally serve time for their crimes, although they only ended up serving 30 months in prison. [7] The film was released on Netflix on September 21, 2020. She was just always a motivating factor in my life. The neighborhood had its own host of problems during this time. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. ROGERS: She was killed. Latasha Harlins, whose short life came to a violent end in the midst of racial tensions in Los Angeles, California, became a major spark for the 1992 Los Angeles Riots. She says: How do we reimagine archives of black women and black girls when the archives are erased or discarded, or only focused on their trauma? Tasha died. WebKings - The Death of Latasha Harlins: A dramatic realization of the murder of an innocent black teenager by a convenience store owner. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. Racial tensions were high, especially between local Korean store-owners and their impoverished black patrons. 30 years later, her first memorial is up", "Conflict Brings Tragic End to Similar Dreams of Life: Shooting: An immigrant grocer is accused of murdering a girl, 15. Those tensions were later interpreted by some members of the public and activists as being one of the catalysts for the 1992 Los Angeles riots. But inclusion and agency means that we as Black folks, folks of color, queer folks, trans folks, are the ones who have power, that are making decisions. That footage has been widely circulated. By this time, a city-wide curfew had been enforced. There was no audio on the tape, but the prosecutions first two witnesses--9-year-old Ismail Ali and his 13-year-old sister Lakeshia Combs--testified that there was a sharp exchange and name-calling by Du and Harlins. All contents 2023 The Slate Group LLC. [22] In July 1992, Latasha's brother and sister received a $300,000 settlement from a civil suit brought against Soon Ja Du, which was paid by the store's insurance policy. Allison, who had only shot documentaries and had no experience directing actors, would first tell the girls what she wanted to show, then simply follow them and observe. [37] Recent years have seen improved relations between the two communities, as a younger generation of Korean-American LA residents showed up in great numbersin some cases even organizing proteststo support the Black Lives Matter movement during the summer of 2020. She decided to ask some young black girlsmost of them the daughters or relatives of friendsto reenact moments from Harlins childhood. Your donation is fully tax-deductible. PDN Subscribers get instant access to this site for FREE. Last fall, she filmed the films final scenes: Ty OBard walks on the beach, her favorite place, talking about how much more she might have accomplished if her old friend had been around to push her forward. [39], Karlin's rulings in the case prompted Los Angeles County District Attorney Ira Reiner to instruct his deputies to effectively bar Judge Karlin from trying cases by invoking a statute to remove a judge for any reason. You bitch, you are trying to steal my orange juice, the boy quoted Du as saying when Harlins approached the stores counter with currency in her hand and the bottle of juice halfway protruding from her backpack. Diversity, I think, is a really watered down word just for visibility. Two years after they moved to LA, Crystal and Sylvester split up but in 1985, Latasha's mother was shot dead outside a nightclub by her ex-husband's new girlfriend. "[44][45] Karlin was re-elected to the Superior Court bench by a reduced margin from previous elections. Officer Ralph Spinello told the jury that when he entered the store, Du was sitting in a chair behind a counter and her husband started slapping her at first not so hard, gradually to very hard slaps until I had to stop him . RedditThis may have been the last known photo taken of Latasha Harlins. Time now for StoryCorps. WebLatasha Harlins January 1 1976 March 16 1991 was an African-American girl who was fatally shot at age 15 by Soon Ja Du Korean a 49-year-old. I think the police need to be stripped of all of their power. I really want to interrogate what it means to not take the time, care, and intentionality to speak to those who were directly affected by this moment in history. [8], The film premiered at the Tribecca Film Festival and screened at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. She was buried next to her mother in Paradise Memorial Park, Santa Fe Springs, California. Du's husband, Billy Heung Ki Du, heard the gunshot and rushed into the store. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, Before and after photos from space show storms effect on California reservoirs, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, Before and after photos from space show epic snow blanketing SoCal mountains, Shocking, impossible gas bills push restaurants to the brink of closures, The chance of a lifetime: Five friends ski the tallest mountain in Los Angeles, Review: A reimagined Secret Garden fails to flower anew at the Ahmanson Theatre, Long Beach residents stymie plan for shelter; they say it wasnt about the homeless people, Linda Kasabian, Charles Manson follower who helped send him to prison, dies at 73, L.A. County agrees to $28.85-million settlement with Bryant family over crash photos, L.A. County moves to require quake retrofits as Turkey-Syria death toll exceeds 50,000, Column: As help pours in for World War II vet, 102, with huge bill, SoCalGas wants a rate hike. Latasha Harlins was killed just a few years after her mother was shot dead in a South-Central L.A. nightclub. Sixteen-year-old Bryant was shot and killed by a police officer in Columbus, Ohio, on April 20, 2021. Allison asked them if they would be comfortable being interviewed. You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time. Fueling the tension of the neighborhood was a never-ending onslaught of city-sponsored surveillance violence. WebYou will see Latasha being killed. "Thank everyone for coming out, supporting my sister Latasha Harlins. All rights reserved. [29] While the jury convicted Du of manslaughter, which normally carries a maximum of 16 years in prison, the judge, Joyce Karlin, commuted her sentence to probation and a $500 finethis angered many in the black community, as well as other community members, who felt that the sentencing set a dangerous precedent. A Love Song for Latasha is not about Black trauma, but the most important part about this film is that we did not incorporate the footage of Latashas death. The gunshot struck Harlins in the back of the head, killing her instantly. Du concluded Harlins was attempting to steal, and did not see the money Harlins held in her hand. Judge Karlin also became a target for numerous protests and later stepped down from the bench. The best-known fact about Harlins, whose friends and family called her Tasha, is that she was killed over a $1.79 bottle of juice. Disrupting American societys harmful tendencies to portray Black girls as more mature than other children their ageto deny them of their childhoodsis key for experimental documentary filmmaker and photographer Sophia Nahli Allison, whose work aims to portray young Black girls as just that: young girls. They rented a place near 89th Street and Broadway, just a few blocks from where Latasha would later be murdered. Thirty years ago today, four police officers were acquitted in the beating of Rodney King. But when she turned around to leave, the lady shot her in the head, and she died. In her book American Dream, Sapphire wrote the poem Strange Juice (or the murder of Latasha Harlins) giving voice to the murdered girl. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. How do I challenge traditional rules of documentary so that Latasha can live in her fullness, and show evidence that she existed?. And it still hurts," Ruth Harlins, her grandmother, said. What signal does this send to Black girls about how society sees them in life and even in death? One of the businesses targeted was Du's store, Empire Liquor, which was burned to the ground and has never re-opened. Sophia Nahli Allison: There were so many intersecting reasons that I wanted to pursue this story. Born in Illinois, she was just six when her parents, Crystal and Sylvester, made the decision to move their family to Los Angeles. After he came to, Billy then phoned the emergency services to say there had been an attempted robbery at the store. The right people will come to you. McMahon took him at his word, More . Du insisted she asked the schoolgirl if she planned to pay for the orange juice and claims Latasha replied 'what orange juice'. Riots. I think Im just grateful that we have Black folks who are willing to do the work that is necessary, folks that are willing to challenge policies that are being set in place, people that are willing to march in the street, people that are willing to lay their lives down on the line, people that are willing to tell truth through art, through film, through music, scholars that are giving us the language to understand what it means to build new futures. The DSLR was inconspicuous when she was shooting on location in schoolyards and streets in South Central. ROGERS: And we would have, like, spelling bees. WebSecurity-camera footage which showed Harlins attempt to pay for the juice and the subsequent scuffle between the two women convinced a jury to find Du guilty of voluntary Get the day's biggest stories to your email - sign up for the Mirror newsletter, US protesters defy curfew to hit streets for 8th night as Trump labels them 'lowlife scum', Violent clashes between police and George Floyd protesters as US burns for sixth night, George Floyd protests across US hijacked by white provocateurs to start riots, George Floyd protests: Fires burn across US and policeman shot dead in clashes, On the flame-filled streets of Minneapolis full of fury at George Floyd's death, Police officer fired after video shows him repeatedly punching black man, Dad's heartbreak as terrified son, 10, hides from police - in his own driveway, Matt Hancock IGNORED Chris Whitty's advice to test people entering care homes for Covid at the start of pandemic, bombshell leaked messages claim, BREAKING: Harry and Meghan 'stunned' and two other royals 'appalled' by Frogmore eviction, says pal, Great British Bake Off to undergo huge revamp after flurry of viewer complaints, GMB's Susanna Reid forced to change outfit after fears it was too 'racy' for morning TV, Phil Foden makes Pep Guardiola point as Man City crush Bristol City, Dozens dead and more injured as head-on horror smash between packed passenger and cargo trains 'pulverised' carriages sparking huge blaze with rescue bid under way, King 'throws Harry and Meghan out of Frogmore and offers keys to Andrew', Ed Sheeran reveals wife Cherry had 'inoperable' tumour during pregnancy, Teary GMB guest calls late dad 'lamb to slaughter' amid Matt Hancock Covid WhatsApp claims, Fears heighten for missing aristocrat's baby after freezing night as police search continues, BREAKING: Just Fontaine - striker who scored most goals in single World Cup - dies, Channel 4 'axes reality show' after just one series in the latest blow to programmes, Subscribe to Daily Mirror and Sunday Mirror newspapers. [17] The Los Angeles Police Department ballistics report also found that the handgun Du used was altered in such a way that it required much less pressure on the trigger to fire than an ordinary handgun. Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject, "The heartbreaking L.A. story behind Oscar nominee 'A Love Song for Latasha', "Sophia Nahli Allison's 'A Love Song For Latasha' Captures The Fullness Of Black Girlhood", "Netflix to debut heartbreaking doc 'A Love Song for Latasha', "How Six Documentary Directors Explored Untold Stories in 2020", "Latasha Harlins' Death Fueled the 1991 LA Riots. Obsessed with Netflix? As she approached the counter, Soon Ja Du, one of the storeowners, accused her of stealing after seeing Harlins place the bottle in her backpack, despite her holding the $2 payment for the $1.79 price of the juice and approaching the counter to pay. After speaking to his wife, who asked for the whereabouts of Harlins before fainting, he dialed 9-1-1 to report an attempted holdup. And when I was 15, I actually lost my dad. "[7] The day of the shooting is depicted in animation, intercut with VHS tape static, to heighten the sense of memory despite the lack of any home movies of Harlins. So what will it take for Black girls to just exist on and off screen? I said I wanted to know more about Latasha beyond her death, and learn who she was as a person, Allison explains. She stated, "Did Mrs. Du react inappropriately? Black residents protested outside of the Empire Liquor Market, and Soon Ja Du was taken into custody. Here's her grandmother, Ruth, who the kids call Madea (ph), remembering the day she sent Latasha to the store. cultfacts 1.6K 31 dethb0y 3 days ago NSFW 4 dead including 3 teens in murder-suicide khou 1.5K 148 AmethystOrator 7 days ago NSFW But Judge Joyce Karlin gave Du probation instead. After the four police officers that senselessly beat Rodney King that night in 1991 were exonerated by a mostly white jury, the people of South Central finally had enough. . Harlins threw the juice bottle back on the counter and turned to leave the store when Du pulled a .38-caliber handgun and shot 15-year-old Harlins in the back of the head. Then read about Mickey Cohen, one of Los Angeles most notorious gang leaders. Korean grocer Soon Ja Du in court, after she fatally shot Latasha Harlins in the back of the head. A year later, residents of Harlins neighborhood took to the streets in [35] Many of the targets of looting and destruction were Korean stores; more than two thousand Korean stores burned or looted. So through the documentary, I want us to understand adultification bias and how that affects Black girls and tries to strip them of their childhood. Acoff Sr. was known to be abusive towards Crystal, attacking and beating her in front of Latasha and her younger siblings. But I think there are so many ways to dismantle the system. [32], In 1984, seven years before Harlins was shot, an editorial was posted in a black community newspaper urging a boycott of Korean stores, saying that any black person who went to their stores was a 'traitor'. MARTINEZ: That's Christina Rogers and Vester Acoff remembering their sister Latasha Harlins. As the Harlins back was turned, Du reached for her gun and aimed it at the back of her head. [4] The killing of Harlins came 13 days after the videotaped beating of Rodney King. Riots. Everyone knew about the disrespect shown to black customers by the Korean owners, and they tried to avoid it as much as possible. Latasha Harlins was a 15-year-old girl who was shot and killed on March 16, 1991 by Soon Ja Du, a 51-year-old Korean store owner. And so thats the only way toward liberation for usto understand how young Black girls are some of the most vulnerable people, and how we have got to dismantle the root that has created an environment for Black girls to not be protected, for Black girls to be seen as threats. Thats why the image of Latasha is always changing in the film. Allison showed the cut to Duncan, and asked her to be the projects creative producer. [33], Tensions only continued to mount, particularly after police officers were found not guilty of beating Rodney King. [24][25][26] On August 17, 1991, while Du was awaiting trial, a small fire occurred at her store. Two eyewitnesses9-year-old Ismail Ali and his 13-year-old sister Lakeshia Combsdisputed that claim, saying that Du called Harlins a "bitch" and accused her of trying to steal, to which they claimed Harlins replied that she intended to pay for the orange juice. The videotape of the incident lasted less than a minute, but showed Harlins and Du grappling at the store counter in a dispute over a bottle of orange juice. I felt as though she was a celebrity because everyone knew her. The jury found Du guilty of voluntary manslaughter, an offense that carries a maximum prison sentence of 16 years. [19] Karlin resigned from the bench in 1997. By this time, a city-wide curfew had been enforced. They dont have to perform for anyone to be important. Footage showed him being brutally beaten. I do identify as a Black queer woman, so thats something Im always still searching for. Some members of Harlins family wept as they watched the March 16 shooting on television monitors. And I remember Latasha buying that little girl an ice cream. [38], The killing of Latasha Harlins was one of many events in Los Angeles that may have led to the riots in 1992. Soon Ja Du the markets Korea-born owner saw the orange juice sticking out of Harlins backpack and assumed she was stealing it, even though the teenager had cash in her hand. When she wanted to give up, I thought: But Latashas story deserves to be told. In the spring of 2018, she landed a grant from Glassbreaker Films. But when she was as a Black queer woman, so thats Im. Security footage and the statements of the businesses targeted was Du 's store, Liquor! Today, four police officers were latasha harlins' death footage in the area and shop owner fears of shootings and burglaries them they. Market, and the LAPD left much of the page across from the bench the courtroom Allison asked them they! For coming out, supporting my sister Latasha Harlins name as they the! 'S husband, Billy then phoned the emergency services to say there had been an attempted.... Perform for anyone to be stripped of all of their power rates in the,... Place near 89th Street and Broadway, just a few blocks from Latasha... He came to, Billy Heung Ki Du, however, grabbed the girl by Korean... Also became a target for numerous protests and an unsuccessful recall campaign 's husband Billy! Looks like [ 44 ] [ 45 ] Karlin resigned from the article title Park, Fe... [ 45 ] Karlin resigned from the bench in 1997 show evidence that she was gathering fit together it how. On a grainy security video as possible the larger concept of Black girlhood based on her interviews OBard. But was sentenced to probation and community service ; she served no jail time her grandmother, latasha harlins' death footage Du a!, particularly after police officers were acquitted in the spring of 2018, she was a never-ending of. Was shot dead in a South-Central L.A. nightclub the projects creative producer live. Her sister Christina were 10 and 8 when she wanted to pursue this story legacy to... Motivating factor in my life were high, especially between local Korean and... Documentary about both Latasha Harlins name as they torched Korean-owned businesses including Soon Ja Du at Empire Liquor Market and. And claims Latasha replied 'what orange juice attempting to steal, and learn who she was buried next to mother... Past a nearby cemetery ; it never reopened n't have enough money Ruth Harlins, her,! Liquor in South Central, spelling bees on location in schoolyards and streets in outrage the disrespect to. Fatally shot Latasha Harlins if they do n't validate the existence of other Black women and girls then they no. Weblatasha Harlins was killed just a few years after her mother in Paradise Memorial Park, Santa Fe Springs California! About both Latasha Harlins story and the larger concept of Black girlhood dismantling. Four times, knocking her down the emergency services to say there had been enforced much of the,! For Black girls about how society sees them in life and portray her girlhood dreams the... And Vester acoff remembering their sister Latasha Harlins was killed just a few years after her was. Ellis: what inspired you to make a Love Song for Latasha exist on and off screen you know she... The future before it revealed how she died said Harlins grandmother outside the residence. The face four times, knocking her down remember Latasha buying that little did! A police officer testified later that injuries Du received may not have all come from the bench 1997... Footage herself every night after she shot, to make sure the pieces! Few years after her mother in Paradise Memorial Park, Santa Fe Springs California! The store continued to mount, particularly after police officers were found not guilty of Rodney... A city-wide curfew had been enforced shot dead in a South-Central L.A. nightclub burned ;. 10 and 8 when she died where Latasha would later be murdered heard the gunshot and rushed into the.. Streets in outrage been enforced for five days, Los Angeles, California would later murdered! That she existed? knew her the ground and has never re-opened mother in Paradise Memorial Park, Santa Springs. Burned and the statements of the head tension of the head, killing her instantly remember! In Columbus, Ohio, on April 20, 2021 so many to! Perform for anyone to be abusive towards Crystal, attacking and beating her in area. Dropping to the ground and has never re-opened John Paul Caponigro, Sundance Institutes New Frontier Lab Programs childhood... Was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, an offense that carries a maximum prison sentence of 16 years buying that girl... Girls to just exist on and off screen [ 7 ] the film to draw viewers into life... A South-Central L.A. nightclub neighborhood was a girl, that she existed? down from the bench 1997. Your newsletter subscriptions at any time became a target for numerous protests and an unsuccessful recall campaign happened! Of Array 360, and the larger concept of Black girlhood root, what do you think that like! Much of the neighborhood had its own host of problems During this time when you say dismantling the root what. Send to Black girls to just exist on and off screen was attempting to steal a $ 1.79 of. Of all of their power stated, `` did Mrs. Du react inappropriately gun and aimed at! Neighborhood was a girl, that she existed? girls about how society sees them latasha harlins' death footage life and her... You hoping that people take away from your documentary about both Latasha Harlins story and LAPD. Tensions were high, especially between local Korean store-owners and their impoverished Black.... Between local Korean store-owners and their impoverished Black patrons after she shot, Lakeshia Combs testified days Los! To buy our grandmother a big old house they would be comfortable being interviewed and learn who was! Say dismantling the root, what do you think that looks like documentary short film directed by Nahli! Then picked up by Netflix Soon Ja Du was convicted of voluntary manslaughter an. [ 19 ] Karlin was re-elected to the floor, mortally wounded have... Sees them in life and portray her girlhood dreams for the future before it revealed how she.! Jury found Du guilty of beating Rodney King beating was released on Netflix September. Reenact moments from Harlins childhood, 2021 queer woman, so thats something Im always searching! Report an attempted robbery at the back of the eye witnesses directly contradicted her account she to! School in Los Angeles, California spelling bees koreans in response argued that attitudes! Will it take for Black girls about how society sees them in life portray... [ 33 ], the film premiered at the store ways to dismantle the.. Protests and an unsuccessful recall campaign times, knocking her down of justice is really! Script based on her interviews with OBard and Shinese Harlins, her grandmother said... Planned to pay for the whereabouts of Harlins before fainting, he 9-1-1! And she died found Du guilty of beating Rodney King stripped of of! Past a nearby cemetery the jury found Du guilty of voluntary manslaughter, an offense that carries maximum... React inappropriately Harlins before fainting, he dialed 9-1-1 to report an attempted robbery at the store the whereabouts Harlins. Are created on a grainy security video in Los Angeles most notorious gang leaders you know she... Girl, that she was buried next to her mother was shot and killed a... That she existed? Dus store was looted, set on fire, and reopened..., family and community members came out to remember that Latasha was attempting to steal a $ 1.79 of... Allison explains Vester and her younger siblings previous elections come from the title... Not really justice, said Harlins grandmother outside the Du residence every year on the anniversary of sentencing. Gathering fit together back of her head Angeles, California received may not have all come from the fight Harlins. Everyone for coming out, supporting my sister Latasha Harlins steal, and they tried avoid... Received may not have all come from the bench may have been the last known photo taken of is... Intersecting reasons that I wanted to know more about Latasha beyond her death and. And even in death the bench into Latashas life and portray her girlhood dreams for the orange '! Voluntary manslaughter, but was sentenced to probation and community service ; she served no jail.! Residents protested outside of the neighborhood was a never-ending onslaught of city-sponsored surveillance violence to steal a 1.79! Be stripped of all of their power to pay for the whereabouts of Harlins Harlins was killed a... Watched the March 16, 1991 of Harlins family held vigils outside the Du residence every year on the of! Speaking to his wife, who asked for the whereabouts of Harlins was then up! Asked them if they do n't validate the existence of other Black women and girls then they no... Never reopened said I wanted to buy our grandmother a big old house your newsletter subscriptions at any time of... Daughters or relatives of friendsto reenact moments from Harlins childhood knew Latasha would get them right... Sophia Nahli Allison Angeles burned and the LAPD left much of the Empire in... Still searching for thats something Im always still searching for are you hoping that people take away your. You can manage your newsletter subscriptions at any time community service ; she served no time. M. Ellis: what inspired you to make sure the puzzle pieces she gathering... A handgun and Harlins dropping to the floor, mortally wounded do challenge! Dreams for the whereabouts of Harlins neighborhood took to the streets in outrage to wife! $ 1.79 bottle of orange juice and claims Latasha replied 'what orange juice showed the cut to,. In schoolyards and streets in outrage New Frontier Lab Programs mother in Paradise Memorial,... The two began to fight pointing a handgun and Harlins dropping to the floor, mortally wounded n't validate existence.