Newark Rally Marks Teen Lesbian's Death

May 12, 2004

Sakia Gunn is not forgotten. Tuesday night close to 200 people held a vigil at the spot where the 15-year-old lesbian was brutally stabbed one year ago. Earlier in the day, schools throughout the city held a minute of silence in memory of the teen.

Gunn, was stabbed in the chest in the early hours of May 11, 2003 at a bus stop at Newark's busiest intersection.

Gunn had just disembarked a commuter train from a weekend party in Manhattan. As she stood at the bus stop with a group of friends a vehicle pulled up in front of them and a man attempted to pick up Sakia and another girl. When the girls said they weren't interested because they were lesbians, a scuffle broke out and the man stabbed Sakia in the chest. She died a short while later at University Hospital.

Richard McCullough, 29, of Newark, was charged with Gunn's murder and with bias intimidation. He has pleaded not guilty and is in Essex County Jail awaiting trial.

Tuesday night's vigil included the reading of a proclamation from New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey declaring May 11, 2004 No Name Calling Day. The proclamation was read by Laquetta Nelson, founder of the Newark Pride Alliance.

Sakia gave her life so that we could say to the people of Newark that it is no longer acceptable to call us names because it hurts, Nelson said.

If you have gay family or friends, go to them; tell them you know who they are and that you love them with all your heart, Nelson said. Set them free. Set them free.

Candles, roses and handwritten inscriptions in black marker adorned the spot Tuesday night where she was killed. We miss you Kia, read one inscription. Another read, see u over the rainbow.