Desmond Franklin's 24th Birthday Celebration.

On April 9th of 2020, 23-year-old Desmond Franklin was murdered by off-duty officer Jose Garcia. It's been a long journey since that day

Desmond Franklin was murder on April of 2020 by an off duty officer.

for the Franklin family and the communities of Cleveland. The death of Desmond Franklin marks one of many fatal police-involved shootings that have occurred since the U.S. Department of Justice introduced a federal court agreement to reform the police department, following years of documented unconstitutional police practices. But these actions are still occurring in far too many states. Recently, we’ve seen deaths, like George Floyd's and Breonna Taylor's, at the hands of bad officers who have disgraced the badge they honor.

Now, a year after Desmond’s death, officer Jose Garcia is still out patrolling the streets of Cleveland. Police Chief Calvin Williams released a statement in which he said officer Garcia violated no policies, rules, or regulations when he shot Desmond Franklin in April 2020. Franklin’s father, Emmanuel Franklin, mentions that he was “overwhelmed” by Chief Williams’ decision. Franklin hoped Garcia would be fired or prosecuted for his actions.

Friday, July 30th 2021, Desmond Franklin would’ve been turning 24 years old. This year, instead of a surprise party or a cake, the Franklin family can only place flowers on a grave and sing Happy Birthday to a headstone. “I’m still trying to heal from my son’s murder every day,” Mr. Franklin said.

To commemorate and celebrate the 24th birthday of Desmond Franklin, The Desmond Franklin Foundation hosted a back-to-school supplies giveaway for Cleveland families. “Giving back to our community is the best way to celebrate,” said Mr. Franklin. Organizations like Black Lives Matter Cleveland and other community organizers came together to support the Franklin family. Together, everybody sang Happy Birthday to Desmond one more time.

Desmond Franklin should've been celebrating his 24th birthday today with family, friends, and other loved ones. The actions of a corrupt and racist officer prevented that from happening. “These are people’s lives you are taking away... young people who don’t even have the chance to live their lives to the fullest yet,” Mr. Franklin said.

The back-to-school supplies giveaway event to celebrate Desmond’s Birthday was a total success. The Desmond Franklin Foundation, united with the Cleveland community, and were able to provide more than 70 children with school supplies to begin the school year. Protesters and community organizers from all backgrounds came together to support the Franklin family and to speak to the community about the corruption in the Cleveland Police Department.

The Franklin family is asking the Cleveland Police Department for justice. Off-duty officer Jose Garcia is still patrolling the streets of Cleveland like nothing happened on April 9th, 2020. “This system cannot be reformed, it must be reborn, so we can see just and truth” - Mr. Franklin said.

Call Cleveland Police Department Second District at 216-623-5200 and ask them to prosecute officer Garcia. “Desmond Franklin deserves justice. Justice is only one call away. Call every day, every hour, or tweet to Cleveland Police demanding justice for Desmond Franklin” - Black Lives Matter Cleveland Organizer.

The fight for justice is not over yet, but as of right now, coming together as a community is what will bring justice and freedom for all. There has been no justice for Desmond yet, but that day is coming, thanks to the dedication and persistence of freedom fighters and their pursuit of justice for all. Until then, here is a Happy 24th Birthday to you!!!

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Editor: Jolie Townsend-Moyer