On Saturday, dozens of people gathered at Little Rock AME Zion Church to mail 1,000 letters to Mexican authorities and The White House calling for answers regarding Shanquella Robinson’s death.
The letter campaign comes shortly after a December rally, also held at Little Rock AME Zion, and a January balloon release at her gravesite to celebrate what would have been Robinson’s 26th birthday.
Family members, friends, activists, and County Commissioner Pat Cotham prepared their letters in a small room inside the sanctuary.
Many participants wore bright pink clothing and sealed their letters in pink envelopes to honor Robinson.
After writing the letters inside the church, participants marched down the street to the post office to mail the letters. As they marched, participants chanted, “arrest the Cabo six,” “no justice, no peace,” and “say her name.”
After, participants put their letters in the mailbox and prayed that the letters would reach their destination.
Since her death, her family and local activists have made efforts to honor Robinson’s memory and seek more answers regarding the case.
Mario Black, director of Million Youth March of Charlotte and Salisbury, organized the letter-writing campaign.
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Robinson’s cousin Patrice McMurray said that the family wants justice, as it would help the healing process for everyone involved.
During a press conference, Robinson’s sister, Tequila “Quilla” Long, described what justice looks like for the family: “Everybody being arrested and doing time in Mexico,” she said. “That’ll be justice for us as of now.”
Robinson, 25, made national headlines after her death on October 29 at a resort in Cabo San Lucas. She traveled there with six other friends the day prior. Robinson died under mysterious circumstances. Mexican authorities issued an arrest warrant for a suspect in her death.
In interviews with other news outlets, Robinson’s family said those on the trip with her cited alcohol poisoning as the cause of Robinson’s death. An autopsy report listed the cause of death as “severe spinal cord injury and atlas dislocation” or upper vertebral instability.
Robinson’s father, Bernard Robinson, told QCity Metro that though he is still in mourning, he’s thankful for the continued support from people in Charlotte and around the world. “Justice is coming; I just don’t know when,” said Bernard Robinson.
So many people are praying with y’all even though we can’t be there and I’m one of them . I love the photo of y’all praying together around the mailboxes Prayer is Power !! #fightforquella