By Celeste M. Hart, Freelance Reporter
Charlotte, NC—-Little Rock African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, historically for 138 years, known as the gathering place for Blacks seeking justice, transparency, and consolation. Again, the community gathered, last Saturday, December 10th, in honor of Shanquella Robinson, 25, well known as ‘Quell.’ On a ‘friends ‘vacation to celebrate the Day of the Dead, October 29, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Quell was killed. Initial reports and the friends stated she suffered from alcohol poisoning. Autopsy report stated the cause of death as severe spinal cord injury and atlas luxation. Videos posted on social media showed ‘friends’ beating Quell and of her searching for them just prior to the attack.
“It’s my friends for me. Where y’all at?” said Quell, laughing, as she walked through the villa’s rooms.
Those friends, now known as the Cabo SIX, include, Daejhanae Jackson, seen in video plummeting Quell, Wenter Donavan, Alysse Hyatt, Malik Dryer, Khalil Cooke and Nazeer Wiggins, all left Quell’s body, immediately returned to the U.S.
Quell left a legacy in Charlotte, worldwide and on social media according to tributes spoken by her family members, official dignitaries, social organzations’ representatives, former classmates and clergy members. The rallly, hosted by the Million Youth March of Charlotte & Salisbury, included members of organizations, such as, Mothers of Murdered Offspring, John C. Barnetts’s T.H.U.G, Mother to Mother, Beauty After The Bars, and the Nation of Islam.
“We gathered today for one purpose and one purpose only, and that’s justice for Shanquella. Shanquella’s life wasn’t in vain. Justice will prevail,” said Minister Quovella Wilson, while the attendees responded, ‘Justice for Shanquella.’
Erica Bryant, reporter for WSOC-TV, said the station’s employees will help seek justice.
“I can promise you that, myself and my colleagues at Channel Nine will work tirelessly to try to find answers about what happened to your baby and someone is held accountable. Our station has assigned investigative reporter, Joe Bruno, to TV Network, Telemundo Charlotte and he will go until no stone is unturned,” said Bryant.
A family member said contrary to social media accounts, no one has been detained or arrested and the family is amazed at ‘all of the viral lies posted. John C. Barnett, founder, T.H.U.G., True Healing Under God, expressed skeptism in the investigation.
“I’m impatient. I heard the FBI is working on the case. I’m kinda leery about that. I love em, but they were the ones who watched Dr. King, Malcolm X, Nippy Russell, also watched Tupac Shakur. We’re gonna watch the FBI, we’re gonna stay on the FBI, make sure they don’t get lazy,” said Barnette.
Saundra Adams, a member of Mothers of Murdered Offspring via her daughter, Cherica Adams who was murdered at 24 years old, orchestrated by former Carolina Panther, Rae Carruth, in 1999, brought Cherica’s son, Chancellor, now 23, to the rally. Cherica, pregnant with Chancellor when she was shot, survived for 28 days before giving birth. Adams said she came for inspiration for Quell’s family.
“I’ve walked your walk. It’s been 23 years since I experienced the most heartwretching tragedy of my life. I see so many parallels between my daughter and Quell. Both graduates of West Charlotte High and both attended Winston-Salem, both very popular.
Like you, I did get angry, but use that anger properly. Be angry enough to get action and you’re gonna have to forgive the perpetrators, every last one, for your own sake. Let Shanquella’s blood be shed for change,” said Adams.
Sonia Funderburk, Mother to Mother, issued warnings to the Robinson family.
“The world is watching, we have to be careful. Everybody in here is not for you. Somebody, right now, is trying to figure out how to make a dollar from your story. In that video, which was meant to humiliate Shanquella, turned her name to the world. When they were fighting, there was a spy in the room and it’s one here now, sitting up here trying to find out what they can run and tell the rest of them. You can run, but you can’t hide. I want them all to go back to Mexico,” said Funderburk. “There are no more friends anymore. Jealousy, hate can be bought.”
Braxton Winston, Charlotte mayor pro-tem, spoke of community responsibility.
“This is tough. There is so much grief in our community. So many here in this room are connected by trauma. They come, they want that love, hope, that feeling that the community I represent is not going to forget you. I assure you, this community will not,” said Winston.
The rally, planned and executed by, Mario Black, Million Youth March, and Lakeisha Mobley, included the dance group, Marching for Justice Drills of Hope, and songstress, Venegas Woodard. Mecklenburg County Commissioner Pat Cotham, Jonathan Dossett, West Charlotte High and Winston-Salem University representatives, where Quell studied, Corey Muhammad, Nation of Islam, Sunshine Anderson and Little Rock A.M.E. Pastor Dwayne A. Walker offered words of cooperation and inspiration to the family.
“It’s a struggle every day. These folks took away her dreams and daddy wasn’t there. I wish I could meet their parents. This daddy right here is gonna fight for justice,” said Bernard Robinson, father of Quell. “Justice will prevail.”
