Rose from Concrete: In Memory of Danquirs Franklin

The Backstory: 

I had the distinct privilege of serving as Danquirs' 10th grade English teacher and have stayed in contact with him and his family ever since.   I currently live in Atlanta, Georgia

In all my years as an educator, I have never met a young man with as much tenacity and tenderness.  Danquirs was kind and quiet, loyal to his friends, and unfailing in his commitment to his family.  For years he sent me a Mother's Day card.  That was just the kind of young man he was-- loving, generous, gentle. 

At 9:00 am on Monday, March 25 Danquirs was shot and killed by a police officer outside of a Burger King in Charlotte, North Carolina.  The injustice of his death is loud and clear and the world is dimmer without him in it. 


The Need: 

Danquirs leaves behind family and friends who loved him, deeply--most notably his three beautiful children and loving mother.   

How You Can Help: 

Please donate whatever you are able to honor the bright, powerful life of Danquirs.  Your donation will go directly to his mother and will work to support the lives of her and his three children as well as to support the ongoing pursuit of justice in his death.  

Who am I?
My name is Emily Castillo Leon (formerly Emily White).  I currently live in Atlanta, GA.  I was Danquirs' 10th grade English teacher at Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology in 2008 and have stayed in touch with him and his family ever since.