The Crime
On Friday, May 3, 2024, , 46-year-old Kita Bee, a Black trans woman, was struck by one or possibly two vehicles in her hometown of Kansas City, Missouri.
Kita was a pedestrian near the 3200 block of Independence Avenue. About 9:30 PM, a silver Chevy Silverado struck the pedestrian and fled the scene. A second vehicle followed the Silverado. Police said there is evidence that a second vehicle possibly struck the pedestrian.
KSBH
Police have said there is evidence that the second vehicle also struck Kita. The Silverado allegedly returned to the scene, but some police reports suggest it was a different driver?
Kita was transported to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.
If you have information please call Crime Stoppers at 816-474-8477 or submit a Tip Online: https://www.p3tips.com/tipform.aspx?ID=452&CX=659cd5
According to them
Speaking. KCPD currently classifies her death as a pedestrian fatality hit-and-run accident, according to the Star, but speaking to the local news outlet KSHB 41, some of Bee’s friends said that they believe the hit-and-run may have been intentional.
As I wrote this memorial post, I received word that police have identified the driver of the second car. They have officially designated this as a hit and run vehicular accident, clearly a criminal offense. But charges have to be determined by the District Attorney’s office.
Honoring Kita
Described as a Kansas City icon, Kita has been described as sweet, resilient, and a survivor.
Kris Wade, a long-time friend and director of The Justice Project, told KSBH
“Her passing was very, extremely, extremely traumatizing for her street family,” Wade said. “And her real family, too, who she was very well loved by a sister and her mom.”
Many of the tributes mention that Kita was a mentor, helping to found The Justice Project and other programs. But she also faced personal hardships
“She had been shot, she’d been attacked numerous times,” Wade said. “Had numerous illnesses, been in and out of the hospital over the years, and she always managed to come out on top.”
Wade also mentioned that Kita had been involved in another hit and run earlier this year.
According to her biological sister, Raynisha, “Kita was very BOLD in her personality; her idol was Mary J. Blige, and she was an all-around entertainer. She loved to sing, dance, perform to make you happy, smile, or laugh.” Their mother passed away recently, a profound loss for Kita who was close to her mother.
Raynisha shared with KC Transformation, “Her body has been sent to Marcon-Harvey Funeral Home, and we are in hopes of having a service. Kita’s wish was to be cremated and her ashes to be scattered in the ocean. Donations would be a big blessing in this unexpected time of sorrow. I will be sure all funds are appropriately spent for Kita’s wishes.”
Help support Kita’s family by donating with CashApp $SheroRay
The Context
Kita Bee is the 15th person whose death is recorded in 2024. She is the ninth trans woman on this list, the 11th trans person. of color, the third Black trans woman, and the fifth Black trans person. As of today, we have documented the death of a trans neighbor every 8.2 days.
Since 2020, six trans folx have been killed in Missouri. These include: Amber Minor (2023), DeeDee Kandi Redd (2022) Dominique Lucious (2021) Nina Pop (2020) Aerrion Burnett (2020) as well as Kita.
What resonates with me about Kita’s story is the acknowledgment that mentorship of other Black trans women in her street family was as iconic as any other type of leadership. She helped countless trans woman (and likely others) navigate hostile terrain to meet their basic needs. She participated in peer led programs. There’s no need to pretty up her reality or to pity her. Assuring her family can cremate her and have a proper service is what’s needed now. And then leaders in Kansas City and Missouri (and everywhere) have to invest resources in other members of Kita’s street family to avoid similar outcomes.
Rest in power, Kita. You navigated an uphill battle for many years, giving of yourself to help others while fighting for your own needs. You deserved to be able to cross the street in safety. You deserved both drivers stopping to check on you and take responsibility for their actions. You mattered. Fleeing like cowards while your life ebbed away is unforgiveable. I hope local leaders can find any way to make the streets safer for your family. I am so very sorry we did not do that for you.
May your memory be a revolution.
This is our list
This is our list of transgender, nonbinary, and gender nonconforming neighbors who have been victims of the campaign of terror in 2024. Please do not copy, modify, or share this list without attribution.
- Kitty Monroe – January 1, 2024. Phoenix, Arizona. Age 43.
- Nex Benedict – February 8, 2024. Owasso, Oklahoma. Age 16.
- Righteous Torrence ‘T K’ Chevy Hill – February 29, Atlanta. Georgia. Age 35.
- Reyna Hernandez – Between Feb 28 and March 28, location TBD. Age 54.
- Diamond Cherish Brigman – March 16, 2024, Houston, Texas. Age 36.
- Alex Franco – March 19, 2024. Salt Lake City, Utah. Age 21.
- Meraxes Medina – March 19, 2024, Los Angeles, California. Age 24.
- Cecilia Gentili – February 6, 2024, New YorkCity, New York. Age 52.
- Ryan Zimmerman – Sept 2015, Columbus OH Age 21 Murdered 2016, Identified 2020, reported 2024.
- Lagend Billions aka Tee Arnold – April 7, 2024, Miami, Ohio. Age 36.
- África Parrilla García – February 2, 2024, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Age 25.
- Nevaeh ‘River’ Goddard – April 5, 2024,. Stow, Massachusetts. Age 17,
- Andrea Doria Dos Passos – April 22, 2024, Miami, Florida. Age 37.
- Sasha Williams – January 26, 2024, Las Vegas, Nevada. Age 36.
- Kita Bee – May 3, 2024, Kansas City, Missouri. Age 46.
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