Koko Da Doll, a beloved figure in Atlanta’s transgender community, was a woman who lived fearlessly and unapologetically. Known for her vibrant spirit and fierce sense of style, she lived a life that was both inspirational and challenging, navigating the difficulties and joys of being a Black trans woman in America. Tragically, on August 4, 2021, Koko Da Doll’s life was cut short when she was shot and killed in the city she called home. As her mourning loved ones and the wider community grapple with the loss of this bright light, a new documentary about her life and work serves as a powerful reminder of her indomitable spirit and lasting impact on the world.
Atlanta has been rocked by the tragic murder of 35-year-old transgender woman, Koko Da Doll. Known as Rasheeda Williams to her family, Koko gained prominence for her appearance in the documentary “Kokomo City,” which shines a light on Black transgender women and the violence they face. Koko’s family has been devastated by her killing, which appears to have occurred on Wednesday when she left an apartment complex in the west of the city. Koko’s body was found on a pavement beside a busy highway, with wounds indicating she had been shot. Police have released footage in the hope of identifying a person seen entering the apartment building, and they are now investigating whether Koko’s death was a hate crime.
Koko’s sister, Kilya Williams, has said that her sibling was proud of who she was and felt no shame over her identity. “I feel like she wanted to get her story out,” Williams commented. “She’s not ashamed of who she was. Because if she was ashamed of it, she would have never did the documentary. She was proud of who she was because she came from a loving, accepting family.”
The award-winning documentary filmmaker D. Smith directed “Kokomo City,” a film that aimed to portray Black transgender women in natural and human ways, rather than focusing solely on their trauma or statistics surrounding their murders. “But here we are again,” Smith wrote after Koko’s death. “It’s extremely difficult to process Koko’s passing, but as a team, we are more encouraged now than ever to inspire the world with her story, to show how beautiful and full of life she was.” Sadly, Koko is not the only cast member of the documentary to lose her life since filming began.
Fellow cast members are in shock at the news of Koko’s passing. Dominque Silver paid tribute to her “sister” on Instagram, vowing that “WE WILL GET JUSTICE FOR YOU AND PLEASE PROTECT BLACK TRANS WOMEN AT ALL COST!”
Koko’s death comes amid a wave of violence against transgender people, and the Human Rights Campaign reports that at least 38 transgender people were killed in 2022 alone. Hate crime classifications are being considered by investigators in Koko’s case as well as in the deaths of two other transgender women in Atlanta.
As we pause to remember Koko and those whose lives heave been lost for simply expressing their identity, it’s clear that legislation cannot rewrite the social constructs that surround gender identity. However, it may provide a safer environment for the transgender community, and advocates are pushing for enhanced protections through federal law. Meanwhile, Koko’s story remains a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, and the senselessness of violence committed due to intolerance or hate.
In the wake of Koko Da Doll’s tragic murder, it is vital to honor her legacy and continue to fight for the safety and protection of marginalized communities. Koko’s story sheds light on the unique challenges faced by trans individuals, particularly Black trans women, and serves as a reminder of the urgent need for social and political change. We must work together to create a world where everyone can feel safe, respected, and celebrated for who they are. Rest in power, Koko Da Doll. Your story will continue to inspire and fuel the fight for equality.
