Family and friends of Tony McDade gathered for a somber funeral service on a rainy morning Saturday. While they shared memories of McDade’s life, they also shared a message of hope.
McDade, a 38-year-old black transgender man, was shot and killed by Tallahassee police last week. Officers have also named McDade as a suspect in the fatal stabbing of 21-year-old Malik Jackson. Police were responding to the scene of that incident last Wednesday when they say McDade pointed a gun at an officer who then shot and killed McDade.
People who knew McDade gathered at Southside Cemetery in Tallahassee, and shared memories. Attendees spoke about McDade’s story going “from Holton Street all the way to Hollywood.” After McDade’s death, news spread through social media as celebrities and national activist groups shared his story.
“God uses lives to change history. And today we say goodnight to the life of a life-changer. Because policies will change when you listen to the life … So, we say today, goodnight. Because the morning is coming,” said Reverend Greg James who spoke during the service.
Attendees also acknowledged the attorney hired by McDade’s family, Mutaqee Akbar of the Akbar Law Firm. “I want you to keep him in prayers, because the task is great,” James said.
The Tallahassee Community Action Committee, a local activist organization, held a car caravan protest Saturday “to demand justice for Mychael Johnson and Tony McDade.” Mychael Johnson also was shot and killed by Tallahassee police, in March.
The funeral for Tony McDade was live streamed by Tillman Funeral Home.
Malik Jackson’s funeral was held Saturday as well, according to his obituary.
Investigations are ongoing into McDade and Jackson’s deaths.