Breonna Taylor 5th annual dove release

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (APN) — Dozens of people came together in downtown Grand Rapids to celebrate the 5th annual memorial of life for Breonna Taylor Thursday evening. 

Taylor was a first responder working in Louisville, Kentucky in 2020 when she was shot by former officers at the Louisville Metropolitan Police Department in a botched raid.  Her sister Dee Dee Taylor says she views the event with a positive outlook. 

“Many people consider it her death date day, but I consider it a celebration of life,” said Taylor. 

Breonna Taylor‘s death swept the nation and helped funnel a movement around justice for African-American women killed by police brutality. Her family says it was an uphill battle for justice. 

In 2024 former Louisville Metropolitan Police Department officer Brett Hankinson was convicted of Taylor’s death. 

“For it to be 2025 and his sentence date is actually coming up on April 6, it’s a blessing,” Taylor said. “And I do know that he recently appealed it again within the last couple of months and it was denied. So it just gives us more hope.” 

Dee Dee has advocated on behalf of her sister Breonna and for police reform.

https://www.woodtv.com/news/grand-rapids/breonna-taylors-sister-calls-for-change-after-ex-officers-hiring/

https://www.woodtv.com/news/national/breonna-taylors-sister-says-ruling-denies-accountability/

“We’re all communing in unity and peace and we are just hoping to honor her in the best way possible,” Taylor said. 

Taylor added that Hankinson’s sentencing date will be on her father’s birthday. 

“The sentencing date is actually on Breonna and (my) father’s birthday so we not only get to celebrate our father, but we also celebrate the justice that Breonna is going to get this year.”