In May 2003, fifteen-year-old Sakia Gunn a Black lesbian girl from Newark was murdered in an act of homophobic violence that most of the nation never heard about. This true crime episode centers her humanity, her courage, and the community that refused to let her story disappear.

In this victim-centered true crime episode, we explore:
• Newark's queer youth culture in the early 2000s
• Who Sakia was before the violence
• The events of that night and the immediate aftermath
• The media's near-total silence
• The community response and marches
• How Sakia's death shaped visibility, advocacy, and safety for Black LGBTQ youth

New episodes of Beyond the Table release every Tuesday.

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• Out In Jersey — "Remembering Sakia Gunn"
A reflective community piece honoring Sakia's life, her identity, and the legacy she left in New Jersey's LGBTQ community.

• The Murder of Sakia Gunn and LGBT Anti-Violence Mobilization
An academic analysis exploring how Sakia's death shaped queer mobilization, community safety efforts, and political responses to anti-LGBTQ violence.

• NBC — "Man pleads guilty in teen lesbian's slaying"
A national news report covering the plea, legal outcome, and official statements regarding Sakia's case.

• Queer Newark Oral History Project — Rutgers University
A digital archive preserving oral histories, community memory, and Newark LGBTQ history, including reflections connected to Sakia's impact.

• The Advocate — Remembering Sakia
Coverage from a national LGBTQ publication highlighting how Sakia's murder affected queer youth, local organizing, and community grief.

Written and produced by Amanda Clemons
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