The world is again at an outcry demanding justice for yet another black life taken way too early, and in the most horrendous circumstance. Oluwatoyin Salau was a 19 year black woman of Nigerian descent who was very vocal about support for the black lives matter. In no subtle words or action, Toyin protested the injustice being perpetuated against people of colour, as well as transgender men and women.
Just before her disappearance, Salau tweeted that she was sexually assaulted by a man earlier that day in Talahassee, Florida. She gave a detailed account of her encounter.
In her tweets, she wrote “Anyways I was molested in Tallahassee, Florida by a black man this morning at 5:30 on Richview and Park Ave. The man offered to give me a ride to find someplace to sleep and recollect my belongings from a church I refuged to a couple days back to escape unjust living conditions.”
The 19-year-old said she trusted the man’s intentions to help her out, writing that he “came disguised as a man of God.”
“I entered his truck only because I carry anything to defend myself not even a phone (which is currently at the church) and I have poor vision.” she tweeted. (sic)
The 19-year-old stated that she called local authorities after the alleged sexual assault. “Literally wearing this man’s clothes right now DNA all over me because I couldn’t locate his house the moment I called the police because I couldn’t see,” she wrote on her twitter page.
Following the news of Salau’s death, many have shared her activism online, especially video footage of her speaking out at recent Black Lives Matter protests.
The circumstances surrounding the death of Oluwatoyin, has had some celebrities share their heartache over her loss on social media. Public figures who have called for justice for her include Gabrielle Union-Wade, Kerry Washington, Common, and Kehlani.
Gabrielle Union-Wade in an Instagram post, shared some photos of Toyin Salau and wrote:
“She was 19. 19. 19. A baby. Oluwatoyin “Toyin” Salau was a 19-year-old warrior who fought for US. She reported her sexual assault to police and days later was found murdered. The horrors she faced the trauma she endured, all by 19 years old.”
“Who cares for little Black girls, Black teens, Black women? Toyin deserved so much more. She fought for so much more for all of us. I can’t shake it,” the actress continued. “I am her and she is me. I am alive to talk about surviving my rape at 19. She is not.. The work continues. The fight continues. The reckoning will continue. Toyin should be here. She was 19. A baby. Hold our babies tight. Love them. Protect them. Support them. 19.”
Furthermore, on Monday, the Tallahassee Police Department stated in a press release that bodies of two missing persons, 19-year-old Salau and 75-year-old Victoria Sims, were located. The two victims were found dead on Saturday night, June 13, at around 9:15 p.m. EST, per the press release.
The Tallahassee Police Department shared that the suspect, identified by authorities as 49-year-old Aaron Glee Jr., has been taken into custody.
“The deaths are being investigated as homicides and have been turned over to TPD’s Violent Crime Unit. The investigation is ongoing.” – the press release stated.
We hope again that justice prevails for Oluwatoyin Salau, who in the short time of her life on earth, fought for the lives of others.