Atlanta black gay pride organizer shot and killed

Durand Robinson, age 50, organizer of Atlanta's annual Black Gay Pride Celebration and co-owner of the club Traxx, was shot and killed on Aug. 26. His body was found around 1:30 that morning, lying in the middle of Hadlock Street in southwest Atlanta, according to the Atlanta police.

Reportedly, Robinson was kidnapped from Greenbrier Mall and driven a few blocks away to the scene of the shooting. A local resident called police after hearing a heated argument and a scream followed by gunshots. When police arrived, Robinson was pronounced dead at the scene. He appeared to have been shot in the chest and was presumed to have died on impact.

According to Atlanta police, Robinson's case will undergo further investigation. They may know the motivation for the murder but have yet to confirm any suspects in the case or concrete motives.

As the organizer of the Black Gay Pride Celebration and co-owner of the Traxx nightclub, Robinson was well known throughout metro Atlanta. In addition to his active role in the gay community, he also raised five of his nieces: his deceased brother's daughter and his sister's four daughters, whom he was given full custody for. Robinson was the eldest of six siblings.

According to Southern Voice Magazine, Robinson's brother, Prince Robinson, claimed his recently deceased brother was in a relationship but had no plans of getting married. He also said that "Everyone who knew him says he had no enemies and was loved by all." Robinson was in the middle of organizing the annual celebration the morning he was shot. He had less than a week before the event would take place. The celebration was held from Sept. 1-5 and was hosted at the Loews Hotel in downtown Atlanta.         

Robinson's family members and friends were devastated by the news of his tragic death. They now mourn the loss of their loved one but encourage the police and Atlanta residents to join them in helping find Robinson's killer. WSB-TV reported that Robinson's family members believe the crime was a possible carjacking. Despite numerous versions of invalid reports about Robinson's murder, police are still investigating the crime scene.

Many of Robinson's co-workers and friends spoke highly of him. When questioned about working with Robinson, his business partner, Philip Boone, told WSB-TV, "This was devastating for our community and the Traxx family. He was an angel ... we will miss him."

Robinson's Life Atlanta group also testified to his kindness in the community on their website: "His light will be missed, but his spirit and the shared memories will live on in our hearts and the hearts of his family, friends, loved ones and those in the community who knew him."

A candlelight vigil was held Sept. 1 at the Metropolitan Community Church of Atlanta on Tullie Road. His family Facebook page has been made into a temporary memorial for him. The public will be allowed to leave their condolences on his wall at a date that is still undecided. A funeral and memorial will be held soon. Robinson's family has not yet verified any details about whether or not it will be open to the public.