The beginning of Tupac’s music video for “Keep Ya Head Up” begins with the words, “Dedicated to the memory of Latasha Harlins…it’s still on.” Two decades after her passing, the name is rarely seen or heard. Who is Latasha?
According to the LA Times, Harlins’ family and community activists are planning a vigil today for the anniversary of Latasha’s death.
The ninth grader was fatally shot by a Korean convenience store clerk over a bottle of orange juice on March 16th, exactly 25 years. Harlins’ killing in Los Angeles, just two weeks after the brutal Rodney King beating, was captured on surveillance video. Soon Ja Du accused Harlins of stealing the juice that she had placed inside of her bag. Witnesses say Harlins told Du she intended to pay for the bottle. An altercation ensued with Du grabbing Harlins by her sweater, and an exchange of words. Harlins struck Du in the face, with Du falling to the ground. Harlins left the juice behind and walked away when Du shot her in the back of the head.
The 15-year-old died with $2 in her hands. Du was tried for voluntary manslaughter. A judge sentenced her to probation, community service and a $500 fine. Despite the ruling, Harlins’ death has been considered a hate crime, just a tipping point for the LA riots. Du justified the murder, claiming she shot out of fear from previous store robberies. After the trial, the convenience store burned down.
In 2014, Gabriel Kahane wrote “9127 South Figueroa (Empire Liquor Mart)” from Harlins’ perspective.
