Yesterday (01/18/24) marked the one year anniversary of Tortuguita’s tragic death. Tortuguita was a queer, non-binary, Indigenous environmental activist and self-proclaimed “forest defender” who fought to protect the Weelaunee (South River) Forest in Atlanta. They were shot 57 times by Georgia State Patrol troopers during a peaceful protest against the planned building of an 85-acre Police Safety Training Center, more commonly known as “Cop City.” Today we remember, honor and celebrate Tortuguita’s life. Tortuguita’s mother, Belkin Teran, describes her child as a scholar and environmentalist who was an intellectual with good manners. They were very active in several international environmental programs and were the type of person who would “...stop in the middle of the street and give $100 to a needy person.” Tortuguita’s brutal murder was a tragedy but they inspired thousands to continue advocating for a more sustainable and peaceful world. During a vigil yesterday, held by New Yo...