Prayers and hopes for a full recovery pour in for Sasha Johnson

Prayers and hopes for a full recovery have been quickly shared online following news that the Black community activist and mother of two, Sasha Johnson, is in critical condition.

The Taking The Initiative Party (TTIP) said in a statement yesterday that she had been “brutally attacked and sustained a gunshot wound to her head” leaving her in intensive care. The attack is said to have taken place in the early hours of Sunday morning with the group adding that it comes after numerous death threats resulting from her activism.

“Sasha has always been actively fighting for black people and the injustices that surround the black community, as well as being both a member of BLM and a member of Taking the Initiative Party’s Executive Leadership Committee. Sasha is also a mother of 2 and a strong, powerful voice for our people and our community.”

Taking The Initiative Party

Black Lives Matter UK, Diane Abbott, BLAM UK, Stand Up to Racism and the Women's Equality Party are just some of the thousands expressing sadness following the news.

Sasha Johnson you are a Panther and a Warrior. If anyone can survive this, it's you. You've come this far Queen, please keep fighting, fight to live! We are praying that you pull through, come on girl. Your children need you. We need you to keep fighting.

Chantelle Lunt, founder of Merseyside BLM Alliance

Underscoring the Taking The Initiative Party’s political work has been an emphasis on community engagement and Sasha Johnson has been at the forefront of this. She has contributed significantly to the party’s distribution of food larders in Croydon and North London.

Many will remember Johnson for her unmistakable presence during the Black Lives Matter protests, as well as her calls for an end to racism, oppression and more opportunities and resources in Black communities. She had recently been made the new Black Panther Party Chairwoman.

The news has affected many, and a vigil is now expected to take place at 3pm in South-East London to ‘show support for her recovery and take a stand against senseless violence.’

We are all praying for her recovery as well as the safety and well-being of her family, friends, and co-workers at TTIP and elsewhere. 

Mayowa Ayodele

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