37 Facts About Latasha Harlins

The Life and Dreams of Latasha Harlins

Latasha Harlins was a bright young girl with big dreams. Her life was tragically cut short, but her story continues to resonate today. Here are some key facts about her life and aspirations.

1. Birth and Early Life: Latasha Harlins was born on January 1, 1976, in East St. Louis, Illinois, to Crystal Harlins and Sylvester "Vester" Acoff Sr.

2. Family Move: In 1981, when Latasha was six years old, her family moved to South Central Los Angeles. They rented a place near 89th Street and Broadway, just a few blocks from where she would later be murdered.

3. Parental Issues: Latasha's father, Vester Acoff Sr., was known to be abusive towards her mother, Crystal. Their unstable marriage ended in 1983.

4. Mother's Death: On November 27, 1985, Crystal was brutally shot dead outside a Los Angeles nightclub by Cora Mae Anderson, Acoff's new girlfriend. This left Latasha and her younger siblings in the care of their maternal grandmother, Ruth Harlins.

5. Grandmother's Role: Ruth Harlins raised Latasha and her siblings after their mother's death. Latasha held her mother in great esteem and loved her dearly.

6. Education and Interests: At the time of her death, Latasha was a student at Westchester High School. She had dreams of becoming a lawyer and had a love for basketball. Her best friend Tybie O’Bard noted that she would often “play with the older boys.” Latasha was known as the “neighbourhood big sister.”

7. Community Impact: Latasha was well-respected in her community for her kindness and leadership. She often helped younger children and was seen as a positive influence in her neighborhood.

The Tragic Incident at Empire Liquor

Latasha's life took a tragic turn on March 16, 1991. Her death at the hands of a store owner became a pivotal moment in Los Angeles history.

8. Incident at Empire Liquor: On March 16, 1991, Latasha entered Empire Liquor Market and Deli to purchase a $1.79 bottle of orange juice. She placed the bottle in her backpack and approached the counter to pay with $2. Soon Ja Du, one of the store owners, accused her of stealing despite seeing the payment.

9. Confrontation and Shooting: A scuffle ensued between Latasha and Soon Ja Du. Latasha threw the juice bottle back on the counter and turned to leave the store when Du pulled a .38-caliber handgun and shot Latasha in the back of the head.

10. Aftermath: Latasha died shortly after being shot. The incident sparked outrage and grief in the community.

The Trial and Its Impact

The trial of Soon Ja Du and the subsequent verdict had far-reaching consequences, fueling racial tensions and contributing to the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

11. Trial and Verdict: Soon Ja Du was arrested and her trial was held on November 15, 1991. Security-camera footage showed Harlins’ attempt to pay for the juice and the subsequent scuffle between the two women. A jury found Du guilty of voluntary manslaughter and called for the maximum 16-year jail sentence. However, Judge Joyce Karlin rejected the jury’s recommendation and instead sentenced Du to five years probation, 400 hours of community service, and a $500 fine.

12. Community Reaction: The judge’s decision exacerbated racial tensions between African Americans and Korean immigrants. This tension, along with the beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles police on March 3, 1991, contributed to the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

13. Riots and Protests: The 1992 Los Angeles riots were sparked by the acquittal of the four police officers who brutally assaulted Rodney King. However, Latasha Harlins’ killing also played a significant role in the uprisings. Over 60 people died, over 2,000 were injured, and there was widespread theft and property damage. Thousands of residents took to the streets in protest.

Legacy and Memorials

Latasha's death led to various memorials and initiatives aimed at preserving her memory and advocating for justice.

14. Latasha Harlins Foundation: In 1992, Latasha’s family started the Latasha Harlins Foundation in her name. The foundation aims to make lasting change for low-income and Black families and children in the Los Angeles area.

15. Memorialization: In 1998, the California State Assembly named April 29 as Latasha Harlins Day. This day serves as a memorial to her life and death.

16. Mural Unveiling: In early 2021, a mural celebrating Latasha Harlins was unveiled in front of Algin Sutton Recreation Center. The mural was created by visual artist Victoria Cassinova.

17. Documentary Nominations: The short documentary film “A Love Song for Latasha” (2019) gives some biographical background on the life of Latasha Harlins, drawing on memories from her cousin and her best friend. The documentary was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject at the 93rd Academy Awards in 2021.

Broader Implications and Continued Relevance

Latasha's story continues to highlight systemic issues and inspire activism today.

18. Social Media Awareness: The lack of social media platforms during Latasha’s time meant that her story did not receive the same level of national attention as other high-profile cases like Rodney King’s beating. However, increased public awareness through social media has made her story more visible and relevant today.

19. Systemic Racism: Latasha’s death highlights systemic racism and the ongoing struggle for justice in the United States. Her grandmother, Ruth Harlins, noted that “the shooting and killing of African Americans is still going on.”

20. Legacy in Music: Hip hop artist Tupac Shakur released a song titled “Keep Ya Head Up,” which was dedicated to Latasha Harlins. He frequently mentioned her in his songs, highlighting the injustices she faced and the broader issues of racism and police brutality.

21. Racial Tensions: The racial tensions between Korean storeowners and African American residents in South Central Los Angeles were high by the late 1980s. Korean immigrants had begun buying businesses in the area, which led to conflicts over employment and customer treatment. By 1990, 65% of South Central businesses were Korean-owned.

22. Korean-American Relations: The relations between Korean Americans and African Americans were strained due to issues like employment and customer treatment. Koreans argued that their attitudes evolved from high crime rates in the area and shop owner fears of shootings and burglaries.

23. Historical Context: Latasha’s killing occurred in a period of significant racial tension in Los Angeles. The Watts Riots in 1965 and ongoing issues of police brutality contributed to the volatile atmosphere.

24. Community Impact on Riots: The killing of Latasha Harlins was seen as a catalyst for the 1992 Los Angeles riots. It highlighted the deep-seated racial issues and police brutality that were already simmering in the city.

25. Family’s Fight for Justice: Latasha’s family has continued to fight for justice and recognition. Her sister, Dr. Christina Rogers, and her brother, Vester Acoff, have spoken out about the need for systemic change.

26. Public Awareness: Over the past 30 years, public awareness about systemic racism and police brutality has increased significantly. This awareness has been driven by high-profile cases like Latasha’s and the Black Lives Matter movement.

27. Activism and Advocacy: The Black Lives Matter movement, which did not exist when Latasha died, has brought national attention to cases of police brutality and systemic racism. Activists continue to advocate for reforms in the criminal justice system.

Memorials and Cultural Impact

Latasha's memory lives on through various memorials and cultural references.

28. Memorial Playground: In 2021, the city officially renamed the playground at Algin Sutton Recreation Center after Latasha Harlins. The sign has not been installed yet, but Christina called it “breathtaking.” This memorial serves as a reminder of her life and legacy.

29. Artist Victoria Cassinova: Victoria Cassinova, the artist who painted the mural of Latasha Harlins, was able to create the artwork after weeks of lobbying the city. The mural was unveiled on New Year’s Day, which would have been Latasha’s 45th birthday.

30. Documentary Impact: The documentary “A Love Song for Latasha” has helped keep her story alive. It provides a biographical background on Latasha’s life and highlights the impact of her death on her family and community.

31. Racial Prejudice: A 1992 survey of Korean storeowners revealed considerable racial prejudice against Black customers and people in general. This prejudice contributed to the tensions leading up to the riots.

32. Latasha’s Personality: Latasha was known for her kindness and leadership. She was a positive influence in her neighborhood and had many friends. Her best friend Tybie O’Bard noted that she would often help others and was always willing to lend a hand.

33. Latasha’s Dreams: Despite her young age, Latasha had big dreams. She wanted to become a lawyer and make a difference in her community. Her love for basketball and track also showed her determination and ambition.

34. Community Reaction to Trial: The community was outraged by Judge Joyce Karlin’s decision to give Soon Ja Du probation instead of jail time. This decision exacerbated racial tensions and contributed to the riots.

35. Latasha’s Family’s Struggle: Latasha’s family faced significant challenges after her death. Her grandmother, Ruth Harlins, raised her siblings while dealing with the emotional trauma of losing her daughter. The family’s struggle for justice and recognition has been ongoing.

36. Latasha’s Legacy in Popular Culture: Latasha Harlins has been mentioned in various songs by artists like Tupac Shakur and Ice Cube. Her story has also been told in documentaries and films, ensuring that her legacy lives on.

37. Continued Relevance: Despite the passage of time, Latasha Harlins’ story remains infuriatingly relevant. Her death highlights the ongoing struggle against systemic racism and police brutality, making her a symbol of the need for continued activism and advocacy.

Remembering Latasha Harlins

Latasha Harlins' story is a stark reminder of the deep-seated racial issues that still plague society. Her tragic death at just 15 years old became a catalyst for the 1992 Los Angeles riots, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change. Despite the passage of time, her legacy continues to inspire activism and advocacy against systemic racism and police brutality. The Latasha Harlins Foundation, memorials, and documentaries like "A Love Song for Latasha" keep her memory alive, ensuring her story isn't forgotten. Her dreams, kindness, and leadership left a lasting impact on her community. As we remember Latasha, let's continue to fight for justice and equality, honoring her life by striving for a world where such tragedies no longer occur. Her story is a call to action for all of us to work towards a more just and equitable society.