FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Justice for Cortland: Half-Mile March for Accountability and Action
Date: May 14, 2024
Time: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Location: Starting at On the Roxx, ending at Greenville City Hall
Greenville, [Greenville, SC] – On May 14, 2024, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm, supporters will gather for a half-mile march from On the Roxx to Greenville City Hall in solidarity with Summer Lee, mother of Cortland Whitaker, to demand justice for her son’s tragic and unjust death.
Cortland Whitaker, a beloved member of the community and the manager of his family’s restaurant and catering company, was celebrating his birthday with friends when he became the victim of a horrific hate crime. Two security officers, employed by On the Roxx, brutally attacked Cortland, resulting in a traumatic brain injury and a collapsed lung. Despite the severity of his injuries, Cortland did not receive the justice he deserved. The local police department failed to hold the perpetrators accountable, and Cortland tragically took his own life as a result of the trauma he endured.
Summer Lee, grieving the loss of her only son, refuses to let his memory fade away without seeking justice. The Half-Mile March for Justice aims to bring attention to Cortland’s case and demand accountability for those responsible for his untimely death.
“We refuse to remain silent in the face of injustice,” says Summer Lee. “Cortland was a bright light in our community, and his life was taken from us far too soon. We demand justice not only for Cortland but for all those who have been denied the justice they deserve.”
The march will begin promptly at 2:00pm, starting at On the Roxx and ending at Greenville City Hall. Participants are encouraged to wear complementary shirts, provided upon arrival, to show their support for the cause.
For more information and to join the call for justice, visit www.change.org and search “Justice for Cortland.”
Media Contact:
Summer Lee
Surviving Mother
803-319-0687/ summer@flyingbiscuitsc.com
About Justice for Cortland:
Justice for Cortland is a grassroots movement dedicated to seeking justice for Cortland Whitaker, who tragically lost his life due to a hate crime. Led by Cortland’s mother, Summer Lee, the movement aims to bring attention to Cortland’s case and demand accountability for those responsible for his death.