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Title
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Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, The House of Representatives, Condolence Resolution
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Description
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Condolence resolution in honor of Jaci Adams (1956 - 2014).
Jaci DuBoise Adams (1958-February 15, 2014) was born in Beckley, West Virginia and moved to Philadelphia in her youth with her family (AIDS Law Project 2014). Unfortunately Adams experienced such abuse that she “fled the house in search of safety” at age nine (AIDS Law Project 2014). Adams was “soon consumed by a life of prostitution, drug abuse and crime while searching for an identity” (AIDS Law Project 2014). She landed in prison, and earned her GED (AIDS Law Project 2014). In 2002 after the unsolved murder of Nizah Morris, a 47 year old transgender entertainer that was found brutally beaten at 15th and Walnut Streets in Philadelphia, Adams shared that she had “an ‘a-ha’ moment and decided that instead of being angry, maybe a career criminal like [her] could use that familiarity with the cops to slither in and become part of the solution” (Morrison 2014). Known to be genuine, accomplished yet immensely humble, to speak and teach from her vast life experience, and incredibly kind, Adams was held in high regard by many– from city officials such as Michael Nutter, to long-time friends, to folks she just met and was lending support to (AIDS Law Project 2014).
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Adams served on Temple University’s Community Advisory Board and, as a member of the Philadelphia Police LGBT Liaison Committee, she trained every cadet class for years. Her passing on February 15, 2014, from cancer was deeply mourned, as it marked the loss of a fierce advocate who had led countless battles for justice.
Adam's impact on Philadelphia’s LGBTQ communities was profound. As the longest-serving member of the Philadelphia Police Liaison Committee, she worked tirelessly to bridge gaps between marginalized communities and law enforcement. Her advocacy extended to transgender rights and HIV/AIDS health initiatives, where she was a driving force behind policy changes that made city agencies more inclusive.
Adams was a mentor and pillar of strength. She personally guided dozens of transgender women and other vulnerable individuals, helping them secure housing, education, and support. Adam's deep knowledge of Philadelphia’s social services connected people in need with the right resources. Described as a "firebrand advocate," Adams strengthened the foundation of the city’s LGBTQ communities, leaving a legacy of empowerment and solidarity.
A copy of this resolution, sponsored by the Honorable Rosita C. Youngblood on February 21, 2014, was transmitted to Adams' family and serves as a lasting tribute to her contributions.
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Contributor
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John J. Wilcox, Jr. Archives at William Way LGBT Community Center
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Date Created
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2014
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Creator
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Pennsylvania. General Assembly. House of Representatives
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Rights
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This work is not in copyright, but commercial uses of this digital representation are limited. For more information, contact archives@waygay.org and see http://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-NC/1.0/
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Identifier
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Ms. Coll. 56
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Language
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eng
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Format
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Text
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Extent
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1 page
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Spatial Coverage
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Philadelphia, PA
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Publisher
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Pennsylvania. General Assembly. House of Representatives
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Is Part Of
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Jaci Adams memorial collection, 2012-2014
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Subject
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Law enforcement
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Collective memory
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Resolutions, Legislative
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Legacies
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Social advocacy
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Leadership
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Inspiration
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Pennsylvania--Philadelphia
