March 7th 2024.
A disturbing video has surfaced, showing the arrest of Celena Morrison, a prominent LGBTQ+ leader in Philadelphia. The incident, which occurred on a busy highway, has raised concerns from Mayor Cherrelle Parker. Morrison, who is the head of the city's Office of LGBT Affairs, was pulled over with her husband, Darius McLean, by a white state trooper. The whole ordeal was captured on video, causing Parker to express her worry and wait for the results of an investigation before making a full statement.
The incident took place on March 3, 2024, around 9 a.m. Morrison and McLean were driving on Interstate 76 when they were pulled over. Morrison, who was filming the encounter, captured her husband being handcuffed in the rain and lying on the side of the road. The officer can be heard on the video saying, "Do you want to get Tased? Put your hands behind your back!" In an attempt to de-escalate the situation, Morrison shouted, "I work for the mayor! I work for the mayor!" and reassured her husband not to worry.
The incident sparked outrage on social media, with many showing their support for Morrison. Philly Black Pride, a community organization, condemned the use of excessive force, especially against marginalized individuals like Morrison and her husband. The video, which was shared by media personality and LGBTQ+ member Ts Madison, also caught the attention of the Executive Director of the William Way LGBT Center, Chris Bartlett. He referred to the situation as yet another example of over-policing and disproportionate outcomes against Black, Brown, and LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly Black transgender individuals.
According to police reports, Morrison and McLean were pulled over for multiple vehicle code violations. However, they were both charged with obstruction and resisting arrest. The District Attorney's office has not yet filed charges, stating that they are waiting for a thorough and unbiased investigation. The state police spokesperson also confirmed that the trooper involved in the incident will not be on patrol while the investigation is ongoing.
In the midst of the growing support for Morrison, it is important to remember the impact of this incident on her, as a transgender individual, and the LGBTQ+ community as a whole. The Executive Director of Philadelphia Black Pride, HopeGiselle, issued a statement denouncing any use of excessive force on Black, Brown, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. She emphasized the importance of upholding the rights and dignity of all members of the community, especially those from marginalized groups, in order to create a just and inclusive society.
Morrison, who has been in her position since 2020, has continued to be a top aide to Mayor Parker since her inauguration in January 2024. As a transgender individual, she has faced discrimination and challenges throughout her career, but has remained dedicated to her role in the city's Office of LGBT Affairs. The incident has sparked an important conversation about police brutality and the disproportionate treatment of marginalized communities, and it is crucial that justice is served for Morrison and her husband.
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