The Brooklyn Ghost Project, a safe space for Black and brown trans and nonbinary people, is scrambling to continue providing their services after the sudden death of their executive director.  

For the past seven years, the nonprofit has been a lifeline for trans people of color. Activist Latravious Collins co-founded the organization and has been running its multiple programs.  

Earlier this month, Collins died at the age of 39 after battling kidney disease.  

“We provide pantry, we provide mental health services, we do housing, we do medical referrals,” said Ejira Moore, the newly appointed executive director of the Brooklyn Ghost Project.  

Moore says that Collins’ leadership has been a guiding light for her. 

“I never seen somebody do it the way she did it,” said Moore. “When she gets in a room and takes the microphone, she makes you cry because of the words.” 

Since Collins’ passing, the organization has struggled to stay afloat. Moore says to run the Brooklyn Ghost Project costs $120,000 per year, including payroll, food, transportation, and events. They have been surviving on small grants in the meantime, but Moore says securing long-term funding has been a challenge.  

“When it comes to Black trans organizations and getting funding, it’s super hard,” said Moore. “Nobody wants to fund… they don’t believe in trans identities.” 

Brooklyn Ghost Project is asking for help to keep providing vital services to their clients, such as their in-house GED program.