Held in honor of Spc. Vanessa Guillen – a Fort Hood soldier whose murder is alleged to have stemmed from a sexual harassment incident involving a fellow solider – these rallies and protests have begun locally and continue to be planned throughout the Colorado Springs area.
Groups rally for justice in Vanessa Guillen case
Green Card Vets members Carlos Luna and Samuel Corona led chants of “open up the cover-up!” in the quiet streets, referencing the months Vanessa Guillen’s family spent awaiting answers, as well as the
military’s dismissal of any link between sexual harassment and her subsequent murder.
The southeast side rides for justice
“I mean no matter where you are, there’s people from California, Florida, like from Germany. No matter where you are, we have to stand up for each other, and no matter who you are, Black, brown, white, we have to stick together for what’s right, and people always try to make it political. This is not political, this is a human’s life we’re talking about.“ said Lupe Guillén, Vanessa’s younger sister.
Vanessa Guillén’s family continues their fight for justice ahead of funeral services
Eyewitness News has learned Vanessa's family will be in attendance. People attending must wear a mask and practice social distancing.
Of holding the service, Houston ISD said it was honored to help facilitate the memorial:
The Houston Independent School District stands united with the family of U.S. Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen, a proud graduate of Chavez High School. At Chavez, she is remembered as an avid soccer player who was kind, hard-working, and passionate about making a positive difference in the world. Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with her loved ones, including family, friends, former classmates, and former teachers.
Vanessa Guillen to be remembered tomorrow at her high school in Houston
The two-day event will include a
public memorial at the soldier's old high school and a private funeral for family and friends.
The public memorial for Vanessa Guillen will take place on Friday from noon to 8 p.m at Chavez High School, located at
8501 Howard Dr.
A casket containing Guillen's remains will be present.
Masks are required if you plan on attending this event and social distancing will be enforced.
Public parking will be located at
8653 Howard Dr.
Those who can't attend can view the public memorial live on this page or any one of our social media platforms.
Soulshine Industries in Edna, Texas will be donating a
custom casket for Guillen.
The owner of the company said he created the casket after reaching out to Guillen’s family to learn more about her.
The casket will include the American flag to represent her patriotism and the Mexican flag for her heritage. A soccer ball symbolizes Guillen’s love of sports and the Virgin Mary represents her faith, owner Troy Ganem told KHOU 11.
Public memorial for Vanessa Guillen in Houston | khou.com
Houston rapper and activist Trae Tha Truth met with Fort Hood Army Specialist Vanessa Guillen's family on Wednesday and surprised them with a gift ahead of her funeral.
The rapper met with Guillen's sisters at Taqueria del Sol in southeast Houston, which has become home to a notable Guillen mural.
He surprised the family with a check for $30,000.
He told Eyewitness News he's been raising money for the family by selling merchandise.
"Vanessa is a Houstonian," said the activist. "I'm at a point in my life where we have to protect our women. We have to protect us all, but we really have to protect our women. It's a disappointment when people cry out for help and we don't take it as serious."
Trae Tha Truth gives Vanessa Guillen's family touching gift