Ife Franklin created this collage (not the complete series) over the past 5 years in memory of lesbian activist and human rights defender, FannyAnn Eddy who was raped and murdered on the 28thSeptember 2004 in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
Fannyann Eddy was an African woman who is from Sierra Leone West Africa. She was a mother, a daughter. She was a civil rights activist, a loving partner… and she was a Lesbian. On September 28th 2004 Fannyann Eddy was raped, stabbed, and had her neck broken. I learned of Fannyann Eddy as I read the international section of The Bay Windows news paper. I was so shocked at the brutality of this hate crime against her that I could not speak of it for a few days. Then I was ‘moved’ to start creating this collage/drawing in her name. I started this piece in 2004 and I just completed it this month July, 2009. This piece is to my sister Fannyann Eddy, I never had the chance to meet you but I can feel your greatness. Thank you for living your life freely. Thank you for loving with a full heart, all the while knowing the dangers of just wanting to be yourself. My sister, I hold you in my heart.. and I know that what happened to you could happen to me, my partner, or any of my friends at any time….. just because we are gay. My sister I have wondered what has happened to your son? What has happened to you partner Esther Chikallpa? I know that you are resting now… and as you rest we must continue to stand tall…. Thank you for showing us the way. Sister you live inside of me.
