Summer Taylor's family speaks of their empathy, dedication for racial equality
SEATTLE - The family of Summer Taylor held a press conference on Wednesday to address the death of their child who was struck and killed by a driver while participating in a Black Lives Matter protest on I-5 on July 4.
In the press conference, Taylor's mother Dalia Taylor talked about their love, empathy, and dedication to fighting for people's rights.
"Even in death, we want Summer's passion as an ally to continue lifting up Black lives in Seattle and all over our country," their mother said during Wednesday's press conference.
Taylor said Summer who lived on Capitol Hill protested nearly every day since the protests began in Seattle last month.
Family members said Summer, who worked as a veterinarian technician was in the Black Lives Matter fight for however long it took, and was determined to make change.
"Summer was out almost every night with the protesters and we talked about that and I was proud of Summer," said Summer's father Matt Taylor.
Summer's brother 21 year old Luke Taylor, spoke about how he admired Summer’s passion, beliefs and and convictions, and stressed it always came from a good place.
"Summer was really all about loving and supporting it was always out of love and out of care from Summer's heart," said Luke Taylor.
Taylor's mom said she was concerned for Summer's safety in light of all the violence, and sites a number of shooting, including fatal shootings in and near the former protest zone known as "The CHOP" on Capitol Hill.
The family said it had no idea Summer was protesting on I-5 the night State Patrol reported the 24 year old was hit and killed by a driver.
At the time of the protest that section of the interstate through Seattle had been temporarily shut down.
Family said they knew there was no stopping Summer, who Dalia described as dedicated and determined.
"That is why I knew no matter how much I might want to ask them to stay safe during protests they would just say mom, if you are Black in this country it isn't even safe to be alive, and they were right," said Taylor speaking of her late daughter.
Summer's family said the 24 year old who grew up in the Green Lake and Greenwood neighborhoods of Seattle as a born leader – often leading the neighborhood kids and was the kind of child who others wanted to be around.
Taylor's father Matt Taylor spoke of his concerns over them being arrested saying that was always a concern but he never thought anything like this could happen to them.
The 24-year-old died from extensive injuries suffered after being hit by a speeding white Jaguar while taking part in a Black Lives Matter protest on I-5 early Saturday.
In an Instagram post on Saturday Urban Animal, where Taylor worked called Taylor “a positive force of nature. Anyone that works for Urban Animal will tell you that Summer Taylor’s laugh makes any bad day better.”
According to the Washington State Patrol, the driver of the car, 27-year-old Dawit Kelete drove the wrong way on a ramp. Trooper Rick Johnson said the driver went through a barrier that closed the freeway.
He is currently being held on a $1.2 million bail.
Kelete also hit a second protester, 32-year-old Diaz Love of Portland, Ore. Love is currently at Harborview Medical Center in satisfactory condition.
"I would want you to hold your loved ones dear and that you check in with them...I would also ask that you honor the Black Lives Matter movement that is what Summer wanted," said Matt Taylor.
