"Reflections on Roanoke, Va's Backstreet Cafe Shootings"

by Larry Smith.

Larry shares his personal thoughts, feelings and experiences, on the shooting at the Backstreet Cafe and the Nightline Series "A Matter of Choice". As a member of the Roanoke community, he gives us a first hand look as to what it was like for those who lived through the most horrific hate crime ever committed against the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender community members.

Memorial Marks 2nd Anniversary of the Backstreet Cafe Shooting

"Never Shall We Forget How Intolerance & Hatred Can Kill"

"Violence Against Gays"

"Ashcroft can Recognize a Hate Crime; Why Can't Virginia?"

by Eddie Ratliff.

Eddie, executive director of Roanoke7, share his view on Attorney General John Ashcroft invoking the federal hate crimes statute for the first time in a case involving the murder of gay victims. And in Virginia, where the most horrific hate crime ever commited against people because of their sexual orientation, brutally murdering someone because of his or her sexual orientation is not considered a hate crime.

We share in the loss of Danny Overstreet with his dear mother Ann, his family, loved ones and friends. They all remain in our thoughts and our prayers.

More than 300 people gather outside The Backstreet Cafe, for a candlelight vigil in memory of Danny Lee Overstreet and injured in the shooting, John W. Collins, Iris Page Webb, Susan S. Smith, Linda R. Conyers, Joel I. Tucker and Kathy S. Caldwell.

Mourners leaving Oakey's Vinton Chapel following Danny Overstreet's furneral service.

[All Photos by The Roanoke Times]

Funeral attendees formed a human wall during the funeral service for Danny Overstreet. Hate Monger Fred Phleps said he would a protest at Danny's funeal, but, was a no show.

The Roanoke Community Mourns Danny Lee Overstreet

Roanoke Community Holds Candlelight Vigil

[All Photos by The Roanoke Times]

In Tribute & Memoriam to Danny Lee Overstreet

Pride Tampa Bay ~ Tampa Bay Coalition

(Use Back Button to Return to Roanoke7 & Backstreet Cafe Shooting Victims)

Roanoke7 Press Release on 2nd Anniversary Backstreet Shooting.

Family, Friends & Community Come Together to Mourn Danny Lee Overstreet. Photo Gallery.

The Roanoke Community Holds Candlelight Vigil at Backstreet Cafe. PhotoGallery.

"Reflections on Roanoke, Virginia's Backstreet Cafe Shootings" by Larry Smith.

"Ashcroft Can Recognize a Hate Crime; Why Can't Virginia? by Eddie Ratliff.