The wake for Durand Robinson, 50, a key organizer for Black Gay Pride and partner of Traxx nightclub will be Tuesday with a memorial service set for Wednesday.
Durand was shot and killed in the early morning hours of Aug. 25. Police do not yet have suspects or a motive for the shooting.
The wake will be at 7 p.m. at Donald Trimble Mortuary on Tuesday. On Wednesday a memorial service will be at 11 a.m. at Beulah Baptist Church. The repass, a gathering for friends and loved ones to eat, will immediately follow the memorial service and will be held at Traxx nightclub.
More than 100 people gathered at Traxx on Aug. 28 for a candlelight vigil for the man known by many as “Uncle Durand.”
Many people shared their memories of the man who they said was humble, giving and always involved in making sure his family — both immediate and extended — were cared for.
Jermaine Heslin, 26, of Atlanta, said he remembered hanging outside Traxx when he was 15 with other teens when the club was located on Marietta Street.
“He never let us in the club but would let us hang out outside and dance around,” he remembered at the vigil.
Heslin said that when he was old enough to get into the club, Robinson encouraged him to be honest with himself as a gay man.
“He really brought me out of my shell.”
With Robinson’s encouragement, Heslin became a J-setter, a popular dance style.
“[His death] was a shock, because it was so sudden. I don’t think it’s hit me yet. But when I start dancing, and getting in the moment, I think that’s when I’ll know,” he said.
Wake
Tuesday, Aug. 31
7 p.m.
Donald Trimble Mortuary
1876 2nd Ave., Decatur, GA 30032
Memorial service
Wednesday, Sept. 1
11 a.m.
Beulah Baptist Church
2340 Clifton Springs Road, Decatur, GA 30034
Repass
Wednesday, Sept. 1
Immediately following memorial service
Traxx Nightclub
1287 Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA 30032
