DJ would have been 39 years old today. His full name was Darrell Roman Burt II, and he was murdered at the Pulse nightclub, and this June will mark 10 years since that horror.

DJ was an avid learner, citing a special connection to PBS. He’d worked hard and applied himself everywhere he worked, constantly rising. DJ hosted events for the homeless as a part of the Jaycees. He worked for Kaiser University, assisting people in financial aid. DJ had just gotten his Masters in Human Resources. He was known for his smile and his colorful bow ties. It’s been said he just stuck with people.

He’s been in my mind for many years. He’s been a part of Willowbranch Park since the Jaycees put a park bench in honoring him. Just a simple thing, along a sidewalk on Sydney.

And then in 2022 it disappeared. The political climate was already making people feel as though they were being hidden, but the removal of DJ’s bench felt like an attempt to remove him and his story. And that was unacceptable. The AIDS Memorial Project took action, with Founder Richard A. Ceriello and community activist Wade Davis appearing on the News to denounce this action. And with our responsibility to the park, and DJ’s history here, the Bench was replaced, stronger then ever, cemented in to symbolize DJ’s presence and our dedication to him.

As the 10 Year anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub Shooting comes up this June 12th, I promise that AMP’s dedication does not waver. We intend to see that day as important as it should be. Along with several courageous community members we intend to have a ceremony to honor the 49 fallen people, people who just wanted to dance. Please follow for updates.