LATASHA HARLINS

Latasha Harlins (January 1, 1976 – March 16, 1991) was an African American girl who was fatally shot at age 15 by Soon Ja Du (Korean: 두순자), a 49-year-old Korean American convenience store owner. Du was tried and convicted of voluntary manslaughter over the killing of Harlins, based in part on security camera footage. The judge sentenced Du to 10 years in state prison but the sentence was suspended and the defendant was instead placed on five years' probation with 400 hours of community service and payment of $500 restitution, and Harlins' funeral costs. The sentencing was widely regarded as extremely light, and a failed appeal reportedly contributed to the 1992 Los Angeles riots, especially the targeting of Koreatown. The killing of Harlins came 13 days after the videotaped beating of Rodney King.

In 1993, hip hop artist Tupac Shakur released a song titled "Keep Ya Head Up", which was dedicated to Latasha Harlins. Thereafter, Shakur made frequent mention of Harlins in his songs, including in tracks like:

Something 2 Die 4 (Interlude) "Latasha Harlins, remember that name... 'Cause a bottle of juice is not something to die for"

Thugz Mansion "Little Latasha, sho' grown tell the lady in the liquor store that she's forgive so come home"

I Wonder If Heaven Got a Ghetto "Tell me what's a black life worth a bottle of juice is no excuse, the truth hurts and even when you take the shit move counties get a lawyer, you can shake the shit ask Rodney, Latasha, and many more"

White Mans World "Rest in Peace to Latasha, Little Yummy, and Kato"

Hellrazor "Dear Lord if ya hear me, tell me why little girl like Latasha, had to die"

N.I.G.G.A. "Korean motherfuckers was crooked so niggas had to burn and loot 'em Lickin' off shots for Latasha, that's proper"