Speaking of doing something: in the wake of Michael Sandy's death, a rally has been organized for today at 5pm outside City Hall.

If you're in the hood, at all interested in curbing hate crimes, or want to grieve, get on down there and make sure Sandy's death wasn't in vain.

Here's the info via Eurweb:

Black gay-rights organizers and activists vowed to hold a rally today to demand an end to hate violence in the city and to hold city leaders accountable. The rally is scheduled to take place at 5 p.m. at New York City Hall.

"How many more black gays and lesbians have to be beaten, killed or attack in New York before we rise up and do something about it?" noted author and NBJC founding Board President Keith Boykin asked in a written statement. "After Kevin Aviance, Rashawn Brazell, Dwan Prince and Sakia Gunn, we have a responsibility to speak out on their behalf."

The rally is being sponsored by People of Color In Crisis, the New York State Black Gay Network, Gay Men of African Descent, the New York City Anti-Violence Project and the National Black Justice Coalition. NBJC has launched a crime watch and anti-defamation e-hotline. If you have information about a hate crime or anti-gay activity or just want to get involved email us at stop-the-hate@nbjc.org.