Antwon Rose Jr.

Victim of police shooting; catalyst for racial justice protests

Biography

Antwon Rose Jr. (June 12, 2000 – June 19, 2018) was a high school student from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania whose death became a catalyst for renewed conversations about police violence and racial injustice in the United States. On June 19, 2018, Rose was fatally shot by Pittsburgh Police Officer Michael Rosfeld during a traffic stop in the North Shore neighborhood. The incident occurred just days after the acquittal of former St. Anthony police officer Jeronimo Yanez in the shooting death of Philando Castile, intensifying national tensions. Rose's death sparked immediate and sustained protests in Pittsburgh and across the country, with demonstrations continuing for weeks. Though initially charged with homicide, Officer Rosfeld was eventually acquitted in March 2019. Antwon Rose Jr.'s death became a symbol of the broader movement for police accountability and racial equity, with his name becoming part of the ongoing national conversation about systemic racism and the need for criminal justice reform.

The Name Antwon

Antwon is a modern variant spelling of the name Anton, reflecting African American naming traditions that emerged prominently in the late 20th century. While uncommon in historical records, the name represents contemporary American identity and culture.

Quick Facts

Antwon

American origin

“A streamlined, widely-used variant of Antwan that became increasingly popular in the 1970s-90s. The name has strong presence and contemporary feel while maintaining connection to Antoine (French origin). Antwon represents successful modernization of classic names within African American naming traditions.”