The death of Telvin Osborne, a 30-year-old father of four and a Burke County, Georgia, resident, has sparked a firestorm of online discourse. Osborne, who was fatally shot after an argument between the couple during the early morning hours of February 23, 2025, by Hannah Cobb– the mother of his children. He leaves behind a complicated legacy. While some mourn his untimely demise, others remain resolute in their justified refusal to extend empathy, citing his history of disparaging Black women online.
The visceral reactions to his alleged murder reveal a painful tension in how we process violence, loss, and accountability within our community. But amid this polarized debate lies a poignant truth: one Black woman is grieving beyond measure—his mother. As we dissect Osborne’s actions and the circumstances surrounding his death, we must also remember to offer her the grace and compassion she deserves during this devastating loss.
A Community Divided
Osborne’s murder came after an alleged altercation between him and Cobb, with investigators confirming alcohol was involved. Cobb has since been arrested and charged with felony involuntary manslaughter. While the Burke County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation, public attention has shifted to Osborne’s life and the way he treated Black women—particularly online.
Osborne had a documented history of posting disparaging comments about Black women on social media. He belittled their appearance in these posts, dismissed their contributions, and perpetuated harmful stereotypes. For many Black women, his words were not just offensive—they were a betrayal from someone within their own community.
Photo Courtesy of Facebook
Photo Courtesy of Facebook
Photo Courtesy of Facebook
When news of his death broke, social media erupted. Some saw it as an opportunity to air grievances about how Osborne harmed Black women with his rhetoric. Others echoed similar sentiments, arguing that Black women owe no empathy to someone who consistently demeaned them. The seemingly karmic moment came swiftly and with no filter– especially from Black women on Facebook and the X app.
“I’d rather f*ck a dog than have relations with a black woman, and the dog has to be white..” – Telvin Osborne said that chile.
And black women suppose to be doing what exactly?! pic.twitter.com/f4qr1LL6EA
— Kelly Kardashian (@kenyababy) February 27, 2025
I’m sorry, but black men like Telvin Osborne who make their whole personality about bashing black women because they have a white gf/wife are annoying! I hope black women don’t rally behind his death because he was very disrespectful. Rest in peace, “Perference King.” pic.twitter.com/d0p2WWCG1d
— History Can’t Be Erased. (@itsLiterallyHim) February 26, 2025
R.I.P. Telvin Osborne.
Another black man killed by the most submissive demographic. pic.twitter.com/PnBJsRCCGi
— THE ONE (@Momianna727) February 25, 2025
The negative statements by Telvin “Telbo Rackins” Osborne were not an isolated occurrence. They family is also revealing that they share many of the same negative views about black women. We have to be careful of who we choose to help because we could be helping the enemy. pic.twitter.com/1DA98uW2N9
— Rarri the Barbie (@Rarri_TV) February 26, 2025
Osborne’s relatives seemed keenly aware of how much disdain the Georgia man’s vitriol garnered. A cousin, Chantraill Lewis, created a GoFundMe, asking for $10,000 to help with Osborne and his accused killer’s children. Lewis was sure to only post a photo of Osborne with him and Cobb’s children.
“Hey, I’m Telvin Osborne’s cousin, Chantraill Lewis. On Feb. 23, 2025, Sunday morning around 5:47 am, Telvin Osborne lost his life in the hands of Hannah Grace Cobb, who was his girlfriend. Now the kids are without a mother and father! Now they have to live without having their mom and dad; the mom is currently locked up. Please donate if you can! Any money donated will be used toward all 4 kids’ everyday life expenses. Any amount you’re willing to contribute is so greatly appreciated, and if you aren’t able to contribute money at this time, a share with your friends and family would mean the world to us as well,” the post on the GoFundMe read.
Only $430 has been raised from the $10,000 ask, and 12 people donated. Needless to say, Black women’s wallets and purses are closed.
While deeply understandable, the response underscores a larger question: How do we balance accountability for someone’s actions with the humanity required to navigate the grief of their loved ones?
A Mother’s Pain
At the center of this tragedy is one Black woman whose heartbreak we cannot ignore: Telvin Osborne’s mother.
While I won’t assume anything about their relationship or his upbringing, I will admit that as a mother, I would want to beat the fuck out of anybody that disparaged my dead child during the peak of my grief… or anytime after that. That woman is now forced to grapple with a loss no parent should endure—the violent death of her son. Regardless of his online behavior or the public’s perception of him, to her, Osborne was a son, likely cherished and loved in ways only his mother can understand. Her grief would be raw, personal, and consuming.
Black mothers have long been the backbone of our communities, often carrying the weight of unimaginable pain with resilience and grace. Osborne’s mother now joins the ranks of countless Black women who’ve buried their sons due to gun violence- even if it was by the hands of the alabaster princess he so coveted. To dismiss her sorrow or treat it as collateral in a public reckoning of her son’s actions is to perpetuate the very disregard for Black women’s humanity that many critiqued Osborne for.
We must separate the man who hurt and hated Black women loudly online from the grieving mother left to pick up the pieces. To extend grace to her is not to absolve Osborne of his behavior but to honor her as a Black woman enduring the unimaginable.
The Complexity of Grace
Grace does not mean excusing harm, nor does it mean suppressing the very valid feelings of those whom Osborne hurt. Instead, grace is about creating space for duality: acknowledging the harm Osborne caused while also mourning the fact that his life was cut short in a violent, preventable way.
It is possible to denounce Osborne’s harmful actions and still recognize the tragedy of his death. Holding him accountable in conversation and still show compassion for his mother is possible. Grace allows us to approach this situation with the nuance it deserves—honoring the humanity of everyone involved, even when it feels difficult.
This is not about asking Black women to forget the pain Osborne caused. It is about asking all of us to hold multiple truths at once: Osborne’s death is tragic, his actions were harmful, and his mother deserves our compassion.
Lessons from Tragedy
The death of Telvin Osborne offers painful lessons about the intersection of accountability, community dynamics, and systemic issues. First, it underscores the importance of addressing the harm we inflict on one another within our own community. Osborne’s behavior toward Black women was not isolated; it reflects a broader issue of internalized misogynoir that must be dismantled.
Second, it highlights the toll of gun violence and the cyclical nature of grief in Black communities. Osborne’s death, like so many others, leaves behind children who will grow up without a parent and a family fractured by tragedy. While holding individuals accountable for their actions, we must also work to address the societal conditions that breed violence and loss.
Finally, it reminds us that grief is complex and deeply personal. The public discourse surrounding Osborne’s death may fade with time, but his mother will carry this pain for the rest of her life. Let us not compound her suffering by refusing to offer the grace she deserves.
Moving Forward
Osborne’s death has sparked a necessary conversation about accountability
and grace. For those hurt by his words, this moment provides an opportunity to speak truth to the pain he caused. For his loved ones, it is a time of unimaginable loss and sorrow.
Both responses are valid, and both deserve space. But as we navigate this moment, let us do so with intention, refusing to allow our critiques to dehumanize others in the process. Let us remember that grace is not weakness; it is strength. It is what allows us to hold others accountable while still honoring their humanity.
We will never know the truth about his story, but it is one of tragedy and complexity—marred by possible self-hate. However, it reminds us of the ways we harm one another and the ways we can choose to heal. Most importantly, it is a call to action—to be better to one another, to confront the issues that divide us, and to show compassion even when it feels undeserved.
To the Black women who bore the brunt of Osborne’s words, your pain is valid, and your voices are essential. To his mother, we see your grief, and we honor your loss.
In this moment, may we all strive to be a little more mindful, a little more intentional, and a little more compassionate.
Cobb is sitting in jail.
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