Gun Violence 265
Juanyea Kennedy, 21, whose smile could light up a room
Maria Terry remembers Juanyea Kennedy well, even though they only went to school together until fourth grade. “He was really a nice person. He had a nice personality and a really bright smile that would just light up the room,” Terry, 22, recalled. Though Juanyea went to a different school after the two attended elementary […]
Tyrese Johnson, 17, ‘a Shark for life’
A gown and tassel were awaiting Tyrese Johnson in a few short months. He was counting down the final months of his senior year of high school, with his graduation seeming like the only thing in his way. After that momentous day, he would head to college with a full-ride scholarship. What would have been […]
Tymir Spruel, 17, a standout basketball player with pro dreams
When Tymir Spruel was 10 years old, his father, Gregory Spruel, took him to audition for the renowned Philadelphia Boys Choir. “Tymir could sing, we heard it in him when he was little,” Gregory recalled. “He sounded a little like Michael Jackson.” The audition went well, but Tymir didn’t make the cut. Still, the choir […]
Aasir Davis, 20, a playful soul with 4 jobs, if you count “watching” dishes
Aasir Mikell Davis had three part-time jobs: Forever 21, BJ’s Wholesale and an Amazon warehouse. His mother, Rovella Davis, worked for the state and encouraged him to apply for a full-time clerical position, which offered good benefits more stability. The plan was for him to go into work with his mom, fill out an application, […]
Brian Webb, 54, Air Force veteran and new college graduate
Although he was 54, in a way, Brian Webb’s life was just beginning in the spring of 2018. He had just earned his bachelor’s degree in health administration from Peirce College and was getting ready for one of the proudest moments of his life: walking across the stage at graduation to accept his diploma. He […]
Troy Parker, 40, ‘security blanket’ to twin sister
Twins are always said to have a connection closer than anyone. For Tramel Parker, the loss of her twin brother, Troy, was devastating. While he may be gone, she continues to bring him with her wherever she goes, with his likeness printed on a tote bag. “It’s like my security blanket,” Tramel said through tears. […]
Destiny Gonsalves-Charles, 19, was happy to finally be with her childhood crush
When Destiny Gonsalves-Charles was a child, she had a crush on a boy six years her senior named Damier. She was friends with his little cousins, and every time she saw him, she’d wait for him to glance her way, then she’d give him a look and a smile. “I took notice and I thought, […]
Cameron Robertson, 26, serial entrepreneur and father
At a young age, Cameron Robertson decided he didn’t want to work for anyone. So, as a teenager, he became a serial entrepreneur, first selling T-shirts outside of concerts and sports venues. Over the next several years, his business ventures kept pace with his dreams. “He was very goal-driven,” said his sister, Kristen Robertson. “If […]
Eric Woods, 19, a sweet guy who had it rough
Eric Woods was born on Christmas Day in 1987. His mother, Monique Irvis, said he felt like the holiday overshadowed his birthday, so every year she had a separate celebration to make him feel special. She pictured his 21st birthday, and his 30th — she planned to have bigger parties for him to mark these […]
Jarell Seay, 18, a kind and generous young man who overcame the trauma of bullying
When Jarell Seay was about 8 years old, his mother, Cheryl, noticed he wasn’t wearing the Scooby Doo watch he’d received for his birthday. Jarell had a friend whose parents were struggling with addiction and couldn’t provide the things he had, so Jarell did something about it. “He said, ‘He didn’t have anything, so I […]
Basil Adams, 27, a criminal justice student and choreographer
Basil Adams led a busy life. He was a criminal justice major at Cheyney University, had a part-time job at USA Kicks, and led a dance drill team. He lived in a house that his mother owned in Oxford Circle, paying the bills and handling the upkeep. Basil was running an errand when he was […]
Malik Austin, 32, doting father who endured a difficult childhood
Michael Fields laughed as he fondly recalled a special day in North Philadelphia nearly 30 years ago, when he took his little cousin, Malik Austin, to the barbershop for his first haircut. “He was about 2 years old and he had a big ol’ Afro, and I said, ‘Naw, this has got to go,’” Fields […]
Caleer Miller, 16, aspiring NBA player known for ‘peace and all smiles’
At 16 years old, Caleer Miller was 6 feet tall and still growing. His height made him a natural at basketball, as shown in videos of him dunking the ball with ease at his neighborhood court. Caleer cited the Philadelphia 76ers as his favorite team and aspired to one day go pro himself. “He was […]
Stephanie Dzikowski, 22, a young mother and dental technician
When Stephanie Dzikowski was pregnant, she learned that the baby girl growing inside her had a rare congenital disorder called gastrochisis. Her intestines and other internal organs were outside of her body, making for a potentially difficult birth. Stephanie wanted to learn all she could about this condition, so she made it the topic of […]
Justin Braswell, 25, assisted the needy, and now his family continues his legacy
When Justin Braswell was 15, a neighbor approached his mother, Michelle. “She said, ‘I didn’t know you gave out care packages,” she recalls. The neighbor told a confused Michelle that she saw Justin give his friend a bag of food, which explains why the family’s food supply was diminishing so quickly. “If his friends were […]
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