This story was produced as part of our Writing Heals program, in which we hire a family member of a victim of Homicide to write the stories of people who have been killed in Philadelphia. For more information or to sign up to write about someone you lost to gun violence, click here.
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Written by Rochelle Yates-Whittington, mother of Marcus Yates
From the earliest moments of his life, it was clear Iz’hir Gonzalez was born with a gift of being incredibly smart. He was only 5 years old when he started to school the rest of the family on history lessons.
“We were sitting at the table eating steak and potatoes for dinner, and he started telling me about Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King,” said his mother, Deboniee Bracy. “It shocked me. “And I asked him How do you know that? Did the school teach you that?”
He was just one of those kids who absorbed information, and he carried that thirst for knowledge into his teen years. Known for his keen communication style and vast knowledge on various topics, Iz’hir would spark a debate with the young and old alike.
“He would normally win the debates most of the time,” his mom said
His smile would light up the room whenever he walked into it, Deboniee said. “If you ever had the opportunity to meet him, you will never forget him.”
Memories are all that his family has left after Iz’hir was lost very early, at only 14 years old. He was visiting with his dad and grandmom at their home in North Philadelphia when he went outside to play basketball with his friend. He was carrying his bookbag on his back and a prayer rug in his hand when he was shot seven times on Oct. 20, 2024. He died three days later.
Some described him as a gentle giant, and he was admired by kids and teachers alike at his school. He was also known for his athletic skills, for which he received recognition as the Basketball MVP at Fredrick Douglass Mastery Charter School. He also won medals for football, basketball and the 27th St. Rec. Center Gold Athlete Award. Iz’hir was also awarded the 2024 United States Junior MBA Championship Award.
Iz’hir was raised a Christian and then turned to the Muslim faith like his dad, Isaiah.
Raising Iz’hir, Deboniee described herself as “a strict enforcer” as she tried to keep her children safe. That discipline taught Iz’hir and his 8-year-old little sister, Mi-layah, to always be respectful.” Iz’hir had chores to do at home, and he was responsible for helping care for his little sister. Mi-layah adored her big brother and would listen to all his instructions as if he were her father.
Iz’hir also enjoyed spending time with his aunts, uncles, grandma and friends. He was a young man who loved God and adored his mother, who he called “momma,” Deboniee said.
“Iz’hir never wanted for anything, and he was so grateful for what he already had.”
She remembers singing to him as a kid, and their favorite song was still “You Are My Sunshine.”
She said he was a generous person who would make sure everyone else was OK first, and he had no problem waiting to go last. But he also had a silly side.
“Izhir loved making TikTok videos dancing with his family and friends,” she said.
Iz’hir loved his momma, and they had a special bond between them. He always gave her hugs and told her how much he loved her. He was so grateful and would thank her for cooking for him. She surprised him on his 14th birthday by taking him to Puerto Rico for a couple of weeks.
Deboniee expressed how much she misses hearing her son’s voice in the house, saying, “I love you, momma” every day. Now the sounds of his voice are silent.
Iz’hir’s mentor, OG Law, is a well-known community activist who recently won the Father of Philadelphia Award. He described Iz’hir as “a kid who was very tall, disciplined and loved playing sports.” “All the old ladies on the block loved him, because he would help take out their trash.”
They loved his charismatic demeanor and helpful spirit. “Iz’hir loved God and had recently fallen in love with a girl on the block. Due to his height, unfortunately, he was put in some mature situations in which he should not have been, because of his age.”
OG felt that he needed to be in a school or camp far away from his North Philadelphia neighborhood. In Iz’hir’s memory they renamed Nicholas St. as Angel Park.
He was special, said OG. “If God was taking all the best for Himself, He made a good choice taking Iz’hir.”
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Iz’hir’s mom and dad wanted to share a note they wrote to him in his memory:
“Dear Son, our souls are broke. Nothing could ever prepare us for this son. This is so life-changing. We want you to know never feel that you are alone. No matter how near or far apart we are, you are right here in our hearts. We will carry you forever. You have given us so many reasons to be proud of the young man you have become, but the proudest for us is telling others that you are our son.”
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If you have any information, please contact the Philadelphia Homicide Division at 215-686-TIPS or submit a tip here. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a $20,000 award.
