Even at an early age, Kareem Nasir Wisher knew how to light up a room with his affectionate smile and sense of humor that could brighten up any room. “He had a babyface with a million dollar smile—and a lot of jokes” said his aunt, Candice Colquit. “And a lot of jokes.”
Like the time one sweltering summer when he was left in charge of his little brothers. The closest pool was closed so the only thing they could do was sweat outside on the stoop. But Kareem found a way to turn a negative into a positive.
As his brothers stood there in defeat, clutching half-melted popsicles, their dreams of cooling off sunk faster than a cannonball.
“That’s when Big Bro stepped up and came up with the most legendary water balloon fight,” said his youngest brother, Amar Harris. In minutes, he transformed the front yard into a battlefield of balloon grenades and improvised splash traps. He narrated every moment like a sportscaster crossed with a stand-up comic, turning each soak into a punchline.
Kareem was the oldest of four, and like most older siblings he took on the natural responsibility of helping raise the younger ones. “More of a father figure, bro was big bro, dad, protector…He was my Superman,” said his brother Saadiq Harris.
Taking on the role as the man of the house at a young age required Kareem to think outside the box and be resilient. Knowing others were counting on him, it forced him to find ways to support his family. “He was always hustling trying to get a dollar,” said his brother Anwar Harris.
In the midst of a snowstorm, Reem focused his vision on making an opportunity. “Bro was trying to get me to shovel snow with him, but I wanted to sleep in on the day off. He convinced my lil brothers to go tho and came back with $500,” Saadiq said.
Even at 13 Kareem had a spirit about him that he wouldn’t settle for not having. “He was about getting his paper,” Anwar said.
He understood that it was going to be on him to make a way for himself and family. Knowing his brothers were looking up to him, he had to be the example.
“The Enforcer of the House, Bro would give it to you if you were outta order,” Saadiq said.
Reem had to be strong and show his brothers right from wrong. Sometimes that meant having to be the disciplinarian while his mother was away providing. This sometimes could put the brothers at odd but it was all for the good of the family. “We all feared and respected him,” Amar said. “You ain’t want hands put on you.”
He didn’t play when it came to his brothers. To Reem family was everything, and he couldn’t allow anyone to mess with his them.
That even meant his friends, as one instance where his friend found out the hard way.One day while outside playing around, word got back to Reem that his little brother had been pushed. Furious, Reem went to find his friend that was trying to bully his little brother. “Bro went straight up to him and swung, almost breaking his jaw,” Saadiq said.
Being the leader, Reem was able to apologize and rekindle the friendship. The two friends were able to squash it and laugh it off.
While having to be the example, Reem also made sure to show his brothers what it meant to be there for each other and loved being around family. “He was always smiling and telling us how much he loved us,” Anwar said. “That’s what I remember the most.”
He knew how to make light of his situation. When faced with the ideal of being a father, Reem was happy but also nervous. After finding out he was having a son, he decided to call his brother to share the news. “Bro I ain’t that far behind you, chill chill don’t tell mommy yet though. She going go crazy,” Saadiq remembers saying.
He was excited for fatherhood, expecting the arrival of his first-born, Kareem Jr. Unfortunately, he never got the opportunity to get to see his child grow up. Kareem was taken away by senseless violence at 32nd and Montgomery in Strawberry Mansion on May 31, 2019.
While unfortunate that Kareem’s life was cut short, his impact has left a mark on his loved ones. “He woulda felt good about the fact that all his brothers are still alive doing well. The lessons he taught us didn’t just go away with him,” Saadiq said. “We have a blueprint of how to go about things and have him to thank for that. His spirit still is amongst us with lil reem and I know he is smiling knowing that we are holding him down.”
