Gun Violence 258
Khyree Dyches, 21: ‘We were really tight, he was my dog’
Khyree Dyches and his cousin grew up watching his grandfather build anything he could think of, whether it was redoing the kitchen, making wooden African statues or sewing clothes. “We’d help him paint, he taught us how to sew, and we were always learning,” said Khyree’s cousin Asia. “He always taught us stuff.” Since they […]
Allen Taylor, 34: ‘I wanted to see him happy’
When Allen Taylor was a child, he received a toy car for Christmas called Tantrum. “The wheels would spin around like crazy like the car was having a tantrum,” Allen’s older sister Shameka Sawyer said with a laugh. “Tantrum” became Allen’s nickname, and when he started rapping, he shortened it to “Tanch.” Shameka is a […]
Shamir Gilmore, 21, known for his thoughtful gestures
On his 21st birthday, Shamir Gilmore did something unexpected. He gave his mother a gift as a symbol of his gratitude: An artificial purple rose — her favorite color — and said, “Thank you for giving me life.” Almost a year later, Nicole is still amazed at her son’s touching gesture. “There’s not going to […]
‘Preacher John’ Rawls, 59, Ladies Man Who Uplifted Those in Need
In church, they called him “Preacher John.” John Rawls, who became a born-again Christian later in life, extolled the merits of saving yourself and changing your life before the coming apocalypse. He also penned poems about saving the Earth and odes to his many girlfriends, whom he showered with gifts. “Womanizing — that was his […]
Shahjahan S. McCaskill, 26, an achiever who overcame cancer
The above image, Shahjahan S. McCaskill, was created by artist Stephanie Smith as part of the 2021-2022 Souls Shot Portrait Project exhibition. ______________________________________________________________________________ Shahjahan Shaquar Ali Vaughn McCaskill was born Dec. 26, 1993 and raised by his mother, Najila Zainab McCaskill Ali, in West Philadelphia. When he was three years old, he met Jarell Jackson at […]
Elijah Dobbs-Harvey, 18, Devoted “Uncle Juicy” Who Stood Up to Bullies
By the time he was three days old, Elijah Dobbs-Harvey had already cheated death. Born with neuroblastoma, a very rare cancer that forms in certain types of nerve tissue, Elijah survived a grueling surgery only to be later diagnosed with epilepsy and a severe speech impediment. “He didn’t like it but it was part of […]
Ahmad Morales, 24, a barber who wanted to open his own shop
The above image, Ahmad, Resting In Light, was created by artist Emily Parker as part of the 2021-2022 Souls Shot Portrait Project exhibition. _____________________________________________________________________________ When Ahmad Morales was 14, his mother Tamika taught him how to cut hair. A longtime hairdresser and salon owner, she wanted him to have a skill that he could use […]
Jayson Adams, 29, new father whose funeral was disrupted by a shooting
Jayson Adams was everyone’s favorite, and that was especially true when it came to his cousin, Chrissy Baldwin. Jayson and Chrissy’s mothers are sisters, and they had a close bond. He’d do whatever was necessary to make her laugh. “He was a laid-back type, and he was very funny,” Chrissy said. “He was definitely a […]
Hugh Certaine, 27: ‘He would never hang up a call without saying I love you’
As soon as “That’s What I Like” played at a family event, you’d see Hugh Arthur Certaine Jr. look over towards his mom, Geraldine Nelson, motioning her to dance to their favorite song. Whether it was cracking jokes about being short, making silly faces or attempting to dance, all Hugh ever wanted to do was […]
Ebony Pack, 30, nurse who cared for COVID patients
If Ebony Sequita Pack had a goal, she would not let anything stop her from achieving it. When she became pregnant while attending nursing school, she changed direction and got her nursing assistant certification instead, which allowed her to spend more time with her daughter. She stayed focused on her plan, though. Later, she went […]
Emiliano Montero, 23, Bucks County native who enjoyed working on cars
Emiliano Charles Montero always wanted to know how things worked. He could take anything apart and put it back together, and he enjoyed tinkering on cars the most. He pictured himself opening his own garage one day in the suburbs. After briefly living in Philadelphia when Emiliano was a baby, his mother, Jessica Ortiz, raised […]
Andre Blackshear, 56, peacemaker who extolled education, not guns
The above image, Andre, was created by artist Terry Freemark as part of the 2021-2022 Souls Shot Portrait Project exhibition. ______________________________________________________________________________ Amanda Mills was no more than 13 years old when she and her brother stood terrified outside their twin home in the Logan section of Philadelphia, watching a neighbor beat up his girlfriend. Soon […]
Albert Lee Jr., 27, Kutztown grad who ‘was very intelligent, and he had a plan’
Albert Thomas Lee Jr. was not a fan of vegetables, particularly corn. A friend even offered him $100 to eat an ear of corn, but he couldn’t do it. “He didn’t like how it tasted in his mouth, he didn’t like the kernels, so it was a task trying to get him to eat corn […]
Bahair Walker, 20, event decorator who was filled with creativity
From interior decorating to party planning to poetry, Bahair Walker was bursting with creative energy and a determination to succeed. Through his event decorating business, Bgotti Events, Bahair would create visual statements like columns and arches made of colorful balloons, and Mother’s Day baskets with custom wine glasses and chocolate covered strawberries. Bahair enjoyed coming […]
Terrance Stewart, 35, shared a birthday with his youngest sister
On Terrance Stewart’s sixth birthday in 1987, his mother called him from the hospital where she had just given birth to her youngest daughter Shadeea. He asked what she had gotten him for his birthday, and she said, “a little sister.” His reply: “I don’t want that. I wanted a dog.” Although Terrance and Shadeea […]
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