Khallid Henderson would give anyone the shirt off his back or the shoes off his feet—literally.
“I’d tell Khallid, ‘You can’t keep giving away your clothes,’” his grandmother Khalilah Moore said.
Khallid had a drive to help others. He volunteered with a community-based program that feeds the homeless, and his goal was to go abroad to feed the hungry and help children in orphanages. He tried to be a role model for the youth in his community, too.
Basketball was another one of Khallid’s passions. It’s how he connected with others, and he dreamed of going pro.
Khallid was doing what he loved— playing basketball—at Roberto Clemente Park at 18th and Wallace in Philadelphia’s Spring Garden neighborhood shortly after 8 p.m. on Sept. 16, 2020 when someone started shooting.
Khallid was pronounced dead on the basketball court. Another victim, an 18-year-old man named Jayden Lucas, was pronounced dead at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Two other victims were treated with non-life-threatening injuries. No arrests have been made.
“His purpose on earth was to help people and make them smile, and when I look back over his life, he did that one hundred percent,” Khalilah said.
Khallid was born July 30, 1999 in Philadelphia. He was Khalilah’s first grandchild, and his baby shower was epic. Khallid graduated from Philadelphia Electrical and Technology High School, then he attended trade school and became certified in HVAC, plumbing and electrical work.
Khallid enjoyed taking photos, and his favorite subject was himself. He was funny, happy and outgoing, a charmer and a ladies’ man, his mother Tahirah Moore said.
He also knew how to have fun. Last year, Khallid and his aunt went to New York in Khalilah’s car. His aunt drove; Khallid only had his learner’s permit. When they arrived at their destination, she told him to wait for her in the car, but instead, he blocked his grandmother from Instagram so she couldn’t see what he was up to and went on a joy ride.
“We found out about it later when all of these E-Z Pass bills started coming,” Tahirah said. “He enjoyed himself.”
For his 21st birthday last summer, Khallid went to Los Angeles for the first time. He soaked up the sun and saw the Hollywood sign and Nipsey Hussle mural.
Khallid had plans to move to Miami with Khalilah and his grandfather, who is contending with the effects of a stroke. Khallid was one of his caregivers.
Now, his family is holding onto cherished memories, like how Khallid would give everyone a wet, sloppy kiss on the cheek and a hug—that was his signature move.
“We believe he’s our guardian angel,” Khalilah said. “When we feel depressed and down, he sends us signs. Missing his physical being is the hardest. I know he’s in heaven smiling.”
A reward of up to $20,000 if available to anyone that comes forward with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Khallid’s murder. Anonymous calls can be submitted by calling the Citizens Crime Commission at 215-546-TIPS.
Resources are available for people and communities that have endured gun violence in Philadelphia. Click here for more information.
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