October 17th 2023.
The Black community in Newark, NJ is in despair following the tragic loss of 8-year-old Zahmire Lopez, whose life was cut short on May 3, as reported by CNN. Zahmire was born prematurely to a loving mother and was full of life and energy. He was a passionate artist, often rapping or dancing, and had big dreams for his future.
Unfortunately, his life was taken in a drug-fueled shooting, allegedly caused by his mother’s boyfriend, Everett Rand. The incident also resulted in the death of Rand’s best friend, 27-year-old Wyleek Shaw, and the injury of Tajion Simmons, 24.
Leontine Niangara, Zahmire’s mother, expressed her deep pain and sorrow, “He fought to even get in this world, so then for his life to end short, it’s just devastating.” Zahmire’s short life has become a chilling statistic as over 1,300 children have been victims of gun violence since the start of 2023. All that his mother has left of him are his songs, which were shared under the stage name of ‘Lil Zah.’ Niangara shared, “It’s very hard. It’s not an hour goes by that I don’t just think about him. It’s hard. Some say when time goes by it gets easier but it doesn’t get easier.”
Rand, who was very close to Zahmire, fled the scene after the shooting. The Newark police chased him, but the pursuit ended with Rand fatally wounded after he attempted to shoot at the officers. The Black community in Newark continues to mourn the loss of another young life taken by gun violence.
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