The New Licious

9 Responses to "Derrion Albert Fund"

1. Gina Bella
   September 30, 2009 8:03 PM  

   
   I posted information on the Memorial Fund for Derrion Albert on Twitter and will do so on a regular basis.
   
   May God Bless and comfort his family.

2. Licious
   September 30, 2009 9:00 PM  

   
   Thank you VERY much Gina. I appreciate that. Blessings to you and yours

3. bryan
   October 1, 2009 9:51 AM  

   
   I am a 25 year old brotha who has been deeply affected by the senseless, cowardly, animalistic, and ruthless beating of Derrion Albert.
   
   What angers my spirit the most is the many bystanders who watched carelessly as Derrion was being attacked. It's like 'black-on'black crime' is a given.
   
   That young man meant no one any harm, and I know he wasn't affiliated with those group of teenagers in any way. When where there be justice in Chicago? When.
   
   I'm new to Chicago, and this case really, really makes me think bitter of our ignorant and violent community. Is 'black on black violence' the new Chicago?
   
   Our race is ding innocently, younger, and with out much attention. I pray that God gives Derrion peace. As well as his family.
   
   I have posted all this information on Facebook and MySpace. I will do everything in my power to get the public engaged. I will also reach out personally to my family and friends and suggest they help in some way. That would be a blessing.
   
   God Bless,
   Bryan L.Cotton
   773-501-8477
   soulblc@gmail.com

4. Licious
   October 1, 2009 12:29 PM  

   
   Bryan,
   Thank you for leaving this lovely comment. It is a horrific loss that we've all suffered. Not just Derrion, but the 4 lives who took his life will now be taken behind bars. Waste of God given blessings. Those who sat by and watched will struggle with their lack of defense of Derrion for the rest of their lives. I pray peace for them all.
   
   Thank you for encouraging people to make donations. I posted on Twitter and Facebook, and made a donation myself. Every little bit will help and bless the family. Thank you again for visiting my site and commenting!

5. bryan
   October 1, 2009 1:10 PM  

   
   Licious,
   
   It was a blessing to have even reached out to someone who has the same passion and heart for cases like this one.
   
   Those teenagers who took the innocent life of Derrion will have to live with that guilt for the rest of their lives. I agree.
   
   It's really a shame how a life can be so quickly taken from someone. I've just got through having a very engaging conversation with a security officer at Harold Washington Library. He too is angered by this tragedy.
   
   I will continue to seek for others to spread the word. Definitely keeping you posted!
   
   God Bless,
   Bryan

6. Licious
   October 1, 2009 3:10 PM  

   
   You are definitely to be commended for reaching out to your community! With people like you in this world, it has no choice but to get better! And yes, please make sure to keep me updated. You can send messages here or look over to the Contact column in the middle of the page and click on "Email Licious" and it will take you directly to my personal email. You can reach me there as well. Take care, Sir!!

7. Gina Bella
   October 2, 2009 5:55 PM  

   
   Is there an organization in your area that combats teen violence against teens? If not can we start a nationwide one where we all get together and give ? Sounds silly but it would be symbolized by a kind of RIBBON CAMPAIGN that would be representative of empowerment of children and teens who would otherwise think that they have no choice but to fall in with bad influences - violence, crime in order to survive. I would love to help with that. My heart breaks for the children that senselessly lose their lives in spite of choosing the right path like Derrion but my heart also breaks for those children that have chosen the wrong path and have a bleak future. The loss of Derrion haunts me. Let's do something together to create something positive out of something so devastating as his death.

8. Licious
   October 2, 2009 6:11 PM  

   
   I think that is an excellent idea, Gina!! I dont know of an local organization that does that but I can look into it. I think its an exceptional idea to make it a nationwide campaign. You should contact Bryan (he left his contact info here in the comment) and see about working something out. I will be glad to help in any way possible. Ill keep it in prayer & meditation!

9. bryan
   October 3, 2009 10:53 AM  

   
   I so very much relate with Gina! I think that there needs to be a national campaign, or more so a stepping stone in the case of violence prevention.
   
   I know that Chicago is notoriously known for violence, but there is shadowing states as well. The message can be broader then the typical 'Stop the Violence' slogans and posters. I feel that if there were to be a ribbon, or something symbolizing the awareness of violence prevention, that can be universal.
   
   There is that saying of 'product of environment', yet I find that more theory- based. I grew up in and around the inner city. But, I was confident enough to make sure I lead a 'correct' way of living. That's not to rule out any one type of person. I am a reserved brotha, but also a silent, leader at most. I base my strong will and determination solely on my faith. If it weren't for that instilled faith at an early age, I could very well be involved in gang activity.
   
   When cases such as that of Derrion Albert occur, you have to think just how structured is the home. I'm not saying that means lack of parenting skills, but rather lack of substance to a child.
   
   In our community, it's well known that there are many one-parent households. Mainly, black women raise black families. I too was raised with one mother. Some may argue that the reason why black men engage in violence is do to the fact, they need to be validated by male figures. Also, acceptance.
   
   I am somewhat understanding of that. Yet, I have always turned to many male figures in my family.
   
   We can never understand the psyche of anybody. But, sometimes our preconceptions, when it comes to black on black crime may be accurate at times.