Jamari Malachi Johns

Greetings Everyone,

My name is Victoria Brooks. I am fundraising to honor the memory of my son and to support students in the James Baldwin High School and Thurgood Marshall Academy, who are seeking to further their education. I want to provide support to Harlem Fathers & Mothers S.A.V.E., who continue to lift individuals and families in our communities that have been affected by violence and gun violence. Your donation helps thousands of New Yorkers in crisis. Let’s leave a legacy of love and compassion for future generations. Your donation can help make that a reality.

My beloved Jamari, a nineteen-year-old with innocent optimism, was brutally murdered in a senseless act of gun violence on August 13, 2022, just weeks after celebrating his 19th birthday with family and friends. Nurtured in the church and loving environments throughout his life, Jamari, attended Thurgood Marshall Academy, James Baldwin H.S. and was enrolled as a member of The Brotherhood Sister Sol - Youth Organization in Harlem, New York City. An avid sports fan, Jamari loved football, basketball, and video games. Towards the end of his life, Jamari began to explore an interest in engineering and was considering a career in the military. Jamari loved spending time away from the city with his fresh air fund family in Massachusetts. Jamari’s greatest love was Vyson, his younger brother. Often looking after him as they enjoyed taking pictures and making videos together. At a lean 6’2" and on the cusp of adulthood.

Jamari’s great-grandmother affectionately called Ma Quilla. Who nicknamed Jamari "JoJo" and "Joe Blow", and also often encouraged him towards a promising future. He was known as Johnny Appleseed, Jay Jay, and Mari to others. Jamari was often exposed to travel and culture with his cousins through his close-knit relationships with his grandparents. He is loved by many and will always be remembered, as he exuded such energy that always made you dance, smile, or laugh.

Your donation will go a long way in forwarding our noble cause. You and the rest of our donors are the bulwarks of our success. Thank you!

INSPIRED BY JAMARI

What's up y'all?

There will be no more tomorrows for me

So please cry for me

And cry for yourselves

For this worldly system has failed us, let us down

But it can't keep you down if you gain wisdom of their destruction.

Our communities don't manufacture guns, yet guns are overflowing in our communities.

Don't let so many lives like mine be lost in vain.

Take a stand to avoid the temptation to take another brother or sister's life because of a misunderstanding or the heat of the moment beef.

Or what will become of our generation?

We need doctors, nurses, scientists, teachers, preachers, firefighters, politicians, police officers and essential workers.

So, give yourself a living chance.

Put guns down and put life up while you can make a difference.

To my friends, hangout buddies and family, until...…

Love, Jamari