JULIA'S JOURNEY TO HOWARD UNIVERSITY

If ever there was a person that perfectly fit the definition of devoted husband and father, it was my friend Julius Holt.

Julius had all the odds against him in his early years. He had lost both of his parents by the time he was 10. Julius was a product of the streets in D.C. with little adult supervision.

Despite those circumstances, Julius overcame and was awarded a scholarship to play football at Ellsworth Junior College and later at the University of Arizona. At the University of Arizona, Julius excelled on the field and in the classroom.

Out of all of his accomplishments, what he was most proud of was his family. Having lost his parents early, he vowed to be a presence of love and support to his children. Coaching his son in youth football and attending all his games during his high school years. Organizing and fundraising for Julia in youth Softball and being present for all her high school and club ball games.

In addition to his children, he was also a presence in the lives of children throughout the community. For years, he had helped the youth football and cheer programs. From coaching different clubs to becoming the Tucson Youth Football and Cheer program president.

Earlier I referred to Julius as my friend. But he was more than that. Sometimes, if we are very lucky, we make a friend who, over the years, becomes family. Over the years, Julius became my brother. I am very sad to say that my brother Julius passed away on April 4, 2022, after a brief illness. His death shook us all to our core. Gone far too soon, leaving a Julius-sized hole in our hearts.

I cannot bring my brother back, but I can and will take care of his family. Especially Julia. Here we have this amazingly smart and gifted softball player whose daddy has been with her every step of the way. Countless practices, games and tournaments with Julius, most likely at every one! The day she signed with Howard University had to be one of the proudest moments he had as a father. I am certainly happy that he lived long enough to see that. As Julia starts this next phase of her life without her father by her side, I am asking for any support that you might be able to send her way. Let’s get her college career started right! Let’s help her make her father proud!