Justice For Vee
Donation protected
Verndell Smith, affectionately known as "Vee" was senselessly murdered in broad daylight on Wednesday, May 19, 2021. Verndell was an amazing soul who dedicated his life to helping the youth in Chicago escape the violence plaguing the city.
Verndell Smith’s motto was, “Stop shooting and start dancing.” It’s why he opened the Ultimate Threat Dance Organization (formerly known as Silent Threat), to get kids off the streets. “He wanted to give other children an outlet to forget their struggles in life,” his sister LaToya Smith said. “People came in the door not knowing how to dance. And they left, as we’d say, ‘the coldest in Chicago.’ ” Smith's dance team has appeared in the Bud Billiken Parade for the past five years.
Late Wednesday morning, Smith was walking near his studio in Park Manor when the driver of a silver SUV pulled into the parking lot and opened fire in the 7400 block of South King Drive, hitting Smith in the leg, arm, forehead, and torso.
He leaves behind a 10-year-old son, a family that loves him, and students whose lives he forever positively impacted.
What we Know: One vehicle was allegedly involved - a gray or white SUV (perhaps a Dodge Journey) If you have any information, please text 274637 and type CPD and tip info or log on to www.CPDTIP.com.
How You Can Help: We are raising funds to ensure that this work was not in vain. Funds raised will be used to keep the dance studio open so that the youth continue to have an outlet. In addition to raising a reward for anyone who can offer legitimate information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Verndell's death.
If you are interested in providing in-kind donations for costumes, hair, and makeup, transportation, etc, for student performances please do not hesitate to contact us.
We appreciate everyone’s help, in every way.
Media Coverage:
Chicago Sun Times
Fox News Chicago
ABC 7 Chicago
The Grio
People Magazine
Verndell Smith’s motto was, “Stop shooting and start dancing.” It’s why he opened the Ultimate Threat Dance Organization (formerly known as Silent Threat), to get kids off the streets. “He wanted to give other children an outlet to forget their struggles in life,” his sister LaToya Smith said. “People came in the door not knowing how to dance. And they left, as we’d say, ‘the coldest in Chicago.’ ” Smith's dance team has appeared in the Bud Billiken Parade for the past five years.
Late Wednesday morning, Smith was walking near his studio in Park Manor when the driver of a silver SUV pulled into the parking lot and opened fire in the 7400 block of South King Drive, hitting Smith in the leg, arm, forehead, and torso.
He leaves behind a 10-year-old son, a family that loves him, and students whose lives he forever positively impacted.
What we Know: One vehicle was allegedly involved - a gray or white SUV (perhaps a Dodge Journey) If you have any information, please text 274637 and type CPD and tip info or log on to www.CPDTIP.com.
How You Can Help: We are raising funds to ensure that this work was not in vain. Funds raised will be used to keep the dance studio open so that the youth continue to have an outlet. In addition to raising a reward for anyone who can offer legitimate information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for Verndell's death.
If you are interested in providing in-kind donations for costumes, hair, and makeup, transportation, etc, for student performances please do not hesitate to contact us.
We appreciate everyone’s help, in every way.
Media Coverage:
Chicago Sun Times
Fox News Chicago
ABC 7 Chicago
The Grio
People Magazine
Co-organizers (2)
LaToya Smith
Organizer
Chicago, IL
Lynn Cooper
Co-organizer