Support Deshawn's Recovery from Gun Violence

Help Support Deshawn’s Recovery

On September 25th, the unimaginable happened to Deshawn. While on the south side of Chicago, he was approached by several young men wearing masks who proceeded to shoot him 8 times with the majority of the bullets striking his body. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital where they discovered several bullets, fragments, wounds, and a shattered shoulder. As the severity of the injuries became more apparent, he was then treated by an additional hospital.

I first want to speak on behalf of the person l've known for 18 years. Deshawn is one of the most selfless individuals I know as I have watched him put the needs, interests, and safety of other’s before his own. He is a valued member in Chicago’s latin dance community, having founded The Blacker The Berry, a platform that spotlights and promotes Black and Afro-Latin dancers. I have always been in awe of the relationships and connections that he has built in his community, which is rooted in his passion for the art of dance and the people that play their part in keeping it alive.

Deshawn has always been a kind, positive, and hardworking person, who championed for a cease of gun violence in Chicago, and it's devastating to see someone so undeserving of violence go through such pain. He unfortunately lost his best friend and cousin Keith to gun violence last year, which makes this tragedy even more distressing. We are grateful that he is still with us, and now we need to rally around him to ensure he gets the help and care he deserves.

I've created this GoFundMe to assist Deshawn with his medical expenses and to help him as he navigates this challenging time. Any contribution, no matter how small, would make a huge difference in his recovery and allow him to focus on healing without the added stress of financial burdens.

Please share this message and consider donating to support Deshawn on his journey to recovery. Let's come together to show him that he is not alone and that his community stands with him during this difficult time.