In Memory Of Markeese Edwards
Markeese Edwards was a former student in Youth Radio's Community Action Project. On Sunday March 16th, 2008 Markeese was shot and killed in the 1500 block of Eighth Street in West Oakland, CA.
Erik Sakamoto, Director of Youth Programs here at Youth Radio recalls Markeese:
Markeese was a student in the CAP program for a short time last year. His sister Kiyomi graduated CAP in January, and his brother Donnell is a participant in the current session of CAP. Markeese and his siblings were referred to Youth Radio by their pastor, Bishop Watkins, who felt they needed a program to keep them busy. Markeese had just gotten out of CYA when he was referred to Youth Radio, but he didn’t attend until his sister Kiyomi had been coming to the program for a while. While he did not finish the program (he said that getting his diploma from Rudsdale was his focus), he did have a presence in the class, and seemed well liked by his peers. I remember a few times when we spoke 1-on-1 leaving really impressed by his perspective and his desire for something more.
To honor his memory, we are sharing with the community some of the memories both his family and classmates have of Markeese, in the audio and photos.
Classmates Mix- words of remembrance set to one of Markeese's favorite songs- Rick Ross' "The Boss" featuring T. Pain.
Markeese's Mom- A cut from a much longer interview with Markeese's family.
Trina Wintch- One of his teachers shares what she'd like people to remember about Markeese.
Markeese was laid to rest on March 26th, 2008. |
