Dear all-
I'm both saddened and relieved to say that I will not be continuing this project in 2008.
It has taken its toll on me in a number of ways, the worse being that I've caught myself feeling more sorry for the fact I had to go visit yet another homicide site than for the fact that another human life, dear to many, was lost.
As some of my readers have commented, this is one of the saddest consequences of these homicides: they become acceptable, routine, just an unfortunate ongoing phenomenon.
I so appreciate all those who have posted comments, reminding us that these victims were part of others' lives. All human life is inherently sacred and valuable, and any loss, especially by violence, is unbearably tragic.
Here's wishing 2008 sees us being more committed to addressing the issues that create the environment where such violence occurs.
Best,
Nic B
Nic:
ReplyDeleteI completely understand your decision to not continue this project. The year (or more?) you spent doing it is itself a huge testimonial to the lives that were lost. In a sense, it is symbolic and can stand for all the preceding years and years to come. I hope you will at least leave the website available in memoriam for those who have died.
Is there a way to contact you directly through e-mail?
Deb
Deb-
ReplyDeleteYou can reach me at nicbekaert@yahoo.com
Nic
thanks for doing this, nic. i have so appreciated the thought and effort you have put into this project.
ReplyDeleteHey Nic. I commented several times on Roosevelt Gaither's page. I am Neek. I had become numb to the deaths in Oakland until he was murdered. I am also very saddened that his memorial turned into a rivalry between myself and his ex-wife, of course you know the story. In a strange way it helped, because until this blog, it seemed as if I was screaming underwater. Now people can better understand the truth. I did not intend to cause such an uproar by leaving a comment...I hope you understand. It is very hard to lose someone to murder, its the worst, because there IS someone to blame. Thank you for caring! This blog kept us informed, when the news did not. I would send out bulletins on my myspace about the numbers. Thank you again, you helped me personally, as well as his family..they would not speak to me at first. Jah Bless!!
ReplyDeleteNic
ReplyDeleteyou have done a wonderful job, it has helped me to keep up with the count of each person. I have tried to reach everyone, but I always miss someone. so if anyone lost a love-one in 2007 or any other time please feel free to contact me at khadafy35@sbcglobal.net Nic I know this hurt each time but it was truly needed. Yo brought more people toghter with this blog than you'll ever know thru this blog we have learned to love, seek and look for understanding in this crazy world we live in.
STOP KILLING HURTING
AND
DESTROYING ALL FAMILIES & YOUTH
May God Bless you my friend you are a unsung HERO doing a small thing but making a big impac
Marilyn Washington Harris
Khadafy Foundation for Non-Violence
Nic, thank you for your hard work and dedication. As a parent whose son was murdered last year I want you to know your postings have meant a lot to me, Daniel's family and friends. It is a tribute to our humanity that people like yourself freely give so much of themselves to speak out against this ongoing tragedy that rains down on the people of Oakland. A tragedy that is completely unforgivable for the fact that it is largly preventable. There are more then 20 entire countries in this world who have 10 to 20 to 50 times Oakland's population yet have less murders then Oakland. These are societies nowhere near as wealthy as the US but who use their wealth to benefit everyone not just the privledged few.
ReplyDeleteThank you again. I hope our paths will cross so I can thank you in person.
Steve-
ReplyDeleteWe met the day after Daniel's death. I came by & took some pictures, we chatted for a bit, you told me what a great kid he was. I gave you my card, but I'm assuming that day is a haze for you. If you have a better picture of a memorial, I'd be glad to post it.
Best,
Nic B
Nic,
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your work and mindfulness. I first came to your site after witnessing 2 different events: the car crash and shooting of innocents, Kikhiesha Brooks and Gary King, Jr. The newspapers offered nothing but biased prejudices and assumptions about these horrific events. But your work gave each victim dignity and grace to their loved ones in their time of heartbreaking grief. Thank you.
I am new to blogging and just found your blog. I understand the toll that this must have taken on you.
ReplyDeleteNic, it is a shame that you do not find another aspect of makeshift memorials to blog about. Right now there is a huge battle going on between the States and our individual rights to erect a roadside memorial. Please read the posts at www.cemeteryspot.com/blog about this.
Nic, we need you involved in this to protect the right of grieving individuals. Let me know how I can help you and please contact me anytime.
YOU CANT STOP THIS PAGE HAS COMFORTED SO MANY PEOPLE AND HAS CONSOLED THEIR HEARTS U HAVE MAADE THEM FEEL SO MUCH BETTER KNOWING THEIR IS SOME PEOPLE OUT THERE WHO CARE JUST AS MUCH AS THEY DID ABOUT THE VICTIM OF THEIR FAMILY
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteThanks for doing this. I understand why you quit, but this is a great project. I'm sorry I didn't find it sooner, though, it's great that this exists.
ReplyDeleteDear Nic,
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if you're still reading your comments, and if not, I'll try to contact you via email. I'm currently doing a blog on spontaneous shrines [http://www.spontaneousshrines.wordpress.com] and I came across your site today. I'm very impressed by this project that you did, and would love to hear more about why you decided to undertake such a daunting task. You handled a physically and emotionally difficult topic with respect and compassion, for which I respect you immensely. Best of luck with what you are doing now, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Shady Grove
Steve- We met the day after Daniel's death. I came by & took some pictures, we chatted for a bit, you told me what a great kid he was. I gave you my card, but I'm assuming that day is a haze for you. If you have a better picture of a memorial, I'd be glad to post it. Best, Nic B
ReplyDeleteHello. And Bye. Thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteHello. And Bye. Thank you very much.
ReplyDelete