BLACK OBITUARY PROJECT

Raven Gresham, 24, was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police officers.

Raven was a bright, diligent, energetic, and passionate soul. She demonstrated an immense love for the arts at a young age. By growing up being around her great grandfather who was prevalent in the Central Ave. Jazz community she learned at a young age how passion for what you love could be used as a positive, uplifting experience for someone’s life. Ultimately this passion led her to continue her art and expression, as she got older. Her continued passion and love for the arts influenced her in wanting to be apart of an artist community in any way she could. She would have wanted to give back, and have art studios that created an urban environment where positive free expression could be expressed through the arts and without judgment.

Raven Gresham was once a woman upon this Earth, yet she is no longer.

Raven Gresham is survived by her mother, Roshanda Brown; her father David Gresham and 4 younger siblings. 

Roicia Banks was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police officers. 

Banks was a motivated, passionate and driven young woman who had a silly personality and infectious laugh. Banks had an undeniable love for God, food, culture and people; so much that she eagerly and obsessively traveled the world to experience His work firsthand.

She was a very passionate social worker who took her career, families and communities very seriously. Banks was fearless in her advocacy for injustice and equality. She often went toe to toe on these issues; anytime, anywhere and anyplace. Banks was Native (Hopi) and African American and was raised on the Hopi reservation where she spent her adolescent years learning her Hopi culture, language and traditional values. Banks spent her adult years understanding and cultivating her love for both her African and Native American roots. 

Banks was the first in her adopted and biological family to obtain her bachelors, as she double majored in Political Science and African and African American Studies at Arizona State University. Banks was very passionate about helping others, thus she earned a Master of Social Work and selflessly served as a social worker for the Native American community.

She spent her extra time mentoring "at risk youth" and singing nursery rhymes to her twin infant God children; whom were the "apples of her eye". Banks sought to leave a motivating, memorable impression on the lives she touched.

Roicia Banks was once a woman upon this Earth, yet she is no longer. 

Banks is survived by her mother Bernice, her two siblings; Erica and Christopher, her God children, her best friend Rashawnda and parents Rachel and Tony Brown.

Sarah McCullough, 23, was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police officers.

Sarah was a soulful, spunky, and kind young lady who always tried to bring light to any situation presented in front of her. As a child, her curiosity of the world placed her in a variety of after-school activities as well as lifelong friendships. The years as a teenager were a rollercoaster ride of emotion and determination to learn as much as possible, take advantage and appreciate each and every day. Growing up in a family of nine children-all adopted from around the world--her love for diversity and acceptance of everyone is something that set her apart from others.

Sarah was extremely passionate about uplifting those around her, specifically minorities. She reserved her time where possible to give back to the community and spread positivity and love that may reach someone in need.

She was a faithful and peaceful forward-thinking member of this world and will be missed.

Sarah McCullough was once a woman upon this Earth, yet she is no longer.

Sarah McCullough is survived by her mother, Ann McCullough and father, Joseph McCullough

Shamier Altemus Smith, 24 was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police officers. He was someone that was immersed into music despite never playing an instrument. Throughout his life he was always seen walking with headphones of any sort, music was just his peace; it was natural for him to search and explore different genres of music. He was a very outgoing personality though reserved and cerebral at times, he was easily the center of attention or life of the party in social gatherings. Peaceful, positive, old soul that cherished everyone he meets in all capacities of relationships

Shamier Smith was once a man upon this Earth, yet he is no longer.

Shamier Smith is survived by his mother Annette Smith; his father, Jeffery Smith; and his sister, Jaysha Smit

Sidney Hall, 24, was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police officers.

Everyone has a dream much like the dreams that visit us each night some let them slip away. Others hold on to their dreams never letting the reality of day to day life dissolve their inner magic. Sidney was one of those people. 

Her dream was to recreate the fantastic, mystical world that lived inside her heart. As a daughter, sister, mother, friend, lover, musician, and entertainer - she ignited little bombs of creativity and carved out an interdimensional pathway to her dreams. 

In this eternal pursuit, the life of Sidney Hall was political.

Sidney Hall is survived by her mother, Tracey Degrees-Hall; her father, Carl Hall; her sister, Ashley Strickland; her son, Jimmi Cloud Beach-Hall; and her life partner, Tyler Beach.

Sidney Harris, 21, was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police officers. 

Sidney, a student, aspiring professor and intellectual was known for her true embodiment of empathy and compassion. Her revolutionary spirit led her to try and leave any and everyone, thing, and place better than when she found it. Outspoken and transparent, Sidney's concerns for global justice and equity were undeniable. Spreading pieces of justice and love in the places she walked and to the corners of the hearts where her words reached. Sidney's vibrancy and enduring faith touched hearts, and even though her passions consumed her at times she never forgot how to smile and laugh.

Bold and brave, Sidney lived her ancestors' wildest dreams the best she could.

Sidney Harris was once a woman upon this Earth, yet she is no longer. 

Daughter of mother Shari. Granddaughter of Reba and Oscar. Friend of many. She will surely be missed. May she rest in power. 

Sydney Love Wilson, 24, was unarmed when was shot and killed by local police officers.

Sydney was known for her light, her heart and her natural affinity to care for others. Since she was a young girl, Sydney only imagined herself being a part of the solution to a problem larger than herself. Her heart bled for those who were not in the position to speak for themselves. With her love for education, Sydney quickly decided her calling was in community outreach which led her to study Social Work – in hopes of one day creating change in systems that need them the most. It was in this work in which Sydney strengthened her passion for change and restoration. She was determined beyond belief and strongly believed in the work she did.

Sydney Wilson was once a woman upon this Earth, yet she is no longer.

Sydney Wilson is survived by her parents Lorne Wilson & Dutchess Smith-Wilson and four siblings: Bobby Wilson, Freeland Wilson, Kofi Wilson and Saudi Wilson.

T. Augustus Romer, 39, was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police officers.

Augustus grew up with a thirst for knowledge and a yearning for learning. When he entered grade school, his kindergarten teacher and entire grade level gave him the nickname “professor”. Augustus was raised with all types of nationalities and races and never saw nor sought out the differences between humans. As a child he was taught that all life is special and the fingerprint of God.

At the age of 6, Augustus preached his first sermon at Central CME church. There was such zeal and expressiveness in his countenance that other churches started to demand he speak to their congregations. 

Throughout his childhood Augustus said that he was called to “shatter the stereotypes” that society tried to impose on him; and he did. He studied history, music, philosophy, astronomy and literature. He worked closely with his local police department speaking at area schools for the DARE program. He took a keen interest in music theory, piano, vocal technique and sound engineering. He helped start a media production class which all classrooms saw in the morning. During high school he played black Jesus, black Joseph, and Teen Angel while helping to spearhead the summer musical program. 

Augustus travelled extensively and loved meeting, understanding and living with various other cultures. It was when he returned from England when he had an emotional collapse because he finally understood America. 

A true patriot,  Augustus thought that America was a beacon of hope, equality and freedom.  His biggest heartbreak was not only knowing that his beloved country didn't represent his qualities and ambitions but that at times the institutions worked fervently against his pursuit of happiness. 

Augustus was once a man upon this Earth, yet he is no longer.

T. Augustus Romer is survived by his mother Linda Rousseau Washington, his sister Latoya Desamour, his nieces and nephews and a host of cousins, aunts and uncles who loved him dearly.

Taylor Nicole Bryant, 23 was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police officers.

Taylor was a charismatic, nurturing and carefree individual. She exhibited a deep love for current events, reading novels and helping others from an early age; this love was propelled by her grandmother and father, both avid newspaper readers. During her childhood, unlike most children her age, Taylor read the newspaper front to back every day and could talk your head off about anything going on in the world -- on any given day. She was also active in various community events such as; the AIDS walk, Invisible Children and Special Olympics, throughout her adolescence and early adulthood. Taylor’s love for current events and helping others throughout her adolescent and teenage years ultimately lead her to pursue a career in journalism. She wanted to give a voice to the people and inform the world. She identified with the Robin Robert’s and Oprah’s of the world, she just wanted to have a positive impact and be a phenomenal woman.

Taylor Bryant was once a woman upon this Earth, yet she is no longer.

Taylor Janaé Donald, 23, was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police officers. 

Growing up, Taylor was gullible and oblivious to the world around her. She was energetic and always willing to find out more about the world she was growing up in.

She enjoyed an array of African American music and among her favorite artists was Lenny Williams .

What most influenced her? Music was the key: Her focus was music from the 60s to early 2000s

In her teenage years she became more conscious (woke) about the injustice her people were enduring. Taylor was willing to learn more. She minored in African/African American studies, which would've lead to her upcoming career as a Civil Rights lawyer. No matter what, Taylor would make sure her Blackness was known and assured until the end.

Taylor's wished for everyone to always remember that Black always has been and always will be beautiful, and urged Black youth never to let anyone teach them differently.

Taylor Donald was once a woman upon this Earth, yet she is no longer.

Taylor is survived by her mother Latisha Mitchell-Donald; brother Tyler Donald and grandmother Vicky Daviss-Mitchell.
 

Temahle James Brown, 24, was unarmed when shot and killed by local police officers. 

Temahle Brown recently graduated from Arizona State university earned a career with ESPN. He was well respected by his peers and always pushed others to achieve their dream no matter their race or Background. Brown was also a supporter of Civil Disobedience and the teachings of Dr. King, James Baldwin and W.E.B Du Bois. May his spirit live with forever.

Temahle Brown was once a man upon this Earth, yet he is no longer.

Temahle Brown leaves behind a beautiful mother, two sisters and an older brother.

Terrance Clayton Lindsay, 23, was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police officers.

Lindsay was a dreamer to say the least; one of those dreamers who was on his way to something amazing. He’s had an extreme love for the arts starting at childhood in an environment where his peers couldn’t grasp his ideas and thoughts. That all changed in college when he begun to spread his wings. Lindsay met tons of friends that understood his creative side. He began to grow wiser, smarter and knew he could be one of those people that would change the world. While in school he got is start in the fashion industry as while interning for a top modeling agency - this was the happiest he ever was. Lindsay got his foot in the door to make all of his dreams finally come true. Unfortunately his dream was cut short.

Terrance Lindsay was once a man upon this Earth, yet he is no longer.

Terrance Lindsay is survived by his mother, Candyce Lindsay; his father, Tyrone Lindsay; and his brother, Carter Lindsay.

Tierra Ellis, 26, was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police officers.

Ellis was a bright, motivated, and driven young woman who could be described by others as one with an infectious smile. She was caring and easily went out of her way to help others whenever possible. Her genuine love for people attracted her to the field of psychology as early as high school. Ever since her adolescent years, Ellis read several books to learn more about her Black roots, while still being involved in a multitude of extracurricular activities geared toward mentoring at-risk youth. She was attaining her PhD in School Psychology at Howard University, as education and mentoring was very important to her. Ellis frequently presented at professional conferences on topics focusing on interventions to close the school to prison pipeline for African-American youth, while also exploring the psychosocial factors that contributed to the underrepresentation of African-American students in STEM education. Her voracious research on black culture brought her closer to her black roots and overall personal identity.

Tierra Ellis was once a woman upon this Earth, yet she is no longer.

Tierra Ellis is survived by her grandmothers, Delores Brown and Peggy Armstrong; mother, Irene Ellis-Harris; her father, Andre Armstrong; 3 half sisters: Queniche Jack, Koze Jack, and India Harris and 2 half-brothers: Joseph Harris and Jaidyn Harris.

Tony Williams, 28, was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police officers.

Williams was an enthusiastic, ambitious, warm-hearted man who tried to bring the best out of every person he encountered. Tony was a very curious and inventive child always trying to discover, learn, or create something new. During his adolescence he found a love for the many facets of design; architecture, photography, art, nature, graphics you name it. Pursuing his passion, Tony graduated from Arizona State University with his bachelors and masters degrees. He loved design so much he felt the need to use his passion in design to empower the Black community through art of self awareness.. His enthusiastic personality was one that would leave an everlasting impression on you, his ambition, very river like, flowing so swiftly, and his warm heart could be felt through his passion to motive others to be the best them they could be.

Tony Williams was once a man upon this Earth, yet he is no longer.

Tony Williams is survived by his mother, Robin; and his sister, Angelica. 

Tremell Gray, 25, was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police offers.

Gray, a young, timid man with many aspirations, was on the forefront of becoming comfortable with physically coming out of his shell. This proverbial trait of him allowed him to soak up knowledge from others and one day, be a voice for what he believed in.

Growing up in Chicago was surely not an easy feat with the known gang violence on the daily, society judging every move you make along with family having the highest expectations of you with school. Staying quiet and doing what he was told to do was all he had to make it out. Hearing the phrase multiple times closed mouths don’t get fed started to become his fixed mantra and slowly, but surely things were being spoken when his mind spoke it in existence. Taking advantage of school and getting through college, was able to become the 3 rd person in his family to get a bachelor’s degree. Not even death to his first cousin Deontay or his mom having surgery to remove a brain tumor was enough to hold this shy young man back.

Not going after his Master’s right after his undergrad was something he regretted as he got older, but he still had dreams of furthering his knowledge. He also was still trying to establish a career in something because he had many things he liked. A writer was first on the list and with his smooth and very well spoken poetry gave him hope like no other. He was working on a book of poetry to share with the masses to hopefully get the recognition he felt he deserved. That reserved attitude was starting to become bold. Putting himself out there was the first and only step to set him up for greatness.

Tremell Gray was once a man upon this Earth, yet he is no longer.

Tremell Gray was survived by his mother, Ms. Belinda Gray; his father, Stephen Lawson; his brother, Darrell Gray; and his girlfriend, Oroma Amesi.

Tyler Samuel Cole, 24, was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police officers.

Cole, a heartfelt, fun loving man, was a diligent worker and for many a smile on a rainy day. He found pleasure in many of the little things of this world, inspiring to make others happy. In his younger years, Cole, became infatuated in the music shown to him by his father and brother. Finding his soul in the notes and heartbeat guided by bass; his passion grew into commitment. He saw the joy music brought, and as a teenager he matured his love for music into obsession for bringing people happiness through it.    .  Becoming handy with a turntable pushed him into a place of unapologetic creative space. With the mixture of all genres of music, it allowed him to effectively move the room with grace and a smile on his face, reflecting the smiles in the crowd.  .

Tyler Cole was once a man upon this Earth, yet he is no longer.

Tyler Cole is survived by his mother, Dr. Michelle Cole; his father, Calvin Cole; his brother Geoffrey Cole and his sister Olivia Cole. 

Tyson Asante Thurman, 25, was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police officers

Tyson Asante Thurman was a man just coming into his own. He graduated from Arizona State University in May of 2013 with a bachelor's degree in Computer Information Systems as well as a bachelor's degree in Business - Communications. After graduating, he went on to work in the litigation and technology industries as a Software Technical Specialist.

Aside from his day-to-day in the corporate workforce, he actively pursued a long term passion as an artist in poetry, music and acoustic guitar. He planned to jump into playing the electric guitar and the piano in the near future. Tyson was a warm hearted and sometimes misunderstood individual. He wasn't the best communicator but always had the best of intentions. One thing's for sure is he took care of those he loved and he helped those in need when he was able.

Tyson Asante Thurman is survived by his mother Jacqueline, his father Herbert, and his older sister Brittany.

Yadima Alexis Uloaku Ugwuala, 21, was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police officer. 

Ugwuala, an innovator, caring young lady, she was known for her outspokenness- more so for good than bad. Her love for music was almost unbelievable. Ugwuala grew up having very low self-esteem and the only thing that gave her confidence and a voice was music. She listened to artist such as Destiny’s child, Mary j. Blige, Michael Jackson, Lauryn hill, R. Kelly etc, she often sang songs that she hardly ever understood but somehow it brought about confidence. The thing that she loved later gave her confidence to speak in front of crowds. The little shy girl who was once afraid to speak, could speak in front of crowd, she made sure that her presence was known every chance she got.

Yadima Ugwuala was once a woman upon this Earth, yet she is no longer.

Yadima Ugwuala is survived by her mother, Mrs. Esther Ugwuala; her father, Mr. Jude Ugwuala; her sister; Racheal Ugwuala; and her brothers. Tochukwu and Brian Ugwuala.

Yasir Ali Salih, 24, was unarmed when shot and killed in conflict with local police officers. 

Yasir, a quickly assisting and accommodating man - both his greatest quality and biggest downfall. Still calibrating his compass away from his juvenile flaws to a life tailored to his goals and beliefs.

From an early age, Yasir was gripped in following the footsteps of his father and other philanthropic men in their mission of further developing their home country of Sudan. Though quickly comprehending the prodigiousness in this task, never steered or startled Yasir off of his self-motivated duty. Yasir, persevered from his youthful mistakes to find pleasure and comfort in faith and triumph; ultimately leading him to a life of service.

Robbed by a bullet, Yasir’s lasting legacy was stolen. An invested and industrious student, forced Yasir to place his aspirations on hold. Yasir’s untapped potential is being buried today along with his body and soul.

Yasir Ali Salih was once a man upon this Earth, yet he is no longer.

Yasir Ali is survived by his mother, Kholoud Salih; his father, Dr. Ali Salih; and his brothers, Mohammed, Mustafa, and Mazen Salih.