Stephen Turner died on August 27th, 2021 as a result of Gun Violence. Senseless Gun violence has become a growing issue in our community and need to come to an end. Stephens' untimely passing was viewed as a "hero" defusing a situation and was caught in a crossfire. Stephen will be remembered as a protector, devoted, warmhearted, trendsetter who had a huge impact on his community. His death has left 3 young children fatherless, a mother and father heartbroken, and Hundreds of families, friends, and fellow members of the community he graced with his random acts of kindness and positive energy in distraught. Indignation was aroused by this senseless act that took place. Stephen was aware of one of his weaknesses which was to protect others in hopes to alleviate violence in his community. It's very unfortunate that his untimely passing was caused due to trying to alleviate violence. Stephen was an amazing person with a magnetic energy that lit up any room he entered. Stephen made everyone around him feel safe and inclined to live life to the fullest. The moment you encountered Stephen was the minute you fell in love with his persona. The phrase "to know him was to love him" encapsulated his personality. Anyone who encountered Stephen would describe him as majestic, genuine, pure and a true exemplar of his Harlem community.
Prior to Stephen's passing, he was overcoming his own personal battles, yet still using his strength and character to amaze and uplift his peers. Stephen's demeanor was affable, and welcoming, speaking volumes to the beautiful person he was. Stephen had a huge impact on his community living entirely throughout his 27 years on earth. The lives of his loved ones have changed drastically since his passing leaving everyone in a state of distraught and broken-hearted. We're all so sad due to senseless gun violence. Even more, gun violence has had a tremendous effect on our inner cities and caused many families, friends to mourn and be broken-hearted. Stephen's passing brought hundreds of people outside his building to his memorial. His life and death were so impactful to his community and loved ones that his memorial still stands with mementos, basketball trophies, flowers, hundreds of lit candles, and other things people brought to the memorial. On 119th where he lived people stop by daily to come and talk about all the good things Stephan has done. There needs to be a call for action, gun violence has led to children fatherless, broken households and parents to bury their children. Most of these tragedies are happening to our young African American males. Senseless gun violence has been destroying this city over the last couple of years and taking and cutting so many of the precious young lives too short.
This petition is to raise awareness to the young men in our community and send a message that we must end gun violence and put the guns down as a community. It is imperative to elicit this message in hopes to end gun violence in our community. Firearms are extremely accessible to parties who do not have the authority to bear arms. We as a community need policies and systemic change to forestall distribution of these unauthorized firearms. Most importantly, we would like to have the street where Stephen was raised renamed after him that would show our appreciation and continue to honor his life showing our appreciation for everything, he has done for his community in such a short period of time. Also, seeing Stephen's name every time you pass 119th street and Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard would make one think of all the good deeds Stephen has done for our community as a whole and will send the message of ending gun violence and stop the killing of our young African American men due to senseless violence.
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