Legacy Stories
Legacy Stories are a collection of personal accounts told in the first person, as if the person who has passed on is telling their own story. These stories are narrated by someone else, but the words and experiences are those of the person who has passed on. Each story is a unique and powerful testament to the life and legacy of the person being remembered, and provides a way for loved ones to keep their memories alive. Through these stories, we can learn from the experiences of those who have tragically gone before us, and honor their lives in a meaningful way.
A Young Life Taken Too Soon
My name is Tashaka better known as Nikki, and I was taken from this world far too soon. I was just 17 years old when I lost my life to gun violence, with my three-month-old daughter sitting in front of me. It breaks my heart to think of the pain and trauma that my daughter must have experienced in that moment, and I wish more than anything that I could have been there to protect and care for her.
Instead, she has had to grow up without me, without knowing the love and warmth of a mother's embrace. It's a loss that can never be fully replaced or healed, and my heart aches for her every day.
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But I hope that she knows, wherever she is, that I love her more than anything in this world. I hope that she can feel my presence and my spirit watching over her, guiding her, and protecting her from harm.
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And I hope that she knows that I will always be with her, in her heart and in her memories. Even though I am no longer with her in person, I will always be her mother, and I will always love her.
With all my heart,
Tashaka “Nikki” Hawkins
My Mother's Voice:
A Legacy of Courage and Empowerment
My name is Sheila, and I was a proud member of the Black Panther Party. I believed in the power of our movement to bring about change and justice for the African-American community. I saw firsthand the impact that the Panthers had on our community, from providing free breakfast to children to fighting against police brutality.
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But my life was not without tragedy. I lost my oldest daughter to gun violence when she was just 17 years old, leaving behind a three-month-old daughter. It was a devastating loss that I never fully recovered from. And then, just a few years later, I lost my own life, leaving behind my youngest child who was just six years old.
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But my legacy lives on through my youngest daughter, who has founded Eighty Nine Ninety Four Foundation a nonprofit organization in my and her sister's memory. The organization supports, educates, advocates, and empowers other children who have loss a parent(s) to violence.
I am so proud of her and the work that she is doing to make a difference in the lives of others.
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I may no longer be with you in person, but I hope that my spirit and my legacy will continue to inspire others to fight for justice and make a difference in our world.
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With love and hope,
Sheila Hawkins
Marching To The Beat of My Own Drum
Hey y'all, it's Fred. I know it's been a while since I left this world, but I wanted to share a bit about my life with you. I enjoyed playing the drums and was even lucky enough to be a member of the legendary group the Whispers for a short amount of time, and let me tell you, it was a dream come true. Music was always a passion of mine, and I'm grateful for the time I got to spend sharing my talent with others.
But music wasn't my only love. I was a diehard fan of the Oakland Raiders and the Oakland A's! There's something special about sports that brings people together, and I loved being a part of that.
When I wasn't playing music or watching sports, I was working on cars and learning carpentry. I loved getting my hands dirty and figuring out how things worked. It was a great way to unwind after a long day, and I always felt proud of what I could accomplish.
Of course, my family was the most important thing in my life. I left behind a daughter and grandson who I loved more than anything. It breaks my heart that I never got to meet my second grandson, but I know he's out there somewhere, and I hope he knows how much I love him.
I never thought my life would end the way it did. It's hard to believe that someone I knew could take my life. But I don't want to be remembered for the way I left this world. I want to be remembered for the way I lived. I hope that my legacy will be one of love, family, and pursuing your passions.
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Chase Your Dreams,
Fred Henderson