Richmond Agbesi Family Fund

Last week, Richmond Agbesi, our "Richie" died in a tragic drowning accident in Lake George.   Richmond lived in our home in Queens for the past three years and he's been part of my family practically since I met him back in 2008, when he was a student in our digital storytelling class at CUNY Prep.  He had just emigrated from Ghana, and his film, which you can view here, shared a bit about his family and some of the challenges he faced coming to the United States.

For Richmond, education was the key to everything good in life and he took full advantage of all of the opportunities before him.   After struggling with test anxiety and taking the GED five times, he graduated CUNY Prep as Salutatorian in 2009 and gave the commencement address.  In 2012, we cheered him on again as his received his Associate's Degree at Bronx Community College.   When he died, he was a Studio Art major at Queens College and set to graduate after the fall semester.  We were already planning the party. 

Just a couple of months ago, Richmond received a standing ovation for the moving tribute he gave at CUNY Prep Founding Principal Dr. Derrick Griffith's memorial service.  Ironically, Dr. Griffith also died in a tragic accident - the Amtrak derailment near Philadelphia back on May 12.  It seems absolutely inconceivable that we've lost them both.  

Richmond leaves behind his mother, stepfather and two younger sisters who adored him -- not to mention all of the rest of us who simply can't imagine life without his gentle sweet spirit.  Please consider making a contribution to help support his family at this difficult time.