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The Jihad Cromer Memorial Foundation was founded in 2018 in loving memory of Jihad Cromer, who lost his life to gun violence on February 21, 2017. This Foundation exists to celebrate Jihad’s life as well as honor his passions and the values he exemplified throughout his life. We seek to empower and uplift students who are victims of gun violence, to recognize their trauma and their ability to overcome adversity, to encourage them to continue their education and involvement in their communities, and to support them in achieving their aspirations.
An accomplished basketball player and recent high school graduate, Jihad’s life was just beginning when he was fatally shot. Like so many other young Black children, Jihad had already been a victim of gun violence, losing his father in 2004 at just five years old. In spite of the trauma of losing his Dad, Jihad refused to let this loss define him – and it didn’t. From a young age, Jihad was known for his warm spirit and friendship, charming nature, great sense of humor, compassion, sense of integrity, and, perhaps most of all, his incredible talent and love of basketball. Jihad was a star both on and off the court, serving as a mentor, support system and source of inspiration to many children in his neighborhood, especially his younger brother and sister. At the time of his death, Jihad was pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, while working full-time to fund his education, and was excited to be in the next chapter of his life.
This foundation pays homage to Jihad with a scholarship fund that aims to support outstanding young people like him – students with academic and/or athletic promise, individuals active within their school or community, a person with goals, aspirations, and dreams. The Jihad Cromer Memorial Scholarship will benefit victims of gun violence to help alleviate the extra financial burden associated with these traumatic life events.
We hope you will join us in providing a brighter future to students and victims of gun violence by making a contribution to the Jihad Cromer Memorial Scholarship fund today.
With appreciation,
Cayla Belnavis on behalf of the Cromer, Treadwell, and Belnavis families
An accomplished basketball player and recent high school graduate, Jihad’s life was just beginning when he was fatally shot. Like so many other young Black children, Jihad had already been a victim of gun violence, losing his father in 2004 at just five years old. In spite of the trauma of losing his Dad, Jihad refused to let this loss define him – and it didn’t. From a young age, Jihad was known for his warm spirit and friendship, charming nature, great sense of humor, compassion, sense of integrity, and, perhaps most of all, his incredible talent and love of basketball. Jihad was a star both on and off the court, serving as a mentor, support system and source of inspiration to many children in his neighborhood, especially his younger brother and sister. At the time of his death, Jihad was pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education, while working full-time to fund his education, and was excited to be in the next chapter of his life.
This foundation pays homage to Jihad with a scholarship fund that aims to support outstanding young people like him – students with academic and/or athletic promise, individuals active within their school or community, a person with goals, aspirations, and dreams. The Jihad Cromer Memorial Scholarship will benefit victims of gun violence to help alleviate the extra financial burden associated with these traumatic life events.
We hope you will join us in providing a brighter future to students and victims of gun violence by making a contribution to the Jihad Cromer Memorial Scholarship fund today.
With appreciation,
Cayla Belnavis on behalf of the Cromer, Treadwell, and Belnavis families