My name is Kentara Gaines.

I'm a mother, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a woman who has dedicated her life to holding space for others through healing, grief, and growth. But today, I come to you not in my professional role-but as a mother who just lost her child in the most heartbreaking, violent way imaginable.

My son, Zion Keion-Imani Greenwood, was killed at the age of 19 and taken from us in a moment of senseless violence at the hands of his uncle. No mother should ever have to say that. No mother should have to plan a service for her child.

Zion was my joy. My first baby. He came into the world wide-eyed and curious, and he stayed that way-always questioning, always exploring, always hungry for more. He was playful and protective, a boy with old soul wisdom and a smile that made you forget your worries. He was silly when you needed a laugh and serious when life got real. He cooked. He rapped. He read. He meditated on balconies and told his little cousins to eat better and love themselves harder.

He was proud of his culture and rooted in community. He spoke more than one language and had dreams of becoming a business owner, and always looking for a way to move forward. In his final months, he was evolving Spiritually, Mentally and Emotionally. He was stepping into himself as a man, and I could see his growth blooming right in front of me.

I raised Zion with intention. I made sure he had mentors. I kept him in programs.

I nurtured his gifts. I showed up in every way I could-so he would always feel chosen, safe, seen. I thought I was doing everything right. But I couldn't stop this. I couldn't protect him from this.

Now, I'm trying to survive what no mother should. I've paused work while I navigate unimaginable grief.

This fundraiser will help with:

- Rent and expenses related to housing

- Reward to Capture the assailant (Marvin)

-Child care expenses for my other child

- Basic living expenses like food, essential bills, utilities, and cost related to transportation

- Miscellaneous (seed money to generate funds toward the fundraiser)

- Mental health and grief care so I can begin healing

Your gift is more than a donation-it's a hand on my back when I feel like falling. It's a reminder that I don't have to carry this loss alone. If you knew Zion, you knew how much love he gave freely. If you didn't, I hope you can feel that love now-because it still lingers. It lives in his music, his memories, and the people he touched.

His name was Zion. His middle names were Keion (after his beloved Aunt Keyona) and Imani, the Swahili word for "Faith." And that's what I'm holding onto. Faith that we will get through this. Faith that my baby's light will continue to shine.

Please donate if you can. Share if your heart moves you. And keep us in your prayers.

With a mother's love, Kentara Gaines