<div>At the Circle K gas station at Rivers Avenue and Otranto Road just after 1 p.m. on July 15, 2025, a 15 year old black boy in North Charleston was violently arrested by police while selling handmade Palmetto roses—something he did not out of necessity, but because he enjoyed it.

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<div>It gave him pride, purpose, and a little extra spending money for the summer.

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<div>On that day—nine officers from the North Charleston PD and a K9 unit responded to a vague complaint from a white store manager about a “young man selling” outside.

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<div>The store manager never said what he was selling.

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<div>What followed was an unnecessary, traumatic, and violent escalation.

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<div>His screams for help were captured on video, and since then—he hasn’t made a single rose.

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<div>Sweetgrass roses are more than just souvenirs in Charleston—they are part of a centuries old Black cultural tradition, passed down through generations as a symbol of artistry, resilience, and Southern heritage.

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<div>This teen wasn’t loitering.

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<div>He wasn’t hustling.

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<div>He was preserving culture through craft.

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<div>And now, he’s been traumatized. For doing what he loves. For making money in a prideful and creative fashion.

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<div>His summer has been completely disrupted.

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<div>He’s withdrawn from the things he once loved.

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<div>And <strong>this fundraiser </strong>is about helping him find his way back.

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<div>Donations will go directly to him and his mother to help them get back on their feet and support whatever needs may arise as they navigate this trauma.

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<div><strong><em>This includes:</em></strong>

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<li>Replacing lost income from the roses he can’t sell

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<li>Covering missed work, daily costs, and transportation

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<li>Providing stability and breathing room while the legal process unfolds

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<div>The family is represented by an attorney and has been advised not to speak publicly at this time. They are not responsible for any legal fees and nothing is coming out of pocket for the lawsuit.

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<div>This fundraiser is <strong>solely</strong> for recovery and healing.

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<div>In addition to making roses, this young man is also a painter.

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<div>His mother shared that painting has become an outlet for him—one that expresses a side of himself that most people don’t see.

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<div>He’s open to selling his work—and if you’d like to support him by purchasing a painting, you can reach out to his mom, Nisha—directly on facebook:

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<div><a href="https://www.facebook.com/share/1AyCqn6oNM/?mibextid=wwXIfr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nisha’s Facebook</a>

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<div>Nisha is also currently pursuing further education—working hard to obtain a certification in medical billing and coding while raising her son—and six other children—while navigating the trauma of this moment.

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<div>Supporters had been donating through CashApp, but the account was shut down without warning.

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<div>This <em>GoFundMe</em> is the only verified and approved fundraiser created in direct collaboration with his mother.

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<div>Thank you for standing with this family.

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<div>Thank you for valuing not just justice, but humanity—and for helping this young man reclaim what was stolen:

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<div>His <em>safety</em>, his <em>summer</em>, and his <em>sense of self.</em>

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<div><em><br /></em>
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<div><em> Want to learn more?
Here’s the link to the most recent news coverage of what happened:<br /></em>
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<div><em><a href="https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=X5jvxDUgcp8" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=X5jvxDUgcp8</a><br /></em>
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A Cooney

Kara Hamilton

Andrea White

Michelle Brandt

Anonymous

Steve Hill

Jahlysa Marley

Carla Olson

Rachel Smart

ashley bernal

Ivette Quintero

Lindsey Smith

Elizabeth Gibson

marc robinson

Help a Young Rose Maker Heal After a Violent Arrest

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Help a Young Rose Maker Heal After a Violent Arrest

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