My name is Safiya Patterson, and I am the daughter of Lee Patterson. I am reaching out to ask for support during one of the most difficult moments our family has ever faced.

We lost our patriarch and the center of our world on December 21st. Although his prognosis was not good, we never expected such a sudden decline. Our family rushed from North Carolina (where I live) to be with him from the night of the 19th into the early morning of the 20th so he could meet his great-grandchild for the first time. While we are grateful for that moment, doing so required pooling all available resources, leaving us financially strained.

I am now required to return to Maryland to make my father’s final arrangements and am solely responsible, as my mother is incapacitated and unable to assist. I am working under limited time constraints to move him from the Maryland Anatomy Board into a funeral home while also searching through extensive paperwork for any possible life insurance coverage.

At the same time, my sister and I are navigating a medical and housing crisis involving our mother. She is currently hospitalized and cannot safely return to her apartment alone. We must clean out the apartment and move her, as she can no longer maintain it without my father’s support.

With the urgency and uncertainty surrounding these responsibilities, we are in immediate need of support. All contributions will go directly toward funeral and memorial services, with any remaining funds assisting with essential travel, housing transition, and transportation needs.

Lee Patterson dedicated his life to fighting for justice and equality. He believed in people over politics and spent his life standing up for those who were unheard, never wavering in his convictions.

If you are able, please stand with us now—help us honor his legacy and give him the dignity he fought for in life.

Thank you for your kindness, solidarity, and support.