Support Xavien's Legacy: Funeral and Scholarship Fund

On Thursday night, December 12, 2024, Xavien’s “Ma" aka my big sister, sent out the Christmas prep and food duties in our family group chat. Candice and I knew we’d wake up to playful comments from Xavien about his ‘drinks and ice’ assignment and a very important reminder to my sister that he wanted deviled eggs for Christmas. Tragically, instead of those messages, we received devastating news on December 13th that Xavien had been taken from us.

Xavien was a son, brother, grandson, friend, and so much more. Over the years, he explored many interests and talents, leaving a lasting impact on those around him. He played the trombone in the Cedar Hill High School (CHHS) Band and had a passion for music, creating beats and aspiring to produce. As a child, he even had a sweet habit of humming when he enjoyed his food.

Xavien was also a Deputy Corps Commander in Air Force Junior ROTC at CHHS and a youth soccer coach at Singing Hills Recreation Center, where he found joy and purpose in mentoring others. He once shared how coaching taught him patience and brought him great fulfillment. At 21, Xavien was preparing to take the Air Force entrance exam, but his big plans were tragically cut short.

A great mentor, a good-hearted young man with a bright smile, an exceptional friend, a bright light, an amazing young man, exceptional, kind-hearted, bright-minded, a fabulous friend, and a life full of promise gone too soon…are just some of the wonderful words people have used to describe the Xavien they knew.

People, myself included, never think something like this will happen to them. My nephew, a wonderful human being, tragically lost his life to gun violence, something I never imagined would impact our family. In 2023, VP Kamala Harris highlighted the harsh reality that 1 out of 5 people have lost a family member to gun violence. Every day, about 120 Americans are killed by a gun. Xavien’s loved ones are now part of that statistic, and he is among those 120 taken from us on December 12th. Xavien’s sudden passing is a heartbreaking loss.

We are starting this fundraiser to help cover the unexpected funeral costs. We also hope to continue his legacy of inspiring and mentoring youth by establishing a scholarship to support young soccer players. We understand it’s the holiday season and the end of the year, but any donation, no matter the size, is deeply appreciated. Even sharing Xavien’s story is a meaningful way to show support. Please continue to pray for Xavien’s family and friends. As Eldridge Cleaver, an African American writer and political activist, once said, “If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.” Visit the Prevention Institute for ways to be part of the solution to ending gun violence.

We are hoping to have funds raised by December 28, 2024 to celebrate Xavien's life and lay him to rest. Thank you in advance for supporting my nephew’s legacy, Xavien Tyler Minnitt, March 21, 2003 - December 12, 2024.