Rufus Horton [Jalani]

Greetings Supporters of Jamiri & Family, It is with profound gratitude and appreciation that we acknowledge how you, the community, family, and friends, have come together to raise the funds needed for Jamiri's memorial services in Jackson, MS, and St. Thomas, VI, and to bring him back home to St. Thomas to be laid to rest with his mom and ancestors. While his loss has been traumatic and tragic for all who loved him, the outpouring of love and support in every way imaginable has been a tremendous source of joy and comfort. The bonds he has helped to seal and strengthen through all of this feels good, really good. We will now bring this GoFundMe campaign to a close. On Friday, we will post a link to the livestream of his memorial service taking place on Saturday, October 24th, in Jackson, MS. I speak for all the people who love Jamiri when I say, thank you, thank you, thank you! Jalani Eldest Brother Lybia'Sun

On Thursday evening, October 1st, in Jackson, Mississippi, the night air was shattered by nine violent gunshots, and the life of our youngest brother and nephew, Jamiri Manñan Francis, was taken. Those shots rang out through the air, and now they have pierced the hearts of his five children, his family, his friends, and the Jackson State and Piney Woods communities that came to know and love him. Jamiri adopted Jackson as his second home and Jackson embraced him in return. Through his basketball career, his work as a tattoo artist and barber, and simply being who he was, Jamiri connected with people throughout the community. He showed love wherever he went. Jamiri was so much to so many—a humble man, a loving man, a caring soul who was always willing to help others. He was that spirit, that guy who was simply love. Now, we want to do proper by our beloved Jamiri. We are asking for assistance to provide him with the proper closing ceremonies in Jackson and to bring him home to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, where he can rest among his mother and ancestors. At a time when we are simply broken and filled with grief, your support would help ease the immediate financial burden of honoring Jamiri's life and giving him the service he deserves. If you are able, we deeply appreciate any donation. If you are unable to give financially, sharing this fundraiser with others would mean just as much. I usually have much to say, but right now my mind is scattered and I feel broken. I can only imagine what his children are feeling—their hearts shattered like glass. Somehow, we will move through this. We will pick up the pieces, one by one, so we truly appreciate every person who helps us along the way. Jamiri, my little bro, we will celebrate you in Jackson, and we will bring you home and celebrate you in St. Thomas. So it is said, so it will be done. Love alone, R. Jalani Horton