Each day, we experience another death, tragedy, or loss of life to violence, and we have no answers. Many people–good people–are working to help families and the community cope with the hurt and pain that comes with loss, particularly tragic loss.
As Scoop tries to support our communities, victims, and families, we have partnered with Zarinah Lomax and The Apologues to respect those we have lost by sharing portraits and brief introductions into the lives of the families that “The Apologues” has featured.
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Artist: Ock the Artist
Untitled, Acrylic on canvas
Co-Victims: Kim Wylie and Victoria Wylie
Victim: Donte Wylie
Donte Wylie was killed on June 17, 2008, at the young age of 20. He was loved by many and had a great love for his daughter, who was born a day apart from his birthday. His family is very close-knit, and they miss him every day. Mother Kim and sister Victoria stood side by side fighting against violence in the community until Kim passed on June 27, 2022.
Victoria says: His loss is felt every day. He had a very big, beautiful smile that is missed. We all remember how he really loved his daughter.
Artist Statement: I am blessed and extremely honored to represent the families and co-victims of my community through art.
What is The Apologues?
The Apologues (under the fiscal sponsorship of the Federation of Neighborhood Centers) is a fashion and art exhibit that uses the arts to assist individuals in healing, empowering themselves, and advocating against gun violence and trauma that plague urban communities. Through the use of fashion, art, and music, The Apologues honors the emotions of untreated trauma through the realm of storytelling to trigger healing. We do this through the combination of self-portraits of victims and co-victims, wearable art, and musical experiences combined.
For more information and to support this initiative, visit our website, https://www.theapologues.org
