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: Ed Maldonado (Artistik Beatz)
Still Here, Acrylic on canvas
Co-victim: Michelle B.
Victim: Kyle Corte’z Davis
Kyle Corte’z Davis was found fatally stabbed on February 18, 2019, inside his home at 55th and Haverford in West Philadelphia, as the result of an alleged domestic dispute. He was a girl dad, and his mother Michelle continues to fight for his name to stay alive. Michelle B is the co-victim reflected in this portrait to honor her son’s memory–who worked so hard to honor his country as a Marine.
Michelle says: Kyle is my first love. Losing Kyle is beyond tears. A huge hole in my soul bigger than earth. Although I can’t hold Kyle anymore, his spirit lives with me. I’m Kyle’s voice.
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