Sir’Antonio Brown, a tender-hearted six-year-old with an uncanny knack for picking out silent struggles, often surprised those around him with a simple yet profound question: “Are you OK?” His mother, Shayna Davis, now heartbreakingly yearns for one more of those queries, craving to respond, “Yes, I am OK.”, for that would grant her a precious moment of hearing his voice or seeing his face.
Tragically, a few weeks before his kindergarten graduation, Sir’Antonio was killed during a shooting in Kansas City, Kansas. The unfortunate incident occurred while he was innocently immersed in outdoor play near his home on May 3rd. The believed target was his uncle present on the street during the shooting. Two culprits involved were apprehended and charged for second-degree murder, yet another remains elusive, as per Kansas City police.
The cherubic Sir’Antonio belonged to the growing statistic of more than 1,300 child and teen fatalities in America in 2023 from gun-related violence. In a disheartening shift, firearms surpassed road accidents in 2020, becoming the leading cause of death among young Americans.
Sir’Antonio’s life and memory inspire those left behind. Shyneisha Hill, his cousin, and godmother, spoke fondly of his perceptiveness. “Are you OK?” he asked, was an earnest reflection of his actions, his innate intention to uplift spirits with a tight hug, a warm smile, or a whacky joke. The gleaming presence that he was, could color any room with joy, whether at school, or on the sports field, or at home.
Residing across the street from Sir’Antonio, Hill and her son QJ formed a close-knit quartet with him and his sister, Beautiful. Their routine beautifully woven with walks to the bus stop, shared sports practices, outdoor games, and attending the Timothy Baptist Church.
A radiant tribute to childhood, Sir’Antonio, basked in the Kansas sunshine indulging in outdoor activities and competing with his mother in basketball. His enthusiasm and fearlessness often reflected, whether while playfully wrestling or recklessly plying down hilly terrains on his adored bike.
Hill fondly recollects how Sir’Antonio, despite being the youngest, would unfalteringly protect his sister and QJ, making sure they felt safe and secured with him. With his familial spirit, Sir’Antonio lightened their lives, yet his absence has left a void in their daily activities and essentials.
Amid places flooded with his memories, their church is a silent testament of Sir’Antonio’s spirited persona. His fleeting attention span during sermons, love for choir music, and generous donations to the church’s “Change to Make a Change” jar sparkle in their recollections.
Subsequent to Sir’Antonio’s untimely demise, the community rallied in support of his mourning family. Community-wide gatherings, memorial marches, and charity events were organized, with strangers partaking alongside family and friends. The social media platform Facebook became a canvas for commemorating Sir’Antonio, with people often posting memories with the hashtag #SirStrong or sporting T-shirts imprinted with his thoughtful question, “Are you OK?”
As they brave the loss, the family is resolute in keeping Sir’Antonio alive in spirit. His inherent charisma and the maturity beyond his age continue to inspire them. “He had strength that we didn’t believe a child should carry,” says a teary-eyed Hill, who also initiated a GoFundMe campaign for funeral expenses and family costs.
September 20 that year would have marked Sir’Antonio’s 7th birthday. Those fortunate to have been recipients of Sir’Antonio’s affection march ahead, carrying his legacy with them, while endeavoring to emulate his infectious spirit and embody his strength, living each day in honor of his cherished memory.
