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Originally posted 9/16/08
The Dean's List is very sad this morning....
I'll start by saying that the Rochester community has lost another young life. Alfred Oliver, 24 years old, was shot to death while driving his vehicle in the 19th Ward early Saturday morning. I learned of the killing as I walked my dog. I noticed numerous police cars parked on the street and the infamous yellow tape. A police officer stopped me and asked if I had heard anything around 2:00 AM. I hadn't.
I didn't know Alfred or his family, but my heart aches for all involved. Having a 25 year old daughter myself, I can't imagine getting "the call". The pain his mother, father, family and friends must be experiencing right now has to be unbearable.
At times like these, we want to reach our and support the loved ones. Some may bring food to the house, send flowers, start a prayer circle, etc. Then there are others who feel the need to build a memorial or shrine at the location of the murder scene. Unfortunately, you see these memorials all over the city of Rochester - a testament to the violence that plagues our city. They contain flowers, candles, pictures, teddy bears, etc. I guess it's a way for the community to remember, honor and grieve?
I took my normal route to work yesterday morning. As I drove past the spot where they found Alfred, I noticed that a memorial had been erected in his honor. Unfortunately, even though there were candles and flowers present, the only thing that stood out for me was the empty liquor bottles. Maybe I'm out of touch, but, - HOW IN THE HELL IS THAT HONORING SOMEONE?!?!?
On my way home yesterday, I stopped and took a picture of the memorial (see under Recent Pictures).
I didn't know Alfred Oliver, but I do know that he was murdered by a thug or thugs. The thuggish behavior now continues with this memorial and all the others like it. Every time his family and friends drive pass that location, the memory of Alfred will be tarnished by the presence of empty Hennessey bottles.
How Disrespectful!!!!
Come on people - We need to do better! We will never crawl out of the bowels of hell we are currently living in unless we start to do things differently. Let's start by eliminating the memorials throughout Rochester and then:
**No more RIP airbrushed shirts
**No more street shrines
**No more bandanas in the caskets
**No more fights at the wakes and funerals
**No - I have an even better idea - NO MORE SENSELESS KILLINGS!!!
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Oliver family. I will also pray for the murderers and their families - no one wins.
Write the Dean's List with you thoughts: thedeanslist1@gmail.com
