I've been reading about Isaiah Shoels and just can't shake the thought of the immense pain his family went through. Isaiah was taken away in the most senseless and cruel manner imaginable. It's particularly disturbing how racial hatred played a role in his death during an already horrendous event. As a parent, the idea of losing a child, let alone in such a violent and targeted way, is beyond comprehension. Isaiah's father, Michael, has shown incredible strength and resilience by continuously advocating for recognition of the racial animosity behind his son's killing and pushing for change. The fact that Isaiah was buried in his cap and gown is such a powerful image, a reminder of the promise and dreams that were stolen from him. My heart goes out to Isaiah's family, friends, and everyone who knew him. They, along with the other victims’ families, deserve all the support and strength we can muster.
