On Friday, July 21, 2023, 16-year-old Ra-Shaun Hood, the grandson of prominent Chicago community activist Rev. Robin Hood, was fatally shot in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood of Chicago. Ra-Shaun was found on the sidewalk in the 1200 block of West 81st Street, near the intersection of 81st and Racine Avenue (or 81st and Elizabeth Street, as reported in some sources), with gunshot wounds to the chest.
He was transported to Comer Children's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Ra-Shaun, affectionately known as "Tiny Man" due to his short stature, was described as a smart and athletic high school student who loved playing basketball and making his family and friends laugh.
Rev. Robin Hood, who has dedicated over 25 years to anti-violence work in Chicago, expressed deep pain and anguish over the loss of his grandson. He emphasized the need for community action to address gun violence, stating that if such violence can claim his grandson, it could affect any family. Rev. Hood and his family, along with other community leaders, including Rev. Ira Acree and Father Michael Pfleger, are calling for justice and have announced a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for Ra-Shaun's death.
As of the current reports, no one is in custody, and the Chicago Police Department's Area Two detectives are still investigating the case. The motive behind the shooting remains unknown, and police are urging any witnesses who may have seen or heard anything to come forward with information.
The community has come together to support the Hood family, with many attending a news conference to demand convictions and to call for an end to the cycle of violence. Ra-Shaun's grandmother, Louvenia Hood, also spoke out, emphasizing the need for action and the importance of not remaining silent in the face of such tragedies.
Rev. Hood's experience highlights the personal and community impact of gun violence, even for those who have dedicated their lives to preventing it. He continues to advocate for change, stressing that the entire community must stand together to address this issue.
