Celebrating the Life of Kamau Ibrahim Taft Chandler
Sunrise: April 26,
1996
Sunset: July 27, 2013
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| Charleston, SC, 1996 |
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| Vail, Co, 2011 |
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| candle-lit vigil remains, Brooklyn, NY, 2013 |
My nephew was killed just over 2 weeks ago...
I'll be writing a proper eulogy, as well as offering my perspective on what we (you and I) can do to stem the tide of so many young men dying so young (e.g. more mentoring), but for now, all I can do is share his obituary and what others have done...and I sing my brother's praises for having raised such a Beautiful spirit.
The son of Cheo Chandler and
Tonia Handy, Kamau Ibrahim Taft Chandler was born in Charleston, South Carolina
on April 26th, 1996, and transitioned from this earthly plane on
July 27th, 2013 in Brooklyn, New York.
Kamau was a beloved son, a responsible brother, a conscientious grandson, a courageous nephew, an attentive great-grandson, a fun cousin, a devoted boyfriend, and a loyal friend whose temporal light was extinguished way too soon.
Mau Mau, as he was often called by his family, was a kind, helpful and compassionate young man who often attended to the needs of others before attending to his own. As witnessed by the crowd of over 200 mourners attending the candle light vigil in front of his mother’s house, Kamau’s warm aura, disarming smile and loyal character endeared many people to his charming and joyful spirit. With an ever-present twinkle in his eye, Mauii, as his friends called him, was a magnetic personality who embodied dignity, pride and respect.
A rising high school senior at Benjamin Banneker High School, Kamau was an intelligent problem solver who excelled at math and was a gifted orator. He enjoyed skateboarding, video games, board games and basketball, and he excelled at boxing and martial arts.
Kamau was a supportive and dependable sibling who took pride in living up to the role of “big brother.”
He is already missed by all who knew him.
Kamau leaves to cherish his memory parents, Cheo Chandler and Tonia Handy; sisters, Mawiyah Handy, Sondra-Saadeka Chandler, Anaya Chandler, Tai Sheppard, Rainn Sheppard and Brooke Sheppard; brothers, Antar Handy and Cheo Chandler Jr.; step-parents, Tawana Bethune and Ginnie Banks; grandfather, Osei Chandler; great-grandmother, Doris Evans; aunts, Nadine Handy and Naeemah Chandler; uncles, Shaun Handy, Jermaine Handy, Jamal Jones and Azikiwe Chandler; niece, Tarai Handy; several cousins; and extended family and friends, including Miss Evelyna, Baba Bill & Mama Arlene Jones, Mr. Antonio & Mrs. Patricia Cruz, and Kamau’s girlfriend, Keturah Williams.
The family wishes to express special thanks to Mr. Muhammad, Bill Jones IV, Jerel Jones, and the East Family.
Kamau was a beloved son, a responsible brother, a conscientious grandson, a courageous nephew, an attentive great-grandson, a fun cousin, a devoted boyfriend, and a loyal friend whose temporal light was extinguished way too soon.
Mau Mau, as he was often called by his family, was a kind, helpful and compassionate young man who often attended to the needs of others before attending to his own. As witnessed by the crowd of over 200 mourners attending the candle light vigil in front of his mother’s house, Kamau’s warm aura, disarming smile and loyal character endeared many people to his charming and joyful spirit. With an ever-present twinkle in his eye, Mauii, as his friends called him, was a magnetic personality who embodied dignity, pride and respect.
A rising high school senior at Benjamin Banneker High School, Kamau was an intelligent problem solver who excelled at math and was a gifted orator. He enjoyed skateboarding, video games, board games and basketball, and he excelled at boxing and martial arts.
Kamau was a supportive and dependable sibling who took pride in living up to the role of “big brother.”
He is already missed by all who knew him.
Kamau leaves to cherish his memory parents, Cheo Chandler and Tonia Handy; sisters, Mawiyah Handy, Sondra-Saadeka Chandler, Anaya Chandler, Tai Sheppard, Rainn Sheppard and Brooke Sheppard; brothers, Antar Handy and Cheo Chandler Jr.; step-parents, Tawana Bethune and Ginnie Banks; grandfather, Osei Chandler; great-grandmother, Doris Evans; aunts, Nadine Handy and Naeemah Chandler; uncles, Shaun Handy, Jermaine Handy, Jamal Jones and Azikiwe Chandler; niece, Tarai Handy; several cousins; and extended family and friends, including Miss Evelyna, Baba Bill & Mama Arlene Jones, Mr. Antonio & Mrs. Patricia Cruz, and Kamau’s girlfriend, Keturah Williams.
The family wishes to express special thanks to Mr. Muhammad, Bill Jones IV, Jerel Jones, and the East Family.
posted by Azikiwe Chandler at 8:13 AM
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