By Rich Bockmann
The bond between fathers and their sons will be the theme for this Sunday’s benefit dinner to honor the memory of Kedrick Ali Morrow, Jr., the Elmont teen who was killed following a dispute at a Springfield Gardens party in 2010.
“This year’s theme is the importance of fatherhood and really focusing on the youth,” said Shenee Johnson, who has become an anti-violence crusader since her son’s murder.
Fathers who bring their sons to the 2nd Annual Kedrick Ali Morrow, Jr. Scholarship Benefit Dinner Fundraiser will receive a discount off the $25 admission price.
Proceeds will go to benefit the winner of this year’s essay contest, which asked the question: “How does gun violence affect you and the community, and what would you do to change it?”
Nicolas Sully, who won last year’s competition with his thoughts on being a humanitarian, will be a guest speaker.
Sully, 19, is the author of “I Hope Nobody Sees Me: Memoirs of a teenage stroke survivor,”and Johnson said his triumph over adversity is the kind of example she would like others in the community to emulate.
“People love and remember my son, and I don’t want them ever to forget that. We should all be more pro-active,” Johnson said. “I wanted to shine a light on those who are living.”
The dinner will be held at the Masjid Alhamdulillah Islamic center, 121-03 Sutphin Blvd., on Father’s Day from 3-7 p.m.
Reach reporter Rich Bockmann by e-mail at rbockmann@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4574.
