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Friday, February 10, 2012
Vigil light for Marque Johnson
by Rhonda Erwin, published on March 17, 2010 at 11:28 PM
Storyline: Public safety
Hundreds of Sacramento teens filled the streets mourning the death of 17yr-old Marque Johnson. Often in the silent night a loud cry could be heard by someone crying out "Not Marque, Please not Marque."
Most of the teens cried silently with tears flowing heavily and strongly down their young faces.
Marque is loved and will be missed by many. It was apparent the teen touched many lives. At one point I counted 287 people but then I lost count as many would come and some could no longer stand and were escorted off by friends or family members.
Teens held on to one another carrying teddy bears, candles, pictures and posters each wanting Marque to know they love him.
Someone rode to the vigil in a minivan and written in chalk on the windows were the words: 'Rest In Peace Marque. Sunrise May 6, 1992 - Sunset March 16, 2010."
A man made his way through the crowd and said, 'I am Marque's uncle. I love my nephew. Thank you all for coming" and he began telling the teens of all the violence and how much he cares for them and wants them to live.
Marquis grandmother addressed the crowd singing spiritual songs. As she sang the teens begin to sing with her and many who hadn't cried began to cry. His grandmother's pain was evident and her soft voice trembled of God's love. His grandmother said, "They killed his body but you were NOT able to kill his soul. Marque gave his life to Christ."
Marque's mother appeared to walk on air. Her movements were slow. In her face all I could see was pain and sorrow. After Marque's grandmother spoke his mother said, "I want to also say, thank you. Yes, Marque's gave his life to Christ last week." His mother's love was powerful yet she was so weak. A mother shouldn't have bury her child. Her child is suppose to one day bury her.
Another family member stated, 'It's okay, he's alright. He's with God. He's in a better place. Vengeance is mine said the Lord. I want everyone to be safe and stay safe." A family in deep pain, who needs comforting, was there in the spirit of love to comfort the hundreds of teens filling the sidewalk of Summerdale and Mack Road.
Many teens, who could get through the crowd, lined up to sign the many posters. Youth stood reading the many Bible verses and scriptures placed on the fence near where Marque's breathless body laid.
The candles would burn low as the teens stood for hours, holding one another and sharing their fondest memory of Marque.
A woman standing near the crowd said, "this shouldn't of happened to him. He was a good boy. He came to my kids birthday parties and was always so polite" She cried and walked away.
Officers from the Sacramento Police Department were present. The officers stood in the background not disturbing the crowd. Sgt D.T. Martin stated, "We're here to make sure it is a safe environment for everybody. We know it is ongoing problems in the area. We don't want it to be interrupted by folks who may be responsible or associated with the death."
The family and the teens attending the vigil were treated with the dignity and respect they truly deserve as they mourn the passing of Marque Johnson.
This morning a mother sent her son off to school never thinking he would die before reaching school. She had no idea the son she loves so much would never walk back through her door.
Tonight, a child of God, Marque Johnson is mourned by hundreds who stood with tears flowing down their young faces on a dark Sacramento street. They can't believe their friend is gone. In the darkness their was no silent night as the cries echo for Marque Johnson.
My prayers, love and support is extended to all who knew and loved Marque Johnson.
Rhonda Erwin
(I received a contact number for Marque's family but I didn't want to interrupt the family tonight as they grieve so I did not call and get the names of the family members who spoke.)
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FUNERAL will be Wednesday at 11am at Pleasant Hill Christian Praise Center at 3612 16th Avenue
I am sorry for your loss. Your shock is understandable. Often times young people don't think it can happen to them and unfortunately it has happened to so many. By the crowd gathered last night it is apparent Marque touched many lives. Whether or not you've talked to him in years or the day before he passed I'm most certain you still care.
When I learn of funeral arrangements I'll post the information so you can attend. Perhaps you can get answers to your heartfelt questions at that time. Take care and please talk to a doctor, pastor, adult anyone who can help you sort through your painful emotions. If you'd like to further talk through this I am here for you. God bless you and may God keep you safe. I'm not trying to scare you but I feel I should mention this tragedy does not just affect the boys in our neighborhoods nor one race in particular. I have attended funerals of girls shot and killed, often caught in the crossfire at the wrong place at the wrong time. And those girls were of all ethnic backgrounds. Always be aware of your surroundings and always leave an area which looks like trouble. My heart and prayers are extended to you during this tragic time in your life.
I didn't see the comment that must have offended you. I can't imagine why someone would give you a thumbs-down or would attack you when you were just keeping it real. Please keep writing. Much love to you....
Oh, I don't care if someone wants to offend me. That's how I'll learn how to fight back. As long as a family isn't attacked or offended I don't care. How can I make someone's fastest move my slowest if I don't know how they feel, how they'll react, how they'll respond or attack? I need it to learn how to fight my way out? I didn't flag the comment but as long as he keeps it personal -towards me- and not attack the family it's all good. Heck, a personal attack is far better than the violence I've been exposed to in this community. I've had worse. Thank you for your genuine concern.
Once again, thank you and everyone else for your condolences.
RiP
"cuzzo" Marque
I learned today that there's another way to reach out to families. It seems, unintentionally, I created another avenue for family members, myself, our community to work through this pain together. THANK YOU your comment really helps me. When I wrote the article my intent was to only show the families affected but now I see much more can come of it. I can actually reach out and give love and more can see your love. This site is appearing to be a safe -haven for our losses. I'm so glad I can have a dialog with families and friends who have lost a loved one. Their are literally hundreds of teens who have died in Sacramento as a result of youth violence. So many families share the grief that your family is experiencing. Please know that Marque is mourned by so very many and many who did not even know him are also mourning his passing. He's still making friends baby and that's to be admired.
If your family reads some of the comments on the Bee site please know they are not a reflection of all the love this city has to offer your family. Don't bother responding to it some appear to feed off the pain of others.
I know Darren (I think he's Ann - Marque's aunt's husband) he's the one who told me who each family member was that spoke. Your dad gave a beautiful message to the youth. Your grandmother and aunt (Marque's mother) all gave their hearts to us all at the vigil. I want to thank you and your family for all the love I saw in your family through their overwhelming pain. The fruit did not fall far from the tree, your baby cousin came from a loving loving family. GOD bless you all and thank you for extending your beautiful heart to us!!
I will keep this young man and his family in my prayers, as well as my community....I pray that all of this violence will end one day! I have seen so many friends and loved ones being taken from me that it hurts my heart when I hear another young life was taken.
I heard someone was shot their last week and lived. Unfortunately the media primarily reports when shootings are fatal. I think if people knew just how many shootings their are (and not just the deaths) more would see this as a crisis. It breaks my heart that you have seen so many friends and loved ones taken from you. I was at a funeral and a 19yr-old boy had been to 20 funerals. He attended more youth funerals than years he's been alive!
I will keep you in my prayers and pray that your heart will no longer hurt. You're too young to have to feel this hurt. It breaks my heart everytime I see a young person (any person) hurting due to the violence which has plagued our community. I moved from Valley Hi after youth in valley hi attempted to take my son's life. Sadly, the violence is really anywhere we can afford to live. I met a mother who moved from one area scared her son would die and a week after moving into another area her 17yr old son Robert was shot and killed in the new neighborhood. But valley hi does have too much crime and no vocational school, boys & girls club... Heck it just recently got a library/ community center but it's not located near where you are. An area with so many apt complexes really needs activities for the teens/ youth..
Stay safe and watch your back. Donte Rogers was shot and killed in the Apts next to you. He was 24yrs old. My friend Patty's 17yr old son was shot (he lived) on the same street. Across the street 18yr old Jack was shot and killed. A block from their 21yr old Dewayne was killed. Across from where Dewayne was killed 21yr old Wesley body laid outside an apt complex. On that same street where you live 21yr old Paul was killed. Heck, a 19yr old was shot in the head leaving that Denny's down the street from your Apt. Another was shot and killed at that McDonalds down the street from your Apt. Another youth died outside that Pizza place down the street from your apt. My son was robbed at gunpoint twice in Valley Hi once for a bike and once for a jacket and cell phone. My car windows shot out. My son shot at on my front lawn. Youth walked up shooting with guns as long as my arm as if it was legal. My car was stollen out my drive way. My home broken into. I went into 7-11 in valley hi for a slurpee and the cashier was robbed at gunpoint, everyone else in the store was told to empty their pockets and was robbed (I don't know why but the youth did not rob me) Purse snatches, robberies, shootings you be careful baby and if you don't see the shootings on the news just know that many many people do care enough and those elected into office who appear not to care- we'll hold their feet to the fire. Thank you again for commenting and sharing your beautiful (and painful) heart. Take care of your 4 month old and PLEASE take care of yourself! I know so many motherless, fatherless children- due to the violence.
You take him forgranted thinking he'll never leave your side,Now im looking to the sky wondering why.I thought he was good and my bigg brother was gonna make it.Lord jesus,I only question you this once why'd you have to take him.I love him to this day and always it will remain the same.He'll never fade in my mind,maybe too some its just a matter of time.Maybe it was meant to be,hard life as a teenage boy in these streets .I know it isnt the right thing to do,However living in the hood sometimes you have no choice but to choose.Im sorry to say he chose his path , now hes dead you do the math.This is the saddest I've been in a long time.I cant express how I feel in many words so I gotta make this poem cry.Like a baby being took from his mother , I just lost my only big brother.The people who just took my big brothers life will reep what you've sewn simply because his life was treasured dearly.So may god be with you but not to much just barely.I have no sympathy for you and I really believe your time is past due.If not death you should be in jail,of course no type of bail.Many shots fired I've heard my brother caught 3 to 16.I believe this is why for you freedom theres no need.he lives through out me forever & more.Its so sad to deal with but I cant cry nomore.I hold on to him in thoughts,prayers,and memories and loosing Marque is more than a tragedy.Marque's love remains always and he'll forever stay the same !
This is about Marque Alexander Johnson.A big part of my life and my favorite play brother.