A 12-year-old boy was shot and killed hours after leaving an anti-gun violence event for his slain cousin in Tennessee on Saturday.
JaJuan Latham (pictured top right) was killed hours after leaving an anti-violence event for his cousin, Tennessee high school football star Zaevian Dobson, 15, who died while shielding three girls from a drive-by shooting in December.
Zaevian was honored at the annual Bobby Maze Celebrity Basketball game on Saturday night. The game promoted a message of ending gun violence.
Zaevion’s mother, Zenobia Dobson, was in attendance at the game. The 15-year-old was mentioned by President Obama in his tearful speech on gun control in December.
After the game, about 150-200 people went to a party at Danny Mayfield Park in Knoxville.
JaJuan was shot in the back seat of his father’s Chevy Tahoe after two gunmen opened fire in the park at about 9:50 p.m. on Saturday.
“The first thing I do is reach my son and I just realize he’s not moving, so I’m like, ‘What’s going on, is he asleep?’” Hubert Latham told WATE. “When I picked him up, that’s when I realized, what I seen, blood.”
In a panic, Hubert drove his bullet-riddled SUV to the nearest hospital and carried JaJuan inside the emergency room. But the boy was pronounced dead from a gunshot wound to his head.
“It broke my heart 30 minutes later when they came out and told me my son was dead. The only thing that came to my mind was: who did this?” Hubert told reporters.
Police have no leads on the gunmen or the motive for the drive-by shooting.
“The Lathems and the Dobsons have now lost two children in a very short time,” said Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero at a press conference on Sunday.
“This has got to stop. This is the second innocent young person in our community that has had their life ended by senseless violence, by cowards,” Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch said at the press conference. “This can’t go on. We do not need to bury any more children.”
Black Lives Matter activists did not attend the tribute game or the press conference.
JaJuan was shot in the back seat of his father’s Chevy Tahoe after two gunmen opened fire in the park
^^^^^^^^^^
Just senseless. Prayers for the family.
I am going to stay out of this post….almost 14 years ago my 8 year old cousin was shot in the head, while in the back seat of his father’s Chevy Tahoe……..because of some nonsense his father was in. Too close to home. May My Baby Rest In Peace and this baby as well. See you guys in next post!!
Drive-by… normally gang related. . Just sad to loose life in such a way. .. GOD BLESS…
This is heartbreaking…prayers to the family.
Sorry for your loss *hugs*
Black lives matter is a fawking joke. RIP
This post is too close to the heart. Thank you and talk to you in the Mo or new post.
May GOD bless you and your family..
Omg …
Rip. Pray for Chicago it’s 82 degrees today.?
CATCH THESE CRIMINALS AND DO UNTO THEM AS THEY DID UNTO OTHERS…PROBLEM SOLVED. HANDCUFF YOUR ASS IN THE BACK OF A SUV WHILE TAXPAYERS GET TO DRIVE BY (ON GOLF CARTS) AND SPRAY THE VERY TRUCK YOU’RE SITTING IN…I SWEAR THAT WOULD CURB THIS MADNESS.
WHO ELSE SAID IT?
HEAVY INDEED…LORD HELP US!
This is beyond sad.
What does black lives matter have to do with this? They are an activist organization and can’t be responsible for everything that goes on in the black community. We all have a part to play even if it’s the smallest thing. The black folk that have the money and power need to step up Oprah, Russell Summons etc. If changes are going to be made it will take Money and I don’t think Black Lives Matter has any money.
I’m sorry to hear that. It makes me sad to see that our black men don’t value one another. They are so quick to pull the trigger for something that means nothing.
This is sick.
I’m not here for the “what is BLM folks gone do today” new blacks.
Oh oh
If you don’t or simply won’t understand the foundation of BLM then you will continue to look stupid. BLM has nothing to do with this as this is NOT a killing based on authority vs a civilian. Stop it already with the stupidity.
I’m here for the “what is BLM folks gone do today” new blacks doing something about what they hollin the BLM folks DIDN’T do.
#fillintheblanks #helpnothurt
Sorry for your loss. Can I ask, did the father survive? Did they catch the folks? Is the father still in said mess? You don’t have to answer, but I always wonder about these types of things.
So tragic! Prayer to the family…RIP young man
Or simply punk ass related…so scared to walk up on a target
Yes…in my state there were 6 murders over the weekend…first taste of heat BUT I swear we see something on the news everyday about a shooting. When will the violence stop??!
Man this is sad ASF! All this senseless killing has to stop. RIP ???
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Girl I don’t know but it’s sad. I get up at 7am on my off days to shop then I’m in the crib before 3. I am never outside after five. No gawd !?
Thanks for sharing
wow, I’m just lost for words.. Dam this is sad what is wrong with our people, Chyt, Im sick of all this killing.
Good info! I’m gonna pass this info along.
You’re welcome hun.
I feel you, sorry for the family loss, sad all the way around
*bout to go claim some kids*
Sandy can we get a new post….cause I am either stuck in Mo’s post or I have to actually do some work….and I don’t want to do either. Thank you
My Nigglet!! If you have an extra one let me know.
Thank you. People who have comprehension problems won’t get it.
Don’t waste your font…….back out of here!!
Nope it’s not.
Problem ill if I eem found one, we aint got Comcast. Smdh. I caint wiiiiiiiiiiin.
Sorry for your loss boo ??????
its sad, that I just don’t hang with alot of our people, I don’t go to family functions, cook outs, I went to one recently by association, they was like girl you will be o.k, i did not feel that, it look like folks was having a good time, but I just felt like nope Im ready to go, so I got uber to take me to my car. later that night it was a fight at the domino’s table, and somebody said they was coming back for they money…. this is why I stay my black azz at home… ugh, I try but they just wont let me be great…lol
so you dont want to do no work huh? lol me either chile
It’s going to be lovely today.
I’m working on it hun. Thank you for your patience.
Why folks downstairs causing a ruckus over Mo’s hair? I mean its not bad to me. but why they mad cause others dont like it? Jesus be an adult forum.
Yes, he did…….didn’t even get grazed with a bullet. Parents are still a mess, but it is a combo of self guilt and the loss of the child. A game was played by a group of adults and a child paid the price. That is a reason why I tell people to not play with people’s emotions………you don’t control the outcome.
Thank you
We don’t either…..but I want parts like box braids! LOL #obamaphn
That’s amazing!
Girl, they got me stuck, cause I can’t take this post on an emotional level, but they about to have me lose my religion in the other one!! THE DAMN WEAVE WAS A MESS!! See, I SAID IT AGAIN!! CTHU and SMH
Hell, I ain’t got ONE……NOR Comcast. I just want something “free” for a change. LMAO
I agree with you! My company has many corporate events that attend and that is the extent of my going out these days. I miss the days of going to the club, a house party or fun barbecue! These days it invariably turns into a shooting and I am not trying to be a victim of a random bullet. Nope I’m good.
R.I.P. to this innocent baby. Sad.
Smhh.
And then got gall to say something about negativity but call folks birds. Your opinion is just that. Yourn. And good for you to be like I said what I said.
Why EVERY SINGLE TIME I step out of a post, I miss the ruckus! No wonder THIS post was slow going….
And she still looks like she is going to do a rendition of “Mean Ole Lion”!!
yes hunny, I just cant, I see the bigger picture, one argument and its on….I rather not, Im good. Ill make my bar-b q at home, lol.. its sad that we cant even have fun and mingle without killing going on
I pointed that out like….whycome your message ain’t as positive and classy as the woman you look up to? Huhn, whycome? PSSSSH
I stepped out too. Smdh. That one is like the ones who be in folks alerts at 345 am EST.
They said I am ALWAYS negative!! ME, most of time I am in here goofing off!! But sure, okay….I’ll be dat!!!
Saturday (and Sunday) it was NICE OUT. I went to work. Went to a free Shred Day thingy. Sat in my car for an 1hr (bout done rot to deff) to dump my papers. Got home and 1230 IN THE AFTERNOON. Opened my windows, turned on my smell good burner and WENT TO BED! Yep at 1230 PM on a Saturday afternoon.
???
Girl I’m with you, I thought I was the only one doing this , I be just fine…lol
people fussing over another woman’s hair……..I cant
For a minute every single place I was going to hang out at was on some “just missed” mess. Even one spot that is a NATIONAL chain (our TGI Fridays. They had a riot in THERE). Our other lil spot got shot up and not by no youngins either. And then someone got ticked with the owner of our final and last ditch chill destination and drove their damn CAR through his establishments front window/door. I laid low for EONS. Almost two years. Just NOW got the courage to venture out like that. After all of that it was once every blue and I would be noid the WHOLE time.
Need to be protests in these “hoods” about this kind of crap
If you dont like it you just daggone dont. Say that YOU do. You see nothing wrong and K.I.M. Like…girl yes. What you said. I cant.
Of course black lives matter wasn’t there that’s not their crowd. Rip to the young man his life was cut short by some senseless lunatics it get worse everyday it’s not going to get better
Sitting in my house looking out the door/window like I’m on punishment. But I’m safe. LMAO TV don’t even be on. I MIGHT throw on some music later in the day. But I love the PEACE.
lmaoooo, Drove his dam car, I cant I laugh so hard , I can only imagine that sight….its SAD forreal
oWow, I’m speechless.
yessssss, hunny we are >….< I be wanna do other stuff, but around us … chyt just ain't safe at all…PITIFUL
Rose, dont be shady and link this to the BLM movement. I appreciate their efforts, but we don’t need an organized movement to do better and we damn sure dont need more coonin. We need unity, self reliance/empowerment, financial education, self love, community development etc, holistic care, proper dieting, self defense, etc.
BIG MAD at that fact that “negative birds” don’t like it! Seriously, of all the things going on in ya life this is the fight you choose to join, even though you the only one fighting and the “nest wearer” don’t even care….so you fighting alone. Yeah, Imma let you be great, but um Mo wig is still a mess!!
#THEBUNDLEISSTILLUGLY ???
I’ve died a thousand deaths with this shyt in the post below ? Back to work I go oh and RIP TO THE BABIES ??
Girl! We went up in there for I forget who birthday. And my dude was like ummm wtf happened here? (screw faced puzzled). Whole crew know all the bartenders cause they rotate amongst all THREE of the places I listed. Dude that was bartending was like: Bruh. XYZ got ticked at owner last week, wouldnt extend him no more credit, so he left and then decided to drive his car in here. It was a damn mess. All of us was like yep. This our last time in this bish for a smoove MINUTE.
I should have added this for flavor and extra FUKKYOUNESS!!
like you said Jesus be a grown folks forum,
Black Lives Matter
Girrrrl I’m literally over here weeping for these bundles of hay I mean hair do you hear me?? “The bundle is still ugly”
Heaven help me. ?
lol, they must be new to SR rose garden….I just Cant
Man…I’m tryin to find words…but have none. Speechless. ( I’m sure some young worthless black male, out here shooting folk..just because) It really needs to stop…and its not on the backs of #blacklivesmatter. It should be OUR community, in our HOOD…be We worried to much abt OTHER shyt …WEAVE bundles…Jordans..Doing shyt for the gram…
I am over here WEAK AT:
someone got ticked with the owner of our final and last ditch chill destination and drove their damn CAR through his establishments front window/door
Why I picture a Neon or a Buick doing this? LMAO
That person is not new.
Not new ..
I am over here WEAK! Do you hear me? GONE!
well dam
smh, lol
YOU! Got me over here at my desk people looking at me sideways ? I stopped reading at that part and said “welp time to go, she has spoken” ?
They sure do.
They almost made me weep, saying I was a Negative Neffertiti (sp)…almost
Girl , I saw that stupid ass ish…tuah when fans come out they go hard
CTHU…….Like….
Library man know the dude who did it. It was a damn old school Oldsmobile. And the owner IS a straight up ass. An alcoholic Asian man. Probably told him he could get credit then got drunk and forgot. Still. Lmao.
Well they got the right one…..if you think I am negative when I am in a good mood……go on and get me in a funky one!!
Black Lives Matter
And always will.
Black Lives Matter!
I am headed to lunch, perhaps my lack of nutrients are causing me to be negative…….nope it was Mo’s UGLYAZZWIG!! DOBETTERGUHL CTHU
Just NOT that weave bundle Mo got….she got a bad batch!! LOL
Sandra thank you for this. I do not have any children, but I appreciate how you look out for your readers.
Where is mf BLM when it comes to black on black crime. Crack head uneducated women sleeping with uneducated black trash thugs, and giving birth to more thugs, and uneducated criminals. I see why white folks don’t give a tuck and police do what they do.
FUH-EVA!
RIP baby.
There you go with that damn TOOFLESS ass face.
Like I said…..a BUICK! LMAOOOOO
Awesome! I’ll pass it on! Thanks!
LMAO at someone driving their car through the window. i can’t breathe. they shorted them on some change.. and he was like, WELL IF YOU AINT GON PAY ME… YOU AINT GON MAKE NO MONEY FOR AWHILE… FUGG YO LOUNGE NUCCA, FUGG IT.
New post. Beyonce. But Im going to eat and then do work again. Her hair in that trailer done already been said looks a mess and I aint got time for no more: you worthless bishes whatCHALL hair look like posts.
Love yall.
I cannot Say What nah…..LMAOOOOOOOOOOOOO
lmfao i knew i thad to be yo arse that posted this geriatric smiley LOL..
I am a wizard on the grill and make some awesome side dishes, so yep I bar-b-q at home too lol
Obamaphone.. now ObamaWifi/internet…these YT’s are mad…about folks getting “Handouts”. but “we” are not the only ones benefitting. Voting Trump they think “we” will stop getting “handouts” …
When will the violence stop? Just my thoughts…. When black men, who are the number one violent crime committing people in this country, stop joining mindless gangs/squads, holding down blocks they don’t own, thinking putting in work is killing each other, and wearing designer clothes to fill the void of poverty but flexing on the gram on other equally poor and fronting black men. When they stop valuing themselves as just BBC. When they denounce the violence where it matters most (in their music). When they stop looking to women to house, feed, and clothe them because they need an address for probation/parole or are all around failures at the simple task of adulthood. When they stop creating war zones out of our already marginalized communities. When they actually deal with their paternal abandonment/maternal abuse issues and vow to be present in their own children’s lives. When they stop viewing fatherhood and black love as only reserved for “lames” and “simps”. When they stop viewing jail as a right of passage. When they start fighting their oppressor with the same fervor they use to fight women. When they collectively protect black businesses instead of robbing them or loitering in front of them. When they start using condoms to avoid impregnating equally emotionally scarred and commonly abused black women. When they finally look in the mirror and see their greatness…ijs
Hmm, Anyone ever consider the shooters may not be black?
Time to move!
And our honorable T.I is to good to show up at this boy funeral
Imma coming up there to see what Hair War I can start up yonder!! With my ole nappy, weave, looking like Aunt Jemima scarf wearing negative azz!!
Praying for the family. This is so sad.
Soooo are you planning on starting up a community outreach to help solve the problem or continue to make blanket statements and point the finger? Yes many of those things are part of the reason that the violence exists but we have to do more than just speak on it….do you volunteer or anything to help the poor community? I do
That’s no way to live…like you are imprisoned
Kinda like the guy that approached me this weekend!! LOL
I know. I’m looking to move like almost everyone I know. It’s just sad I tell ya. I think I might visit Texas to see if I like it and if I do I may move there. Our city is not the same as I know it.
I hope you are able to make that move! I know it’s not easy to pick up and move to a different state. I totally understand needing to make hard decisions to protect your family.
Thanks
I’m a member of two community outreach programs (that gets results) and those statements weren’t blanket because there are plenty of black men who do us justice with their leadership and achievements. I spoke directly about the people destroying black communities, no shade just facts. Great black men came from the same communities so….again just my thoughts please don’t take it personal
Edit: anyone still in the dark please look up ‘dj akademiks war in chiraq’ so you can see the men who destroy us and I’ll wait to hear excuses for them but the choir will be much thinner. #personalaccountability
This is so so sad.
Great Points Sister.
Dam ?R.I.H baby boy ?
AWW sorry to hear dat boo… Stay up?
the black men who don’t overcome their mess will be destroyed when Christ returns. There will be NO NIGGAS in the Kingdom of God
swift judgement usually does cure niggerdom, but too many of us won’t judge because the false sunday churches done taught everybody that they cannot judge, and this is a LIE. The Bible says we can judge, but we must judge RIGHTEOUSLY
That’s really good to read that you are involved in the movement to better the community. So many people jump online and play the blame game not realizing that there are so many factors that are involved. We all have to do our part if we want to see things change. If we can’t donate time then donating money to specific community based organizations are needed. We need to go back to the “it takes a village” mentality. If you see someone’s son standing on the corner or getting involved with the wrong crowd, speak on it and try to bring him back in. If you know a mother is working multiple jobs and unable to monitor what her teens are doing, help that sista find a day job that pays enough to allow her that extra time at home. So many things that can be done to turn things around.
Sadly, this doesn’t surprise me. The hate & ignorance amongst our own is real. These shooters could care less about kids, their goal is street cred. They don’t see anything beyond their neighborhoods, no positive influences around them. Lacking intelligence enough to convince themselves that life can be better or just don’t want to do better. They give up so they inflict their misery onto others, simple….