Brooklyn street renamed in memory of teen victim of gun violence

BUSHWICK, Brooklyn (PIX 11) — The community is still mourning more than a decade after a teen lost his life to gun violence in Bushwick, in a case that has yet to be solved. Loved ones continue to keep his name alive with a street co-naming ceremony held Thursday in his honor. Grief is still [...]

BUSHWICK, Brooklyn (PIX 11) — The community is still mourning more than a decade after a teen lost his life to gun violence in Bushwick, in a case that has yet to be solved. 

Loved ones continue to keep his name alive with a street co-naming ceremony held Thursday in his honor. 

Grief is still heavy for Natasha Christopher, 12 years after her son Akeal Christopher’s life was tragically cut short by gun violence in Bushwick. 

“I was crying earlier,” Natasha said. “It’s a cry of happiness, but it’s also the cry of the pain of never being able to hold my son. Never being able to tell him I love him.”

Natasha remembers being in disbelief when she got the call about her son being gunned down on Evergreen Avenue and Cornelia Street. She’s now honoring his memory in her continued fight for justice.

“I am angry, but that part of it I had to give to God in order to continue living and being a parent to my kids who needed me, but I still want justice for my son," said Natasha. 

The very intersection where Akeal was shot now holds a heartfelt memory as a street sign bears his name. As the tears flowed from the people he was closest to, the ceremony transformed into a celebration of life with expressive dance and a band honoring the teen who was cherished by many. 

Since his death, Natasha has turned her pain into purpose, starting her nonprofit Akeal Christopher Community Center, inc., where she gives scholarships to community members. She also makes sure other grieving mothers never feel alone. Theresa Primus lost her daughter to gun violence a year ago.

“We all know what we are going through, so therefore, we all give each other that support, which is very important,” Primus said. 

Akeal Christopher Way now commemorates the teen’s legacy forever and serves as a heartfelt reminder of the community’s ongoing fight against gun violence.

Natasha said she would relentlessly pursue justice for her son, no matter how long it takes, dedicating her entire life, if necessary, to finding his killer.