Weusi Olusola, one of Detroit’s most prominent and outspoken anti-gang activists died on 13 March, only a week after receiving a Lifetime Achievement award for his work. After surviving a drive by shooting at the age of sixteen, he went on to be a powerful force in ending violence in Detroit. He was taken from the plane by bladder cancer, leaving behind his wife, Nadyia, and his son, Andrew.
Olusola was born Willie Brown Jr. He was an All-State basketball star and marching band member at Murray Wright High when he was gunned down in a shooting that also left a little girl dead in 1986. He was paralyzed from the waist down.
His career as a peace advocate began within months, and 10 years after the shooting, he co-founded Pioneers for Peace, a group of shooting survivors who spend the year speaking to children and young adults at schools, churches, community centers, rallies and hospitals.
I don’t have a lot to say, except that this is indeed a tragedy. For Detroit to lose one of the precious people who believed that good still exists in the city and who wanted to give kids in the city hope of a violence free future is no small thing.
My heart goes out to his family.
People wishing to donate to the family, either donating to the Andrew Olusola Education Fund a scholarship fund for Olusola’s son, at 29469 Northwestern Highway, Southfield MI 48034
or to his foundation, Wheel to S.U.R.V.I.V.E., 29469 Northwestern Highway, Southfield MI 48034. Donations to help ease his family of medical bills can also be sent to this address.
h/t to Adele via Facebook
