Maligned in death, but my cousin’s life mattered
Brooklyn: Last Saturday, I lost my cousin Kelson Fleary. He was an educated, caring, considerate and funny young man. Kelson loved to learn and try new things. He loved making people smile. He never wanted to see people cry or be upset.
It was very disheartening to read what the Daily News wrote about him. There was no mention of who he was as a person. Moreover, there was no mention of who he left behind: a heartbroken mother, brother and his 10-year-old daughter, who is refined, beautiful and compassionate. There were no positive highlights about Kelson.
It is extremely distressing that The News highlighted the loud music, Kelson’s dropped charges, mortgages not being paid and numerous 311 calls, which had nothing to do with his untimely death. Kelson simply wanted to get something to eat after hanging out with friends he knew for more than 20 years. He left a hole in his Crown Heights (President St.) community. Tears have not stopped since we heard the news. Kelson can never be replaced.
Kelson was killed by an ungodly, uncultured and disgusting man who does not have any respect for life. Your newspaper did not see Kelson as a person, but as sales and dried ink. You highlighted his mistakes instead of the good in his life. Kelson was a proud Black man who knew where he came from and knew where he was going. He loved having daddy-daughter dates. He enjoyed picking up and dropping his daughter to school. He loved being a father. My cousin was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Shernice Johnson