Grandson of anti-violence leader slain

After 15-year-old high school freshman Jafar Brooks was shot and killed early Tuesday in Penn Hills, his grandfather — through myriad other emotions — deemed it “senseless gun violence” and a “major blow” to his family and to an organization that has done 30-plus years of anti-gun violence work in the Pittsburgh community.

Described by loved ones as a leader, the “personable” teen was raised by his grandparents. His grandfather, Rashad Byrdsong, is well known for being the head of the Community Empowerment Association in the East End. Jafar grew up around Mr. Byrdsong’s organization and affiliates, known for their commitment to social change in city

neighborhoods — including initiatives against gun violence and other efforts to liberate and educate Black people in the city and elsewhere.

Other efforts of Mr. Byrdsong include partnering with artists such as Kyle Holbrook, known for his notable murals in Wilkinsburg and across the city depicting Black people killed by police. The Community Empowerment Association also provides many other programs including workforce development, youth intervention and prevention, and behavioral health and wellness.

Jafar was exposed to all of the community work and influential figures, his grandfather said. He was a “good kid,” kept away from street violence and other gang-related issues.

“In a short span of time, [Jafar] touched so many people,” said Mr. Byrdsong, a 70year- old activist and Muslim. “Jafar wrestled, he ran track, played baseball, played football — he was an overall good kid. He had a great spirit and personality. We’re still trying to make sense of what happened, and why at an early age he lost his life. There’s been an outpouring of support from all over the country; I just got a call from an imam in Gambia who knew Jafar since he was a baby.”

Jafar attended Imani Christian Academy prior to moving on to Central Catholic High School, and he played basketball and football. Anwan Wesley, Jafar’s former basketball coach at Imani Christian, as well as a former youth football coach in Homewood, said Jafar was a high scorer in basketball at the school — he tallied a career-best 15 points during a game as a shooting guard for the undefeated team in 2018.

Jafar was more than a member of Mr. Wesley’s sports teams, but a close mentee, he said.

“Jafar was a special young man,” said Mr. Wesley, 38, of East Liberty. “He was known, obviously because of his grandad, but he had a lot of friends and knew a lot of people. It’s so sad that he’s gone. The senselessness of his death should shake every household who has a teenager. He did not deserve this. He was 15.”

Jafar’s death came “despite your best efforts sometimes with your kids,” Mr. Byrdsong said. He said he believes his grandson’s life was taken in an innocent dispute over a girl. Allegheny County Police Inspector Michael Peairs said Wednesday that detectives are “actively pursuing leads.” Jafar was shot at 12:41 a.m. on Garden Drive in Penn Hills.

“We have information that leads us to believe that the victim was targeted and that the incident was not random,” Inspector Peairs said Wednesday in an emailed statement. As of Wednesday evening, no arrests had been made.

“[Jafar] has been around and influenced by a lot of great men,” Mr. Byrdsong said. “There’s been a lot of people who have touched him. If anything, this gives other parents and grandparents or guardians the wakeup call that this violence continues to take young lives. Now we have to sit around here grieving our grandson lost at 15. His grandmother drove him everywhere and did most of everything for him. ... We must re-engage in communal building.”

Jafar, who played cornerback on the varsity football team at Central Catholic, has one sibling, an older sister, Tyshayla Brooks, 21, of Churchill. His grandmother, Amargie Davis, 60, feels “lost” in his absence, Mr. Byrdsong said on her behalf.

Central Catholic’s principal, Brother Tony Baginski, described Jafar as a “dedicated student, a talented football player” and a “blessing to have at Central Catholic.”

“We are deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of a young man who had a bright future ahead of him,” Brother Baginski said Wednesday. “On the football field he had a competitive spirit. Off the field he brought friends and classmates together with his positive energy and enthusiasm for life indicative of the Central Catholic spirit. He will be deeply missed by all of us at Central Catholic, and we offer our condolences and prayers to his family and friends.”

The school’s head football coach, Terry Totten, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that Jafar “wanted more for his life.” The coach said he did not get much personal time with Jafar and often saw him in group settings with the freshman team.

“He seemed to be a kid who ingratiated himself well to others,” Mr. Totten said. “He stood out by his personality. My heart goes out to his family. This is horrible. He had so much to give.”

Nicole T. Berry, cofounder of Future Stars Athletics — a nonprofit summer track program for inner-city kids — said she remembers her last encounter with Jafar. It was last summer at the Community Empowerment Association while track teams were picking up uniforms. Jafar was there, as he often was, as his grandfather conducted business.

“He came over all highspirited with a smile on his face and said, ‘Hi, Ms. Nicole,’ ” said Ms. Berry, who helped coach Jafar in 2012 after he and his family first joined the track family two years prior. “He was just like any other kid. He and his family have given so much to the community, for this to happen to his family, this hurts deep.”

Jafar participated in the program for roughly three years from the time he was 7, before moving on to other school sports and outside leagues. Ms. Berry said Mr. Byrdsong and his family have worked together with the track organization the past several years, providing resources and assistance.

Counselors are available for students at Central Catholic. Funeral plans have not yet been made.