Remember Amarr

Amarr A’Shawn Murphy-Paine

There are no words for this.

When a promising young man is cut down so soon in life we feel inexpressible sadness. And we feel anger and huge frustration at a world that can allow such a thing to happen. Why is it even possible that a dispute in a school parking lot can end in a fatal shooting?

Our hearts go out to Amarr A’Shawn Murphy-Paine’s family and friends. Their pain is immeasurable, and we wish to express our deepest condolences for their terrible loss.

Amarr was part of the RARE family too. He was an enthusiastic participant in the Spring ‘23 Connections program held at Garfield. Our facilitators knew him as a strong contributor to discussions and activities. He offered valuable insight and was looked up to by the other students. Amarr put himself out there by even signing up for the fledgling program. He then demonstrated the leadership skills that are so urgently needed to create an inclusive school environment where everyone feels welcome and wanted.

Amarr showed us that there is hope for the future. He was working for change that would positively impact youth and consequently the community as a whole.

Amarr was and continues to be an inspiration to all of us. His senseless death cannot stop his legacy. Even in his short life, he showed us that there is hope for the future. He proved to us that students want to help — that they see the need to make things better and are eager to find a role in doing so. That lesson is enormously important to organizations like ours. It reminds us why we are doing the work that we do. Amarr was working for change that would positively impact youth and consequently the community as a whole. We are so sorry his life has been taken.

Rest in peace, Amarr.  RARE will remember you and the example that you set.