Brand new job at a Lucielle’s Barbecue. Most of my coworkers were young kids around my age. (I’m 18.) Damani was there since the grand opening, so I was able to work with him for about five months. I wish I could’ve spoken to him more. I wish I could’ve asked him about his music because I knew that was his passion. In October, I found out through social media and my coworkers that Damani had been shot and killed during a weed deal gone wrong; he was only 17.
I’ve never known anyone before who was a victim, so it was a very profoundly sad time. The restaurant wasn’t the same after that. People started quitting because the management wouldn’t allow time off so people could grieve. I remember seeing my coworkers quietly crying while trying to put food together. I quit after about a week. Damani is constantly on my mind; all I can hope is that he is somewhere better and that his family receives nothing but love and support. He didn’t deserve to die. Rest in peace, Damani.