On October 25, 2017, at 8:47 p.m., I not only lost my only child, Melquain Jatelle Anderson, but I lost my mind and soul. I couldn’t bear to live and wake up to just air and wind. I fell so deep into depression that I was committed four times and tried to commit suicide two times over the past three years.
His only child (Melkenzye) was born two months after his murder, and I was so sad that I couldn’t connect. Yes, I love her and wanted her, but I couldn’t stop wanting my son to live. I wasn’t supposed to be holding her; he should be here. I breathe life into his name by giving back to the community and loving on his Melkenzye. His name on paper is all that Melkenzye and I have, and we will try to prevent gun violence via the Melquain Jatelle Anderson Foundation: Fighting Against Gun Violence Via Education.