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Honoring Jamiel Shaw
In the wake of last week's shooting death of 17-year-old Los Angeles High football star Jamiel Shaw, his community--and the community of LA at large--are mourning the loss and trying to make sense of how a kid who was on the right path in life was in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Shaw was gunned down by gang members near his home. His mother is serving her second tour of duty in Iraq, and his father raised Jamiel on an "18-year plan" that included a focus on being a good Christian, participating in team sports, rising above area violence, and going to college. Shaw had planned on pursuing a career as a sports agent, and had been named his football team's MVP recently.
A public viewing will take place on Monday evening at the Inglewood Cemetery Mortuary, and his funeral on Tuesday morning at the West Angeles Cathedral, according to MSNBC.
In the above video, a local resident reflects on his own role in the community, and the senseless tragedy of Shaw's unprovoked murder, and calls for the city to stop the violence. More video tributes and reflections after the jump.