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Get to know some of the youth here. Our kids express themselves through a wide variety of artistic endeavors, including rap, poetry, prose, drawing and painting.
In Loving Memory of Thurman1992-2011
On March 28, 2011, Thurman, a member of our family - the Geneva family - had his life cut short through an act of senseless violence. In the year that has passed, we take a moment to remember Thurman and his impact on all of us.
Thurman Williams Jr. was born on April 2, 1992 at Bethany Hospital in Chicago, IL. Thurman attended several schools, including Chicago Vocational Career Academy High School, West Town Academy and Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto, where his picture still hangs. He was an intern at West Town Medical Clinic and was employed at Wrigley Field.
Below is a reflection by one of Geneva Foundation’s staff members.
“I was moved by the number of people who came to celebrate Thurman’s life at his funeral and how many lives he has touched in his, too few, 18 years of life. Thurman was an energetic young man, to say the least, and had a way of making a lasting impression with his smile, his spirit, and his love of life. It didn’t seem possible when we heard the news, that this young man, so full of life, who could light up a room with his smile, could actually be gone. I remain sad, as we all do, because he had dreams. He had goals, and dreams, and a list of accomplishments he wanted to achieve posted on his bedroom wall, that will never be realized.
Because of an act of senseless violence, we buried our child. We buried one of our Geneva sons. And I am angry. But while the anger is still there, and the sadness will always remain, the last few weeks of reflection have given me a feeling of hope that has enabled me to dwell instead on the wonderful spirit and the great memories that I shared with Thurman. While typing this, I can’t help but smile picturing him bounding through the door, tall, lanky, and with a huge smile, and an even bigger voice. I’m picturing him dancing, at home, at a Bulls game, on the porch, wherever there was music. His smile and energy were contagious. His energy was a little overwhelming at times, but that’s how Thurman was. He was all or nothing. All of his hurt, all of his passion, all of his anger, could just explode out of him along with all his humor, love, and energy.
I feel happiness for having known Thurman. And somehow, a sense of peace, that he truly made an impression on so many lives during his short time here on earth.
