Jacksonville community honors 6-year-old A’Mir Houston at candlelight vigil
Jacksonville, Ark. — The Jacksonville community gathered Saturday night to support the family of 6-year-old A’Mir Houston, who was shot and killed Sunday, during a candlelight vigil attended by more than 100 people.
City leaders, teachers, classmates, family members and community advocates filled the vigil in honor of A’Mir, bringing candles, flowers, balloons, cards and Spider-Man memorabilia, a tribute to Amir’s favorite superhero.
Community advocate Rolanda Robinson, one of the organizers of the event, said the vigil was an opportunity to show love and support for the family during an unimaginable time.
“This just gives me an opportunity to say, I love you, I appreciate you, I’m grateful for the life that he lived even though it was short, and hey we’re here for her,” Robinson said. “So it means a lot for me to participate.”
Robinson said moments like the vigil show the importance of unity within the Jacksonville community.
“We are a community, we are better and stronger when we’re together, and in events like this we definitely need to come together and show our strength and love for one another,” she said.
Jacksonville Councilmember Trenika McCoy said A’Mir’s family plans to honor him with a Spider-Man-themed casket.
“She’s actually going to have his casket wrapped, it’s going to be wrapped in Spider-Man,” McCoy said. “She’s going to have a Spider-Man in there with him. Those things are beautiful in the way she’s honoring her baby.”
Jeremy Owoh, superintendent of the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District, said A’Mir left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
“We’re always going to remember his smile and his hugs,” Owoh said. “We’re gonna remember that bright spot, his bright spot that he’s left with us.”
Owoh said the school will have a bench outside the Kindergarten dedicated to Amir.
Community members said their support for the family will continue long after the vigil ends.
“This is the start, but it’s an ongoing thing,” McCoy said. “Grief doesn’t end in one day. She’ll still need the support of us after this, and we’ll be there for her.”
A’Mir’s mother was unable to attend the vigil, but organizers said she shared a message thanking everyone for their support.
People interested in sending cards, flowers or donations to the family can send them to P.O Box 82, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72078.
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