Remembering Ma Niggah Kyle

“ He definitely wouldn’t want people to cry over his death, not even his own mother, he would of wanted people to learn from his situation to better themselves”- DeAndre Bolden (Kyle’s best friend)

A beloved Richmond, C.A, raised resident Kyle Bratton at only 19 years of age was shot and killed on December 14, 2009, around 10:30 am. Kyle’s last walk with his girlfriend was on the corner of South 17th Street and Maine Avenue in Richmond, where he was shot. His last breath was taken at the Medical Center in Walnut Creek. His passion for social justice and music led him to the RYSE Center, his positive and leader attitude contributed to his church, and the love he carried inside placed a permanent spot in his family and friends hearts. In the eyes of the closest people around him, the lost was enormous, for they lost an angel, a leader, an optimistic, and beloved individual.

My first encounter with Kyle was at my first protest, youth in particular helped orchestrate the march. It was against ICE (Immigration Customs Enforcement) raids, which are dividing families, thus creating foster children. Kyle a born citizen was not a target for ICE, however his caring charisma allowed him to see the struggle. As a member of the RYSE Center he performed an anti violence song, there he worked on his music. Passionate about his music and social justice, he had told Fred Thomas a staff member at RYSE that he was going to start coming more often, right before his death. The love he had for others was not only seen at RYSE, but at his church where youth looked up to him.

At his local church Kyle played a leader position, regardless of his age. His cousin whom we spoke to confirmed the role he played was given to him because of his quality traits. Kyle loved Church; he especially loved being with his family. Church was a bonding experience for Kyle with not only his family but community members as well. Kyle’s best friend DeAndre Bolden described him as “ Positive, loved church, loved his family, loved music and did a lot for others”. The role Kyle played not only in Church but also in the community cannot be replaced. He was a super fly guy, who loved purple, but most importantly he loved the people who surrounded him. I see Kyle death has one less warrior fighting for the struggle; it’s hard to find youth such as Kyle. Our beloved Kyle will always be missed and never forgotten, in our hearts is where he will forever remain.