Murder Victim’s Mother Appeals For Peace
The mother of Lyrico Steede has spoken out on the one year anniversary of his attack, thanking god for helping to sustain her over the past year and saying how blessed she was to have shared 17 years with her son.
Keishaye Steede also said her “heart goes out to the families enduring the same, if not similar kind of pain,” and appealed to people to “put down your weapons” and “learn to channel your anger in a more positive light.”
Lyrico Steede was only 17-years-old when he was murdered by a group of teenagers in England last year. Five teenagers were convicted for their role in his murder, with the British court handing down sentences ranging from six to 20 years.
Lyrico Steede:
According to the Nottingham Post, Ms Steede said: “I would like to give thanks to God and the powers that be for sustaining me this past year. February 13, 2018 was when it all began. As I spoke after the trial and said that I forgive those involved with the murder of my son, I meant it.
“Forgiveness is for me, my heart, mind and soul. It doesn’t excuse the act but I am no one’s judge. I am here today to say how blessed I have been to have shared 17 years with my precious boy Lyrico Jermaine Burrell Steede.
“He was so loving, so kind, smart, so brave such a heaven sent. I won’t speak of the sadness only of the joy he always brought.
“His father and I gave him all the love we could give and it was always reciprocated right back. That brings me a great sense of peace. Such a unique boy he was. A big spirit like myself so hard to comprehend.
“Son, thank you for loving me and always making me feel as I was the most beautiful, strongest women in the world. Your father, Lyric, Lexxs and Legecy [his sisters] also give thanks for your love and life and they miss you so much.
“We also give thanks to you for the special love you gave to Knaz, your loving nephew. His eyes pierce my soul just like yours did. Although not present baby, your presence is always felt. We love you Lion.
“My heart goes out to the families enduring the same, if not similar kind of pain. May God’s peace be with you.
“To all my youngers, please put down your weapons. Learn to channel your anger in a more positive light.
“I know this road life is real for you and I get that, but there are other alternatives than to seek to damage or kill what you feel may be a threat or your enemy.
“The only enemy here is the source you allow in your mind and spirit who tells you that evil is okay.
“Is it music you love and you feel that’s a form to release by all means get into that. Don’t use it to offend and nor should you take offence to every word that’s said.
“That doesn’t make you a gangster that makes you ignorant as the realist is the one who can walk away knowing they have the powers to shut it down and choose the positive light.
“I know your life and you say ‘trouble keeps finding me.’ I understand that but the sweet thing about life is that we have the power of choice. Choose wisely. Elders stop influencing these boys to do what you’re afraid to do and help them do better.
“As a living testimony of what love and strength looks like, I hope that my positivity shines so bright that it inspires you to want better.
“Please I encourage you to read books, study motivational speakers, pick up your dictionaries and learn a word a day. Self-improvement is key and knowledge is forever evolving.
“Stop contributing to destroying your entire race and leaving families with heartache. It’s selfish and it’s wrong. Think of your mothers, your fathers, your grandparents, children and families. Wise up yourself, look at yourselves and know you’re strong.”
