for Kenya…
When we first embarked on this event, I knew that it was something that “had to be done.” I realized that our men were in a state of need as it relates to being encouraged and celebrated, and our future black men…well, they are in need, too.
Then it happened…
I went to high school with a young man who was infectious. His demeanor, his smile, his persona…I just thought he was a great guy. Funny enough, we were only a year apart, but I referred to him as “my son.” I would really like to tell you more about him, but it hurts a little to truly think of him, and all that he was. As it happened, high school ended, and I never really saw him again, despite the fact that I thought of him often, and inquired of his well-being.
On January 12th, 2008, “my son” took his own life. He was 33.
Many of my colleagues and friends are aware of this happening in my life, and it takes a lot for me to write this, knowing that I never had the chance to sow seeds of encouragement into this–now young man’s–life. High school is one thing, but the time it takes to become a part of someone’s adult life…to be a positive influence on their “grown-up” existence is something else.
Please don’t mistake this post, I don’t feel like I could’ve saved him, or this might not of happened if I had talked to him. I just know that for all the love I had for him, I didn’t get the chance to let him know, or to be there for him like I would’ve liked to be.
I lost that chance…I won’t lose this one.
Shevette S. said,
January 24, 2008 at 7:48 pm
He was a joy…. an absolute JOY… you had to know him and who he was to love him. His smile was like sunshine. For the readers of this passage, take this to heart and reach out to those you love. I miss you dearly. R.I.P. Kenya, my sweet cousin. Love Shevette
hoopy said,
January 24, 2008 at 10:41 pm
I am writing this in honor of my brother, cousin, and bestfriend since we both could walk. K. T. was a man who brought a smile to anyone he touched. In his final days he could still be seeing wearing that same smile. Whenever there is a clear day and the sun is high and bright smile to yourself because my bro is smiling down on us with his contagious smile. There was nothing to be said to stop what occurred as my bro has gone home! Let’s remember him how he lived and touched so many lives and not how he left us because if there was another way he would still be here, but God knows all and called home…….I love you K.T. And I will make sure you live on through me and K.J. See you in time CUZ and say hello to Bishop and T…
Tez said,
January 25, 2008 at 2:01 am
“Someone please…just answer my Question?”
It was 1993, shortly after football season in Lufkin, TX. I was called into the head coach’s office. He wanted to speak with me about one of his Super Stars coming into the next season. I was a captain and senior about to move on with life, so I was curious as to why I was being called on. He said that he had a conversation with Kenya and he was told “Tez was right; you’re not going to let me start in front of that white kid next year”! So he goes on to ask what he can do for me as far as scholarships, future football plans, and things of that nature. I let him know there was nothing he could do for me, but there was something he could do for Kenya. Answer his question! What I realized then, and even more so now, is that he completely missed what that young brother was saying to him. See, I believe that he was asking the question that all young brothers ask in their own way. Will I have a fair chance and opportunity, to succeed in your system? All young black men have to find the answer to that question. Will I have a fair chance and opportunity, to succeed in this LIFE? I don’t know if he ever got that question answered. Kenya was the type of person that wouldn’t just ask a question for himself, but for everyone involved.
The last time I saw him was about 13 years after the aforementioned story. I remember the moment because I was walking out of the hospital from what became the last time I would see my mom alive. As I walked out thinking about how I was feeling, I looked up and there was this young man with this big huge infectious smile on his face! He gave me a hug and told me that he was doing great. He was going to try out for the Desperados and he would look me up in Dallas! He was even more excited about going up stairs because he had a new born son! That simply made my day, to be able to see him doing good and excited about life! That’s what I remember about him. He could walk away from you, and leave his smile on your face.
Kenya’s legacy will be much more than a “Great Lufkin Panther, with a tragic end”. He left behind the real Reporters that will say “He was a loved one, a father, a husband, and a great friend”! So I say to everyone, when you hear our young brothers ask those questions that don’t quite sound like inquiries, take the time to leave them with a smile on their face! That was the greatness of Kenya!
R.I.P. my brother…C.K.
Jeanie Taylor said,
January 25, 2008 at 2:14 am
This is in honor of my loving mate, friend, and most of all my husband. Just having him in my life meant so much to me. Yes he did have a smile that touched everyone and I to will miss it. I will never understand why things occurred the way they did. But I do know your at peace now. K.J. and I are going to miss you so much. Kenya you made our family complete. We know your looking down watching over us. You will be greatly missed by everyone. Baby your free now WE will see you again one day. I LOVE YOU KENYA. always Jeanie and K.J.
Vanessa Cabrera said,
January 25, 2008 at 9:01 pm
Although I never had the chance to meet Kenya in person, I heard great things from his cousin, my coworker and friend, Shevette, on a daily basis. He had recently moved here to Dallas. I had the pleasure to hear and join in on several phone conversations between the two of them. From what I could tell he was very fun loving and Lord knows he picked on his cousin like crazy. It would have been my pleasure to meet him and to be able to laugh and have fun with him in person. He seemed like an awesome guy. His obituary was a loving tribute to him on behalf of his family. My condolences and prayers go out to his wife and son and immediate family and friends. I’m sure he will be sorely missed. Take it day by day…… Love V.J.C
candice said,
January 25, 2008 at 11:12 pm
Kenya was like a brother to me and tried to be my daddy at times. He always kept a smile on his face and tried to make some funny joke on the side that sometimes only he understood. No one really understands what hs happened and it is not for us to figure out. Kenya(Jean) I appreciate yall for all that you done in helping me to take care of your boy’s stuff in saying that, he got on our nerves. I also appreciate you for taking those long trips to go and visit with him. Besides me, you were the only one who went. That really meant alot to me. Uncle Ken, as Jay called you, you will be truly missed. Me, Jay, and Coleski got much love for you and we know that you are at peace!
Aunt Mary Ann said,
January 26, 2008 at 2:24 am
I just want to say THANK YOU and GOD BLESS YOU for allowing those that know and love Kenya the oppurtunity to share how he touched there lives.Kenya didnt meet any strangers.He was a very sweet and caring young man.Your right there was something about that smile!His son KENYA JR. has that same smile that just lights up the room!I pray that everyone who visits this site will stay mindful and very prayerful of those loved ones he left behind that are grieving and trying to move forward .Thanks again for giving all that know and love Kenya a chance to express themselves because he touched and still is touching many lives.Kenya made a great impact in this world.I can say this because it was evident at his HOMEGOING CELEBRATION.The church was packed WALL TO WALL,I mean jammed packed!!!That spoke volumes of the life Kenya lived.There was no way everyone would have been able to share without it taking all day.So this is truly a BLESSING to allow all to share this way.So again I say THANK YOU!Kenya is probably looking down smiling.(GRILL AND ALL)R.I.P. nephew! Jeannie and KJ I Love you guys so much and keep your head UP!!!
Miracle said,
January 26, 2008 at 2:39 am
Love you Kenya!
Derba Remo said,
January 26, 2008 at 4:10 am
I first met Kenya when my best friend (his wife) Jeanie and I were walking at Winston Park. She apparently was already aquainted with him. He offered us some bottled water. I told her then this young man seems to be quite smitted with you. She said he was nice. At that time I told her girl HE LOOKED IN YOUR EYES LIKE YOU WERE THE ONLY WOMAN ON THIS EARTH. She just laughed it off. Days-weeks-months went by later they were married. I have never seen a more bequtiful couple that was inseperable. I called them my very own WILL and JADA. Kenya not only was a loving husband and father but a good friend as well. I will miss his generous heart, but most of all his weekly invitations for dinner. Always checking to make sure my daughter and I was ok. So to you my friend I will miss you much. May your soul rest in peace. To Jeanie and KJ just know that Kenya loved yall no matter what but god loved him more and took him home. Love Debra
Your sis n luv said,
January 26, 2008 at 6:39 am
If yall dont mind i would like to give Kenya’s mom Pat her flowers while she is still alive.If it were not for her carrying and nourishing the seed God placed within her there wouldnt be a Kenya Taylor we all knew and loved!So sis Hats Off to you!!!Your going to make it because you are a strong Woman of God,not to say that it will be easy but you will have better days.I Love You and I cant imagine how you feel but know that you have people you know and others you dont even know praying for and with you.Thanks for sharing with the world your only son!!!!
Calandrea Hart said,
January 28, 2008 at 12:10 am
When I first met Kenya and Jean I knew that there was something about their relationship that I truly admired and desired and that was real, neverending, unconditional love. Jeremy and I spent a lot of time with Kenya and there were times when we gave one another advice about different situations and regardless of whether we liked what the other had to say or not every conversation end with “everything will be alright yall just keep your heads up.” Now it is confirmed that my friend is alright he is at “HOME.” Kenya was like a brother to us and always looked out for our best interest. I enjoyed being in his presence and watching him light up at the sight or thought of his wonderful wife(Jean) and son(KJ), Kenya will be missed dearly but his memory will live forever. Rest in peace my friend, my brother Jeremy and I promise to take care of Jean and KJ until we all meet again at that great big mansion in the sky(HEAVEN). So ’til we meet again…..We love you!
Emmili Taylor said,
September 5, 2009 at 7:20 pm
To my big cuz………………..
FIRST OF ALL LET ME TELL YOU THIS CUZ…DIDN’T IT FEEL GOOD TO LOOK DOWN AND SEE SO MANY OF YOUR HATER’S AT YOUR HOME GOING. EVEN SOME OF YOUR OWN BLOOD FAKING THE TEARS LIKE THEY REALLY GONE MISS YOU WHEN ALL THEY EVER DID WAS HATE YOU…HAHA…IT RAN ME HOT BUT AT THE SAME TIME FAKE MOTHER F***ERS HAD TO RESPECT A REAL G SO I UNDERSTAND THEM BEING THERE…AND FOR THE ONES THAT DIDN’T SHOW THEY PU**IES…I KNOW YOU LOVE THAT…..
Man I miss u…. I have been on this page lots of time but just could bring myself to write anything about you, like your really gone. Don’t get me wrong i know that it is real but it just don’t feel that way. All the comments are in January, but nothing after that. I think about you every day. We lived together in momma Brenda hot house. Lol. We talked everyday, we saw each other everyday. You told me everything…(and i still haven’t told a soul)..I’ll take it to the grave. I talked you out of doing a lot of things to. You cried to me and i listened. I never took you lightly. Being that we are real cousin by blood on both ends I knew when you meant some and you were just talkin sh*t. You know I’m gone keep it 100% cause that in our blood. I was mad at you at first. I was even more mad at myself for giving you back what I had convinced you to give to me. But I understand. I real nigga gone be his self to the end. And I know you were real. Emmanuel idolizes you. He would do anything for you and he did. lol. He misses you so much. I can’t wait till he touch ground and come back home. Me and my brother have always been close, but this makes us air tighter. I wish i could see ya one more time cuz. I will always represent you.