STORY AND PHOTO BY THOMAS ELLIS II
On August 23rd, the annual Shakil Williams Community Health Event was held in Branch Brook Park in Newark.
Shakil was a 12 year old that attended Peshine Avenue School. He was diagnosed with leukemia at age 11 and needed a bone marrow procedure. He sadly passed away in 2005.
Shakil loved fishing at an early age and received several fishing trophies. “SHAK” as he was known, was a great inspiration to young people and the community.
His parents, Kevin Brown and Sharnel Williams Brown, have been advocates, and continue to spread the word about the importance of bone marrow donation.
This year’s event as with years past was held in Branch Brook Park at the Essex County Shakil Williams Playground area of the park. The City of Newark Health Department was one of the resources, along with the Newark Fire Department just to name a few.
State Farm gave out free financial information and answered questions. A chapter of the OES of New Jersey gave out school supplies, and book bags along with members from a P.A. Lodge for the children.
There was a bounce house, cotton candy, popcorn, and snow cones all provided by Dassle and Dasslez Ent. The Vargus Brothers from P.A. performed several songs. There was also a tent with Sharnel Williams’ books on display and for purchase, Eddie Nicholas was the emcee, with Music by DJ Macho Man.
Minister Ellis, a longtime supporter of the event, pumped up the crowd, and Derrick Washington, the owner of a Newark bicycle shop, gave away five bikes to the children.
Each year, all the food is free: hot dogs, fried corn, sausage hamburgers, refreshments, chips, and bags of food with vegetables, corn, tomatoes, green and red peppers, peaches, cherry tomatoes, etc.
Before the event ended, Alonzo Herran, Jr. stopped by and gave out bookbags to the children.
The Memorial Fund for Shakil is always a great event for the community, the residents of Newark, and for those that just happen to be taking in a nice day in the park. Kevin, Sharnel their family members, supporters, sponsors, and team work really hard to make sure that this event is an overwhelming success with a powerful message.
