Monday will mark one year since life changed in an instant for a little girl enjoying a sunny afternoon on her bike. India Williams, then 7 years old, became the innocent victim of senseless violence on Detroit’s northwest side.
Family, friends and neighbors gathered on Sunday afternoon for a party and fundraiser in India’s honor.
“My auntie, my Godmama, my cousins and my friends,” India answered, with a huge smile on her face, when asked who was celebrating with her.
Judging by the smile and the energy in her voice, one would never suspect that the adorable child, now 8 years old, is confined to a wheelchair.
“This was her first summer not being able to rip and run with the rest of the kids,” said Clinque Williams, India’s mother. “It was kind of hard watching her go through the emotions.”
But clearly, India has not let it get her down.
On September 14, 2014, India was hit by a stray bullet as two cars raced down Charest Street toward Eight Mile Road. The occupants of those two cars were shooting at each other.
“Momma said ride your bike down the street, but only go halfway,” said Reginald Bassett, a neighbor who lives across the street from the Williams home. “That’s exactly what she did and she ended up being the victim of the senseless violence that we have to experience in this city almost every day.”
One year later, India laughs and plays with family and friends. She’s happy to be back in school, happily announcing that she is in the third grade and working on making new friends. By all accounts, she is the happiest kid on the planet.
“She keeps my spirits up,” said Chante Lee, India’s aunt.
“She’s full of energy,” added Clinque Williams. “She really likes to swim.”
Neighbor Reginald Bassett made that possible, taking India to his daughter’s house to enjoy an afternoon in the pool.
“Her suit has a built-in flotation device that keeps her above water, by herself,” said Bassett. “You get her in there and she says ‘let me go’ and she swims,” he added. “She has a ball!”
When you look at India you see nothing but joy on her face. What would bring joy to everyone around her is if somebody were brought to justice for changing India’s life. Investigators from the Detroit Police Department remain close to the family, even stopping by the Sunday afternoon gathering.
“The police are doing their part,” said Clinque Williams. “We need someone else to speak up.”
Reginald Bassett says he was inside his home and did not see the shooting happen. But if he had seen it, he would “jump up and down in court telling what I saw.”
“They say Black lives matter, well they have to matter to us, first!” said Bassett.
“When people see that you still want to know, they’ll get together and their hearts will open and somebody will talk,” said Chante Lee, India’s aunt.
Family members say India really wants to ride a bike again. They hope to make that dream come true. A GoFundMe account has been established to raise money for a special bicycle and van to help India’s mom improve mobility. For more information, visit www.gofundme.com/IndiaWilliams1.
