A mother’s love. A mother’s loss. A metro Detroit woman is turning tragedy into a crusade for justice.
Fifteen-year-old Jada Rankin, of Sterling Heights was gunned down last fall and her killer has yet to be caught.
On October 16, 2016 Jada was spending time with family outside of her grandmother’s home on Ardmore, on Detroit’s west side.
A driver came speeding down the street. Jada’s brother immediately asked him to slow down.
Seconds later, the driver opened fire. A bullet struck jada in the torso. Jada took her last breath right where she landed.
Since jada’s untimely death, her mother, Tawanna Rankin has been working to get justice for Jada, while keeping her daughter’s spirit of kindness and generosity alive.
Jada was a top scholar at Sterling Heights High School. She tutored children with special needs. She stood up against bullying.
Jada wanted to save the world, so now, she’s also started the Justice for Jada Foundation. Tawanna is also hosting a community rally at the end of August, rejecting gun violence.
The grieving mother sends this message to the man with a gun, who murdered her only daughter, “I actually forgive you, I just want you to know that you made a bad decision on October 16th.”
There is a $7,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest of the shooter.
If you would like to join Tawanna’s crusade for justice: “Feeding Detroit’s Homeless”, it’s Saturday at noon at second and Temple in the Park.
August 26th, at noon is “The First Annual Ride 4 Justice” bike ride at Can You Picture This, 14221 Greenfield, Detroit Mi, 48277.
Registration begins at 10am - kickstands up at noon. The bike registration fee is $15.
