KANSAS CITY, Mo – As the FBI investigates a Kansas City teen’s death as a possible hate crime, people of all ages, races and religions came together Sunday to erase the hate and replace it with knowledge.
They all sat in the same room to remember the 15-year-old and to learn more about each other’s walks of life. Hafsa Hussain addressed a crowd with a deep breath and broken heart and spoke of her brother, Abdisamad Sheikh-Hussain.
“Abdisamad…Abdisamad was not only my little brother…he was my best friend,” sister Hussain said. “He never went to bed without both kissing and hugging my parents and letting them know he loves them.”
Hugs and kisses this family says they will cherish forever.
It was just days ago police say 34-year-old Ahmed Aden intentionally ran the 15-year-old over. Family and people of the Muslim community say the suspect had long hated their religion and made threats against them.
“I feel like a part of me is missing,” friend Ali Hirsi said.
One by one, Abdisamad’s best friends tried to speak through the pain.
“What saddens me most is that I will never ever see him again,” Hirsi said.
They spoke of his unselfish character, infectious smile, and love for his religion.
“I will love him for that, and miss him for the rest of my life,” friend Hassan Mohammed said.
And with another deep breath, people in the room started to realize this day was about much more than one life lost.
“I read the news about Adam and my heart broke all over again,” Mindy Corporon said.
Corporon knows the heartbreak well. She lost her son, Reat Underwood, and father, Dr. William Corporon, last April. Investigators say they were killed by a neo-Nazi man. Murders that are both officially classified as hate crimes.
“It doesn’t matter what faith we have. We shouldn’t kill one another,” Corporon said.
Looking around the crowd, everyone was there made a pledge to learn more about each other’s religion and culture. All in an effort to erase hate with education and love.
Muslims, Christians and Jews filled the seats; different religions, but the same pain.
“We’re here just to make sure that your community knows you’re not alone,” said Corporon.
Speakers from different groups with different values, but all had the same message.
“We are one,” Kansas City Interfaith Council leader Shiela Sonnenschein said.
Every single one of these people vowed to learn more about each other.
“I’ve made a pledge today to learn more about your faith. To learn about the Muslim faith,” Corporon said.
This all to show hate might live in some but love always wins.
“He will always live in our minds, memories and hearts. Will he will forever be engraved,” Hussain said about her brother.
A hate crime prevention group is being put together by people of all ages, races and faiths. It will be in Abdisamad’s name.
