Donte Johnson
The horrible, horrible news came early this morning that Donte Johnson was shot and killed while in a shopping mall in California. Donte is the second of Movita Johnson-Harrell’s sons to die from gun violence. Our sincere condolences go out to Movita and Yancy for this terrible loss.
Donte was a beautiful man with darling young children and he spoke passionately about the need to change the gun culture that had caused him, his family, and communitiy so much loss. He was the speaker at the November 2019 opening program and reception for the Souls Shot portrait exhibition (linked below). I am at a loss for words.
Without the help of Donte’s mother, Movita, the Souls Shot Portrait Project would not exist. She has lost far too many family members to gun violence and other violence yet she continues to help others cope with the grief and pain that invades families and communities after these senseless acts. She invited us into one of her support groups to meet some families and the project was born.
It is beyond my comprehension how she, and so many others like her in Philadelphia and across our gun addicted country, are able to not just go on but relentlessly work to change the horrific patterns that persist.
Rest in peace and power, Donte, and our thoughts, prayers, and love are with you and your family and friends. May our determination to continue the quest for peace be ever strengthened in your honor and to honor all the souls we represent.
Charles’ Legacy, Portrait of Charles Andre’ Johnson by Ann Price Hartzell Charles was Donte’s brother and best friend.