On February 7, 2014, 14-year-old Andrew Joseph III was killed after being detained by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at a public school sponsored event. Although he had done nothing wrong, he was searched, photographed, and then ejected from the school sponsored event. The Sheriff's Office transported him to I-4, and abandoned him without even bothering to call his parents. Upon trying to return to his safe pickup point on the other side of the grounds, he was tragically struck by a vehicle and killed on site.
Whether you knew Andrew Joseph III in life, or only learned of him in death, his story has meaning to all of us. His mother, Deanna, and his father, Andrew Jr, and his sister, Deja, continue to fight for the safety of ALL children. They also demand accountability from all state officials and entities.
But the hurt doesn't stop for families who are impacted by state sanctioned violence.
For the 10 year anniversary, we ask you to write a love letter to Andrew. If you knew him in life, you can talk about what you loved about him while he was alive. If you did not know him in life, you can talk about how his story and legacy have impacted you, your organization, and/or your family.
These letters will be shared with his family and with the community at the 10-year anniversary.
