Hundreds of people have attended the funeral for the 19-year old Tony Robinson Jr. , an unarmed black teen shot dead by police officer in Madison, Wisconsin. Family of the victim asked the mourners to leave social and political concerns at the door.
About 1,600 people have gathered near Wisconsin high school field house to pay tribute to Tony Robinson, also known as Terrell, Reuters reported. According to local news outlets the funeral drew about 1,000 mourners.
People were heading to the school’s secondary gym where the screen showed the moments from Robinson’s life.
“Too many of our children are dying before their time,” Rev. David Hart told mourners. “We must not accept that narrative that has become all too common.”
The family of the victim said the memorial was not about politics.
“We want this to be about a celebration of Terrell/Tony’s life and not necessarily about the issues it raises,” Robinson’s uncle, Turin Cater told WITI TV station.
A few people arrived wearing T-shirts saying “Black Lives Matter,” but soon they were politely asked to put them away at the teen’s family’s request.
The funeral ceremony started with selected songs and readings. Some of the participants were overcome with emotions to speak. The song “Gone Too Soon” was heard at the service.
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“Tony is not a victim. He’s our own martyr, a champion of change. And for you I will always stand,” Robinson’s aunt Lorien Carter said.
