x
Breaking News
More () »

The family of Christopher Brown hosts community back to school event in Southeast

“A lot of kids nowadays are suffering, not having money, not having food, not having just, friends or just needing the help,” Artecka Brown said.

WASHINGTON — Aug. 9, 2020, Washington, D.C. had their largest mass shooting. More than 20 people were shot at a block party on Dubois St. SE. Christopher Brown, 17, was killed.  

RELATED: 'Words can't explain who he was' | Mother of DC teen killed at block party mourns

On Saturday, the community and his family honored the life and memory of the late Brown. 

“Christopher would want me to do this. I'm so glad I've partnered with so many different organizations in D.C. to help me keep my sons name alive,” Artecka Brown, Christopher's mother, said. 

The days have not necessarily gotten easier for Artecka, but her purpose in life since her son was killed has changed.

“Every day, it's like a repeating nightmare. I have five boys, Christopher Brown was my oldest,” she said.

In the summer of 2020, at a large block party, Christopher was shot and killed, at least 21 others were also shot that night.

RELATED: Mass shooting at DC party draws new attention to problem with large gatherings during pandemic

On Saturday, his family hosted a community day under the foundation bearing his name, Christopher Brown’s Heart Beats.

“Having these community days to honor my son, for D.C. residents all over the ward, to come out and take opportunities to give back. To school supplies, haircuts, raffle giveaways, food and just a lot of resources when it comes to health, when it comes to utility bills, and today we actually have some COVID testing,” Brown said. 

Christopher had an infectious smile and loved to dance. It’s what his mother misses the most about him. Seeing other children, just being kids, and being able to provide schools supplies for them, helps Artecka with her ongoing grief.

“A lot of kids nowadays are suffering, not having money, not having food, not having just, friends or just needing the help,” she said.

Homicides are up 7% from this time last year. Shootings are happening nearly every day in the District. Artecka is hoping as a community, people will find other ways to resolve conflict. “I want the young boys and girls to know that, that's not the answer to whatever you're dealing with. The gun violence has got to stop, it’s got to stop! And it's not just gun violence, it's all violence needs to stop,” Brown said.

RELATED: 'I know this is not the only child, nor will it be the last child' | Family of 17-year-old SE shooting victim speaks out

RELATED: Search continues for 4 shooters who killed teenage dad, shot 21 others at DC block party

WUSA9 is now on Roku and Amazon Fire TVs. Download the apps today for live newscasts and video on demand.

Download the WUSA9 app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips.

Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter: Your forecast. Your commute. Your news.
Sign up for the Capitol Breach email newsletter, delivering the latest breaking news and a roundup of the investigation into the Capitol Riots on January 6, 2021.

Before You Leave, Check This Out