‘They Gotta Stop Killing Black Boys’

By Tariqah Shakir-Muhammad | Last updated: Aug 31, 2016 - 7:16:07 AM

Paul O'Neal, unarmed teen fatally shot by Chicago police. Photo: MGN Online

CHICAGO—The funeral for Paul O’Neal was held on a warm evening at St. Andrew’s Temple, as the young man fatally shot by an unidentified police officer following a car chase that resulted in a foot pursuit was laid to rest. He died after being shot in the back.

By nearly 5 p.m., St. Andrew’s Temple was almost full of friends and associates of the young man, most dressed in white. Some wore shirts with pictures of young O’Neal and loving commentaries printed on them. The Fruit of Islam of Mosque Maryam assisted with security as the family asked police officers to stay away from the funeral.

At the start of service, guests lined up to view the young man’s remains before the family arrived. Most could not hold back tears. Mourners held one another hurt by the loss of yet another unarmed, Black person at the hands of police.

Pastor Marion Johnson opened with prayer and addressed the family as they tearfully gathered at their seats. “We are all praying for you, you are not alone,” he said. “God is with you every step of the way.”

Pallbearers carry casket of Paul O’Neal to awaiting hearse.

He also read a few biblical verses from the New Testament and the Old Testament.

Halfway through the service, brief tributes were offered to the family and guests in the form of song and poetry. “Hard to Say Goodbye” and “Death is Rude” were performed by younger members of St. Andrew’s Temple.

Lastly, relatives were invited to share the happiest moments they enjoyed with the teenager before his July 28 passing. “Paul was like a best friend. We was all brothers and sisters,” said his close cousin Shelby. “Thank you for coming out.”

His great aunt spoke furiously about how the violence has to stop and that the greatest force is loving one another. “I really love my children. My baby ain’t done nothing! This gotta stop,” she said.

Mother of Paul O’Neal (right) being comforted during service.

The pastor ended the service encouraging the family to remain strong and saying God acts for the greater good even under painful circumstances. Funeral goers were asked to keep the family in their prayers and to show as much support that they were able to give.

At the final viewing of the remains in the casket Aug. 22, roses were placed in his hands and more tears were shed.

Denise, one of Mr. O’Neal’s close relatives, shared her discontent over police killings in recent months that have included many young Black males. “They need to stop. They need to get the bad officers off the street and get the right ones,” she told The Final Call. “And also, they gotta stop killing Black boys. They not growing up past, not even eighteen.”

Paul O’Neal was only 18 years old and had recently graduated from high school before he was killed. The investigation into his death is ongoing and police videotape of the chase but not the actual shooting has been released. Officials say the body cam worn by the officer who fired the shots was not working.

The Final Call