By Kathy Chouteau
Two years after his death around Thanksgiving 2019, the family of murdered Richmond teen, Jammerrei’a “JMac” Frazier, will remember him by helping people in need at the Men and Women of Valor Resource Center.
Through an effort they’re calling “JMacgiving,” JMac’s sister Jazmine Perkins, his mother Jackie Frazier and other family members will prepare and distribute post-Thanksgiving turkey meals, hygiene bags (with hand sanitizer, a mask, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and towels) and coats/clothes at the center located at 1350 Kelsey St. in North Richmond on Friday, Nov. 26 from noon to 5:30 p.m.
The family will distribute any extra food at homeless encampments in the local area.
According to Perkins, a “dedication of his life with a balloon [and] a dove release” will also occur at 4 p.m. during the gathering. Balloons will have No. 32 on them, JMac’s basketball jersey number.
We “just want to give back this holiday season to the less fortunate in honor of my brother,” said Perkins, who added that JMac’s family is “thankful for the support from the community at such a horrible time” for them.
JMac Frazier was a 17-year-old DeAnza High School student when he was shot and killed Nov. 26, 2019 while walking to Rancho Market on Market Ave. in Richmond. Two years later, his murder remains unsolved. According to Perkins, a four door black Infinity is of interest in the crime. Anyone with information about the crime should contact Lead Detective Jay Melen of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff at 925-313-2648.
Due to his love of basketball, the teen was often called “Magic” like Magic Johnson; he played the sport for Richmond High School, DeAnza High School and the East Bay Soldiers, a team he traveled with domestically and internationally. Multiple colleges had expressed interest in awarding him basketball scholarships prior to his death.
Community members wanting to volunteer to distribute meals and hygiene bags, as well as participate in the balloon/dove release in JMac’s honor, are invited to join the family. Contact Jazmine Perkins with any questions at [email protected].
