This is for the men who taught us how to tie a tie and how to change a flat tire. The men who worked long hours to put food on the table and still had the energy to toss a football in the front yard.

Often, society tells men to be tough, but today, we remember the moments when they were gentle. We remember the distinct sound of their laugh at a family barbecue, the wisdom they dropped during a car ride, and the feeling of safety just knowing they were in the house.

When gun violence takes a protector, it leaves a silence that echoes in garages, barbershops, and dinner tables across our city. Today, we honor the Kings we are missing.

The Anchor of the Home

There is a specific kind of pain that comes when a family loses its “rock.” These were the men who didn’t just live in our neighborhoods—they built them.

We are honoring the fathers who showed up to every recital, even when they were exhausted. We are honoring the big brothers who checked your homework and scared away the bullies. We are honoring the uncles and grandfathers who passed down the stories of our ancestors on the front porch.

They were mechanics, truck drivers, pastors, and entrepreneurs. But their most important job title was “Dad,” “Son,” or “Brother.” When they were taken, we didn’t just lose a person; we lost a sense of security. We lost the hands that held us up when we were weak.

“It’s Been a Long Day Without You, My Friend”

Men in our community are often portrayed in the media through a lens of conflict. We are here to shatter that lens. We saw their love. We saw their sacrifice.

Cameron Selmon was becoming one of these men. He worked heavy equipment with his dad and granddad. He took pride in pouring concrete and building things that would last. He was the guy who would plug a tire for a stranger so they wouldn’t be stranded. He was practicing to be a protector.

We chose this song because it speaks to that deep bond of brotherhood and family. It reminds us that the bond isn’t broken by death—it changes, but it never fades.

“How can we not talk about family when family’s all that we got? Everything I went through, you were standing there by my side.”

Honoring Their Legacy

How do we bring “Justice For” our protectors? We do it by refusing to let their lessons die with them.

If your father taught you how to fish, take a young person fishing. If your brother taught you to stand up for yourself, speak out against injustice. If your uncle was the master of the grill, keep that fire burning at the next family reunion.

The violence tried to silence them, but their advice, their jokes, and their strength still echo in our hearts. Let’s make sure the world hears it.

Join the Series

Are you missing a father figure or a brother who looked out for you?

Don’t let his legacy be a statistic. We want to tell the story of the man behind the headlines. What was his favorite advice? What was he proud of? Was he the loud one at the party or the quiet observer?

Help us honor the Kings of our community.

[Button: Honor Your Protector Here]