In Memory of Archie Lee Chambers Jr.
Above: Archie Lee Chambers Jr., who was killed by Calumet City Police on April 21, 2012.
The reflection below was written by Anthanette Marshbanks, the mother of Archie Lee Chambers Jr., on his 10th Angelversary. We send our deepest love today to Anthanette and to all who were touched by Archie in life. Today and always, we stand with her and with all who have lost a loved one to police violence.
Archie Lee Chambers Jr., 20 years old.
He was the youngest of his siblings. He had a close loving relationships with his family.
Archie was attentive to a person needs, family oriented, compassionate, loving and trustworthy. He loved to care for his family and friends especially his parents and grandparents. He was a friend to those without friends.
Archie was a full-time student at Kennedy-King College. He was focused and determined to succeed in life. His career choice was to be a physician assistant.
He participated in numerous sports activities; football, softball, baseball and wrestling were his favorite sport. He attended Mayfair Academy of Music for thirteen years his instruments of choice was the bells , xylophone and drums. He was an excellent drummer.
Archie was a full-time diesel mechanic apprentice and worked for a major school bus company Paige Bus Enterprises and was promoted to Parts Manager. He never had an opportunity to work one day in his new position.
He had an infectious smile and would always put a smile on someone's face. He never wanted to see a person sad. He would turn their sadness into pure joy. He was a jokester, loved life and was the life of the party.
On special occasions he gave me one red rose.
He was elated in our last moment in time. He ran through the house getting ready anytime he would prepared for an event. He always got dressed and asked: “Momma how do I Iook?” He wanted his Momma's stamp of approval. I told him: “You look okay.” He walked towards the front door. He said: “Momma bye.”
He left going to Calumet City, Illinois to a party at the What's Up Bar and Grill.
Unfortunately, on April 21, 2012 my son's life was tragically ended. He was a victim of police brutality. Archie never imposed a threat to anyone. He was an unarmed young Black male running trying to save his life.
The two officers who saw his hands were position at the fence. They stated: “It would have been UNJUSTIFIED to shoot him.”
“HE WAS UNARMED.”
Those two Calumet City police officers failed to communicate with the other officers on the scene that “He was unarmed,” “Don't shoot,” or “Hold your fire.” There was no ongoing communication between the officers on the scene. The officer that shot Archie testified. “I shot him off the top of the fence.”
My son was denied THE RIGHT to LIVE. His rights was violated.
The 14th amendment ...Nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of law...
Archie was a victim of Police Brutality, Wrongful Death and Excessive Force. It was never 100% Transparency in my son's case. It has been 10 years since my son death.
THEY NEVER RELEASED to SOCIETY THE NAME OF THE OFFICER THAT KILLED MY SON ARCHIE JR.
100% Transparency - None.
Police officers - No Convictions or No Criminal Charges.
I was served INJUSTICE.
Beloved never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God , for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay says the Lord.” —KJV Roman 12:19
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” —Martin Luther King Jr.
—Anthanette Marshbanks