For Ulysses Floyd Sr., Thanksgiving was supposed to be a day of gratitude and giving back to his community, one that he and his 14-year-old son Armani had been planning for weeks. But instead, it became a bittersweet occasion marked by the loss of his only child. Armani's life was cut short in one of two shootings in the Loop last week, leaving eight other teens wounded and sending shockwaves through the community.
As Floyd handed out over 50 turkeys to families in need at Roseland on Wednesday, he couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness without his son by his side. Yet, he said Armani's presence was still felt, even if it wasn't physical. "He was missed... But we were happy to be able to give back to the community," Floyd said, his voice cracking with emotion.
Floyd's nonprofit organization, Organizing Leaders Inc., has been a passion project for over two decades, focused on preventing violence, reentry, and youth development. Armani had been an integral part of the organization, volunteering alongside his father at various events, including the previous three Thanksgiving turkey giveaways in Roseland and West Pullman.
For Floyd, losing his child to gun violence has been a devastating blow. But he's determined to continue their work and honor Armani's memory by continuing to empower his community. "I want to see everybody live and reach their potential," he said firmly. "Don't shoot, let the kids grow up." The pain of his loss still lingers, but organizing the giveaway and seeing himself being productive and positive has been a coping mechanism.
The outpouring of support for Armani's friends and family has been overwhelming, with over a dozen of his friends gathering at a South Side basketball court to pay their respects. The image of a young woman adjusting an electric candle near a photo of Armani Floyd in the background is a poignant reminder of the impact this young man had on those around him.
As for Samsabeen Jones and McKinley Nelson, two of Armani's friends who knew him through basketball, they're still struggling to come to terms with their loss. "It means a lot to be on the basketball court knowing that was his favorite sport," Jones said, her voice trembling. Nelson remembered Armani as a standout player in an after-school program aimed at preventing gun violence.
Floyd's resolve to dedicate the rest of his life to Armani's name is unwavering. He hopes to see more celebrations and gatherings in their community, where young people can grow and thrive without fear of violence. For now, he'll continue to carry on his son's legacy, one that is filled with hope, resilience, and a determination to make a difference.
As Floyd handed out over 50 turkeys to families in need at Roseland on Wednesday, he couldn't help but feel a sense of emptiness without his son by his side. Yet, he said Armani's presence was still felt, even if it wasn't physical. "He was missed... But we were happy to be able to give back to the community," Floyd said, his voice cracking with emotion.
Floyd's nonprofit organization, Organizing Leaders Inc., has been a passion project for over two decades, focused on preventing violence, reentry, and youth development. Armani had been an integral part of the organization, volunteering alongside his father at various events, including the previous three Thanksgiving turkey giveaways in Roseland and West Pullman.
For Floyd, losing his child to gun violence has been a devastating blow. But he's determined to continue their work and honor Armani's memory by continuing to empower his community. "I want to see everybody live and reach their potential," he said firmly. "Don't shoot, let the kids grow up." The pain of his loss still lingers, but organizing the giveaway and seeing himself being productive and positive has been a coping mechanism.
The outpouring of support for Armani's friends and family has been overwhelming, with over a dozen of his friends gathering at a South Side basketball court to pay their respects. The image of a young woman adjusting an electric candle near a photo of Armani Floyd in the background is a poignant reminder of the impact this young man had on those around him.
As for Samsabeen Jones and McKinley Nelson, two of Armani's friends who knew him through basketball, they're still struggling to come to terms with their loss. "It means a lot to be on the basketball court knowing that was his favorite sport," Jones said, her voice trembling. Nelson remembered Armani as a standout player in an after-school program aimed at preventing gun violence.
Floyd's resolve to dedicate the rest of his life to Armani's name is unwavering. He hopes to see more celebrations and gatherings in their community, where young people can grow and thrive without fear of violence. For now, he'll continue to carry on his son's legacy, one that is filled with hope, resilience, and a determination to make a difference.
. I mean, who wouldn't want their kid to be part of giving back and making a positive impact? Ulysses Floyd Sr.'s organization has been doing some great work, but it's just so sad that his son had to go too soon... 
. It's like, you're trying to do something good for your community, and then the person who makes it all worth it is taken away in an instant? That's just devastating.
. He was a bright light in that community, and it's crazy that his life had to be cut short like that. The fact that his friends are still struggling to come to terms with what happened is just proof of how much he meant to them.
. I don't mean to get too deep into this, but sometimes it feels like we're losing sight of what's truly important. Anyway, I just want to say that Armani Floyd's memory is going to live on, and his dad's organization will keep working towards making a difference... 
.
especially after all the hate & violence that took away his son armani its just devastating 
. u feel me? like Ulysses Floyd Sr. was tryna give back 2 his community, make a difference in Armani's life, but that kid gets taken away from him 
. and now he's stuck w/ this emptiness & pain 
. but here's the thing... instead of letting it consume him, he's using it 2 keep pushin' forward 
. that takes a lot of courage, u know? like he said "don't shoot, let the kids grow up" 
. i hope his nonprofit org can keep makin' a difference & honorin' Armani's memory