Ahmir Harlem Whitfield was born June 10, 2006, to his mother Malika Whitfield, weighing in at over 8lbs. When he was laid on my chest, I asked the doc whose baby is this because this kid came out light skinned with freckles…. the chunkiest, cutest baby you could ever meet with eyes so big he would light up a room ‘High beams’ was his nickname.
Ahmir was a lively child always into or onto something he could run all day but no matter what he kept the same sleep schedule up at 6:30 am sleep by 8:30 pm. He would run so much as a lil kid that he would often fall asleep in the shower, exhausted from whatever mission he was on for the day. Always smiling, dancing, and loving on all the women of our family you could count on him to give you the biggest wettest kisses and the warmest hugs.
Seven years ago, we moved up to Elizabeth, NJ from Jackson, NJ where Ahmir attended Elementary School and was currently in his Senior year at Essex Academy High School. That is where he played basketball and was loved by both staff and students.
He leaves behind his mother Malika Whitfield; stepfather Kevin Johnson; sisters Dream Whitfield and Ka’Oir Johnson; grandmother Pearlina Whitfield; grandfather Darren Roberts; great grandmothers Carol Merritt, Joan Foster, & Alyce Johnson-Coles; fairy Godmothers Shamera, Aunty Jazz, Vonnie, & Soso; close cousins Jasmera & Keson; aunt- Rashauna Whitfield; uncles Jabar Whitfield & Sa’D Roberts; best friends Josiah & Samir; a bunch of great aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, teachers who will always cherish his memory and I need you all to promise that you will put forth the best version of you every day and from time to time look up in the sky and say:
Long Live Harlem
REST PEACEFULLY IN GOD’S LOVING ARM’S 🙏🏾
Sending my condolences to you Malika and family. May the memories of your precious son live forever in your heart and those who loved and cherished him dearly.