[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 9280]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         REMEMBERING XAVIER JOY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 14, 2017

  Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, Xavier Joy should have spent this week 
enjoying the summer, working with the students he loved so much and 
thinking about his future. Instead, we are mourning the loss of this 
exceptional young man, who wanted nothing more than to care for his 
family and friends and continue his commitment to community service.
  Xavier had already accomplished so much in his far too-short life. He 
touched many, many lives, as witnessed by the outpouring of sorrow and 
love from friends, family, and community leaders. He was a help and an 
inspiration, especially for children and young students struggling to 
overcome barriers and improve their lives.
  Xavier was the cherished son of Nykea Pippion-McGriff and Ra Joy. Ra 
served my office and the residents of the 9th Congressional District 
for six years and went on to lead the Illinois Arts Alliance and serve 
as executive director of CHANGE Illinois. Like his father, Xavier was 
drawn to people and excited about making a difference.
  A graduate of Whitney Young Magnet High School, Xavier attended 
Morehouse College and played football. He certainly had many life 
choices ahead of him, but he clearly caught the bug for public service 
from both his parents, as was evident in his work as a special 
education classroom assistant, and his time at City Year Chicago. He 
chose the path of empowering others. He was a mentor and a role model 
for students in Chicago and Evanston schools. He already had achieved 
so much but sadly we will never know what heights he would have 
reached.
  Tragically, Xavier was a victim of the epidemic of gun violence that 
is plaguing our country and destroying the futures of so many bright, 
smart and giving people. His senseless death is a cause of incredible 
grief and loss, but it should also inspire all of us to follow his call 
to serve, to end gun violence and to ensure that every child has the 
tools and the support he or she needs to succeed.
  As a mother, I cannot begin to understand the grief that Xavier's 
parents are feeling. My heart is aching for Ra and his wife Falona, 
Nykea and her husband Arthur, his brothers and sister, and his friends 
and family. I hope there is some comfort in knowing how many people 
loved Xavier, how many were touched by his kindness and caring, and how 
many will continue to hold him in their thoughts and prayers.

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