July 17, 2022 11:15p
(WGTD)---Nearly 30 years ago, Antonio McLain’s younger brother was murdered. Last week, McLain’s 20-year-old son Kareem met the same fate. In each case, Antonio McLain said he heard calls for revenge.
Speaking at a Racine Interfaith Coalition vigil Sunday night, McLain says he tamped down those thoughts in the wake of his brother's death three decades ago, and is preaching peace following the death of his son. "Kareem wouldn't have been born if I would've made that choice," said McLain, referring to the possibility that he'd wind up in prison had he picked up a gun.
Following his son's death, McLain is once again calling for calm. "I know kids nowadays think it's weak for you to want peace," he said. "We all got choices...make sure you can live with your choices."
About 75 people gathered mid-block on 17th St. near the end of an alley where Kareem was shot in the head late Monday night. Family members said he'd been walking home from a store. No arrests have been announced.
Representatives of RIC urged an end to the violence that has resulted in the coalition holding 7 vigils this year alone in memory of murder victims. "We don't have any answers...," said RIC co-president Tammy Hayward. "All we do is pray and ask that everyone listen and just stop."
While he was speaking, Antonio McLain held up his two-year-old grandson--Kareem's son. "This is the future," Antonio said. "We got to make sure his future will be growing up to have the life that he (Kareem) lost so early."
Antonio said his son was working toward his high school equivalency degree in hopes of one day joining the Marines.
Kareem's middle school geography teacher was among those attending the vigil. John Scott described Kareem as a "good guy with a smile."
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