Ma’Khia Bryant’s Funeral : “She Made a Difference”

Family members and loved ones packed the First Church of God in Columbus, OH to celebrate the life of Ma’Khia Bryant, reports 10 WBNS.

Ma’Khia Bryant’s funeral

Bishop Timothy Clarke led the service at the church on Refugee Road.

“She didn’t live long, but she lived well and she made a difference,” Clarke said of Bryant.

The 16-year-old was fatally shot by Columbus police officer Nicholas Reardon on April 20.

Body camera video showed the teen lunging with a knife before the officer shot her four times.

According to relatives, Ma’Khia called 911 twice to report that a girl was trying to stab her. Reardon was one of the few officers who responded to the scene.

“We should not be here today,” said Rev. Jamal Harrison Bryant, who called on attendees to fight for racial justice and an end to racism in America.

He said Bryant’s funeral should not be mistaken for a political rally, but should instead honor her family and their strength during a difficult time.

MaKhia Bryant

Family members shared they will remember Bryant for how smart she was, her love for doing hair and making TikTok videos.

“Did you know she loved getting good grades in school? she was a very intelligent young girl,” said Ma’Khia’s cousin, Donnie Bryant.

Bryant’s elementary principal spoke about how she was loved, and gave an honorary diploma to her mom, Paula.

“This tragedy hits differently for me because I saw Ma’Khia as one of mine,” said Principal Emmanuel Anthony.

After Ma’Khia Bryant’s funeral, the family gathered around and released butterflies in Bryant’s honor before they said their final goodbye.

Columbus police officers were in attendance.

The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation is currently investigating the shooting.

On Thursday, the attorney representing Bryant’s family called for a federal investigation into her death.

Watch Ma’Khia Bryant’s funeral below: