Tamir Rice’s mother calls for $23 donations to support youth center in her son’s honor

Samaria Rice, mother of Tamir Rice, is urging supporters to donate $23 in honor of what would have been her son’s 23rd birthday. The funds will help complete the Tamir Rice Youth Center, a space dedicated to arts, culture, and youth empowerment in Cleveland, Ohio.

Rice has already invested $600,000 into the project but needs an additional $300,000 to finish renovations. She hopes the center will provide a safe space for young people to express themselves and learn about social justice.

“We must invest in our children and communities to educate and teach our children is our duty. Our children need a safe place for them to be able to express themselves through the arts and culture. Stay tuned for the video and updates coming soon,” the GoFundMe reads.

The fundraiser has gained momentum, with advocates calling for continued support to honor Tamir’s legacy. Donations can be made through the Tamir Rice Foundation’s official GoFundMe here.

12-year-old Tamir Rice was fatally shot by Cleveland police on November 22, 2014, while playing with a toy gun at a park by Officer Timothy Loehmann fired within seconds of arriving.

The shooting sparked national outrage, with critics pointing to racial bias in policing. A grand jury declined to indict Loehmann, but Rice’s family won a $6 million settlement from the city.