Facing History School Student Raphael Ward (1996-2013)

On January 4, 2013, 16-year-old Raphael Sadonte Ward, Jr. was shot and killed in New York City, the first youth murder of the new year. Parents, students, and educators remembered the former Facing History School student on WNYC this week as a humorous leader who was passionate about his community.

His mother, Arlene Delgado, told reporters that the most logical way to honor his legacy is to perform community service in his name. She is hoping to build a community center in his memory where they can gather without the fear of violence.

Daniel Braunfeld, his former freshman advisor and the Facing History and Ourselves program associate for special projects, told WNYC that Ward often set the tone for others in the classroom.

Read and listen to the WNYC story “In Harm's Way: Remembering the Life of Raphael Ward” on their website.