Shaquille Smith

He was a young man you could never say no to, even if you wanted or needed to, all he would do is look at you with them big beautiful eyes and you would have no choice but to give in.

Shaquille was the youngest of six siblings for 13 years then our baby sister was born and, gaining the opportunity to be a big brother and oh what a great big brother he was. Watching him care for his sister at such a tender age opened us up to a side of Shaquille that made us so proud.

Shaquille was always smiling and doing funny things. He was a private person who liked his own space and he idolised his big brother. He would show his affection for us on an individual basis either by playing fighting or at the same time giving us sloppy kisses. Shaquille was my baby and will for ever be, I remember when he was one my mother put his cot in my room, this young king would wake up climb out the cot ready to play I would just go and make him a bottle, 7 ounces every night. When I told my mother that’s what I used to do she said no wonder he was so fat because she didn’t know I was feeding him at night.

He was a prank ‘star with a passion for football with his favorite team being Manchester United. He was a lover of food and wouldn’t hesitate to try anything new. Even though he was only 13 most of his friends would come to him for advice and guidance. He was an old soul and had a lot of wisdom. His morals were strong, he would never allow any one to be harmed around him.

There was this one boy who was In the year above him at school that was being bullied, Shaquille took it upon himself to wait for that boy everyday after school to go home with him so that no one could trouble him. That’s the kind of person he was, a true Angel. If I had to describe him in one word it would be ‘Love’ he was the true definition of love.

Years have gone by since he left us but it still feels like it was yesterday, at times I find myself just sitting here imagining what he would be like what he would look like would he have kids, a million thoughts run though my mind. But one thing I do know that he would have been is a great young man who would have been doing great things for his community. So in his honour I will inspire the young people of today, helping them to see that no matter what you’re going through today the future is bright and the world is their oyster.

The passion Shaquille had for life has not died and through Inspired Futures we will carry on that passion and help every young King And Queen to reach their full potential.