Grove Street was renamed in honor of Aubrey Abrakasa Jr., a 17-year-old teenager who was killed there 18 years ago, and hundreds of people gathered in the 1500 block of Grove Street in San Francisco on Wednesday in an atmosphere that was both mournful and joyous.
A new street sign bearing the teen’s name was unveiled with friends and family, including Mayor London Breed, Police Chief Bill Scott, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins, District 5 Supervisor Dean Preston, Sheriff Paul Miyamoto, Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie, and other city officials.
“We haven’t forgotten about your case,” Scott remarked while presenting Paulette Brown, Abrakasa’s mother, with a dozen white flowers. “Never give up on your son.”
According to San Francisco police, Aubrey Abrakasa Jr. was shot and killed on August 14, 2006, in broad daylight at the junction of Grove and Baker streets.
His mother has worked tirelessly to keep law enforcement and the public interested in the case, but his death has not been solved.
As family members and friends shared their memories of Abrakasa and thanked the city for recognizing him, there were both tears and laughs.
According to Brown, “I’m not going to stop,” “I still cry as a mother. It has already been eighteen years. This bundle includes a small present, a Thanksgiving gift, and a Christmas gift. Christmas was a big hit with my son.
The neighborhood where Abrakasa was assassinated is represented by Preston, who led the charge to rename the block in his honor.
“This is the least that I can do, that we can do as a city, given everything that you’ve done and been through,” Preston told Brown. “You have been fighting for over a decade to make sure that Aubrey, the memory of Aubrey, is not forgotten.”
Also paying his respects was Bilal Mahmood, who won the November election and defeated Preston. He commended Brown for her unwavering pursuit of justice and her ability to unite a large number of community members and local authorities.
“You see what Paulette has done here today,” he stated. “From City Hall to the neighborhood, we have people who don’t typically gather in the same space. Because of what you’ve done, we have police commissioners, the sheriff’s office, and everyone else here to come together.”
Breed, who is leaving the mayor’s office, and Lurie, her successor, were two people who might not have been expected to work together.
When Brown urged Breed and Lurie to stand together, it became a photo opportunity that everyone wanted to take.
Lurie promised Brown that he would continue to be an active leader for District 5 and the Black community in the city, and he thanked her for bringing him to the ceremony.
“This is my first time meeting you in person,” Lurie informed Brown. “I’m going to get to know you, get to know the community.”
“I appreciate you all having me here,” he replied. “I’m going to look to you for guidance and counsel, I promise.”
Abrakasa’s family members and city officials touched the rope that was fastened to a black sheet that covered the new street sign. They tugged on the string while counting down from ten.
When the string broke, laughter broke out. A city employee rescued the situation by removing the lid. To the amazement of the throng, “Aubrey Abrakasa, Jr. Street,” a shining white rectangle with black letters, was unveiled.
“What we know is that sign is going nowhere,” Preston stated. “Every kid who comes to Pacific Primary School across the street, every person who lives on this block or in this neighborhood, and every person who comes to visit, they’re going to look up and see Aubrey Abrakasa Jr. Street and remember the name of Aubrey forever.”
Note: Every piece of content is rigorously reviewed by our team of experienced writers and editors to ensure its accuracy. Our writers use credible sources and adhere to strict fact-checking protocols to verify all claims and data before publication. If an error is identified, we promptly correct it and strive for transparency in all updates, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.