Atatiana Jefferson | Celebrating, Mourning, Caring
Atatiana Koquice Jefferson
November 28, 1990- October 12, 2019
In this space, we seek to center Atatiana Jefferson in life. She is a young woman, emphasis on IS, because she will forever remain as such. As archivists and activists, it is our responsibility to preserve a fidelity in digital space that honors the lives of those whose deaths were tragic because families remain. Though there is pain here, for those of us who never knew her except when tragedy befell her, grief is even more intimate, more terrible, more difficult for the family and friends who know and love her still.
We must also make note of an even more difficult tragedy directly connected to Atatiana's murder. Her father, Marquis A. Jefferson, passed away weeks after his daughter's untimely death. This injustice claimed two people in death, not just one.
Here is what is known about Atatiana:
She was a devoted daughter to her parents and helped them when she could,
especially when they became ill.
She was a loving sister and close to her siblings.
She enjoyed helping people and playing video games.
She was planning to go into medicine to help find a cure for asthma.
She was the youngest of four and loved science and being active.
She was a clarinet player in high school and a biology/pre-med graduate from Xavier University.
She was like a second mom to her nephew and known as a beloved aunt.
She was part of the "A Team," the nickname given to her and her siblings because
all of their names start with the letter "A."
She was a loving friend and a caring person.
She was a woman of faith and a model citizen.
She would have celebrated her 29th birthday on Thanksgiving Day 2019.
She lived and her life matters.
The song below is titled, "I Can Only Imagine," sung by Fort Worth native, award-winning gospel artist
and nationally-recognized actress Tamela Mann.