Tariq Khamisa Foundation

Description

Azim established the Tariq Khamisa Foundation - TKF on October 26, 1995 to honor his son. Tariq Khamisa, age 20, was killed while delivering a pizza on January 21, 1995 by a 14-year-old. His assailant, Tony Hicks, shot him on orders from an 18-year-old gang leader. After his son’s murder, Azim Khamisa didn’t demand revenge, but saw two children lost one forever and one to the state prison system. He reached out to Ples Felix, Tony Hicks’ grandfather and guardian, who joined Azim in his dedication to end youth violence. Together, they have spoken to thousands of children about the "power of forgiveness" in order to break the cycle of youth violence.

In 1996, Tony Hicks pled guilty to murder and delivered a remorseful speech at his sentencing, accepting responsibility for his actions and praying for Mr. Khamisa’s forgiveness. Tony was given a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

What began as a dream of a heartbroken father has grown into an organization whose goal is to Stop Youth Violence through its education, mentorship and community service programs.