Jahsun Patton was a defensive back on the Boys Latin football team. He was visiting his sister in Harrisburg over the Thanksgiving weekend to celebrate his acceptance into college when he was shot and killed. He was 18.
His loss had an impact that carried into the team’s season the following year—in large part due to the efforts of his mother, Maxayn Gooden, and coach Anthony Pastore. They wanted to ensure his legacy continues in a city where gun violence has taken the lives of too many young people.
Players stack up equipment after a rainy practice next to the mural of Jahsun in the weight room.
Maxayn Gooden stands under an umbrella with her daughter, Amyah Lee Hicks, to watch the Boys Latin football team take on George Washington on Oct. 4, 2018. Gooden, mother of Jahsun Patton, spoke to the team prior to the game to give them motivation.
Jeremiah Carter, center, is comforted by teammates Maurice Oliver, left, and Dave Anaya after he became emotional when the team defeated George Washington to clinch the title of division campions for the first time in school history. Carter was emotional after Maxayn Gooden, mother of Jahsun Patton, spoke to the team prior to the game. Carter was good friends with Patton.
Boys Latin senior Mohamed Diawara has his wrists taped with sharpie that reads #LLJAH, or Long Live Jah.
Maxayn Gooden, far right, practices a praise dance at the Kingdom Life Church in North Philadelphia. She uses praise dancing as a means to release her emotions while channeling her spirituality.
Parents Quinn Patton (left) and Maxayn Gooden hold Jahsun’s retired jersey before the start of the Boys Latin and Frankford Thanksgiving game on Nov. 22, 2018
Boys latin players celebrate with the Practice 4 Peace Trophy after winning their Thanksgiving game against Frankford. The game was meant to serve as a reminder of the impact of gun violence, and took place after the retirement of Jahsun Patton's jersey.
On the sidelines of the Boys Latin-Frankford Thanksgiving game, Maxayn Gooden gathered with Jahsun’s friends, who were now in college, to release balloons in his memory.
