Children Rising mourns the passing of Jah-Ress

By Children Rising | August 4, 2011

Jah-Ress Combs was a student from East Oakland Pride Elementary who was in our Excel Reading Clinic.

I have never met Jah-Ress, but I went as a guest to his funeral to convey Children Rising’s sorrow over his untimely passing. From the many people that stood to talk about Jah-Ress, I learned that he enjoyed watching the drums at his church, that he blessed others by picking flowers for them, and that he was always full of energy. At the age of seven, he had touched many lives with his exuberance and love.

The news of Jah-Ress’ passing came in stark contrast to the joyous stories and pictures of our children’s summertime milestones: year-end celebrations, reading certificates, scholarships, camp experiences. It was difficult to witness a life cut short. At the same time, I felt a lot of hope because it was very clear that Children Rising is a part of the loving community that encouraged Jah-Ress’ as a student, joining the many friends and family out there that were similarly encouraging him in many other aspects of life.

Jah-Ress with his tutor, Chris

All the people present to support the Combs family—from a firefighter who responded to the call to school teachers from East Oakland Pride—were reminders that there are communities out there that surround the children we see in school. Whether celebrating success or being present in mourning, Children Rising has the privilege of being a part of this community by forming relationships and being a part of a palpable social network.

–Madalyn Wong (Children Rising Staff)