Nolan Wells should be 19 today.
He should be blowing out candles, laughing with his family, making plans and stepping into another year of a life that was still unfolding. Instead, his family is celebrating his memory while continuing to fight for answers about what happened to their son.
His mother, Christine Wonsley, shared in her own birthday tribute:
“Although you are no longer physically here with us, we will always celebrate you and the legacy you have left for us to protect. You have taught us so much about life and how everyday is a blessing and how we have to do better at just living in the moment.”
So, today we celebrate Nolan. But celebration cannot replace justice.
Black boys deserve to grow old. Families deserve answers. And Nolan deserves the truth.
Happy heavenly 19th birthday, Nolan Xavier Wells.