BMHA Dedicates Ferry-Grider Homes: Community Room In The Memory Of Shaquelle Walker, Jr.

The Buffalo Municipal Housing Authority (BMHA) joined with Most Valuable Parents of Buffalo (MVP) recently to honor Shaquelle Walker, Jr., by dedicating the Ferry Grider Homes community room in his memory.

The 3-year-old Ferry-Grider Homes resident was riding his bike along Donovan Drive during a family Fourth of July celebration, in 2021 when he was struck by a bullet from a drive-by shooting.

“By dedicating the Ferry Grider Community Room in Shaquelle’s memory, we hope it serves as a lasting reminder of the devastating consequences of gun violence. The Walker and Jenifer family lost a son, and this community lost an innocent young resident because of a senseless act of violence,” said BMHA Executive Director Gillian D. Brown.

"Nothing will ever erase the pain and heartache of losing Shaquelle and many other innocent people to senseless gun violence that has no place in our community. ” Mayor Byron W. Brown stated. “Dedicating the community room in Shaquelle’s memory means he’ll never be forgotten. My family thanks everyone involved for this kind gesture to honor our sweet little boy,” said Danetta Jenifer, Shaquelle’s mother.

“Quelle” was known for his warm smile, sweet demeanor, and love of the PAW Patrol children’s series. The plaque unveiled at Saturday’s dedication ceremony features a photo of the toddler wearing his favorite PAW Patrol shirt.

The BMHA worked with MVP, an anti-violence and community outreach group, which marked the anniversary of Shaquelle’s death last summer with the “It’s a Family Affair” event. Linda Henderson, a MVP member, suggested dedicating the Ferry-Grider community room as the Shaquelle Walker, Jr. Community Room.

“We wanted to remember Shaquelle in a lasting way with the formal naming of the community room and the plaque. We also wanted to make the room more child-friendly, a place where youngsters and their families could gather to play, do homework and enjoy spending time with their neighbors,” Henderson said. The BMHA, with a generous contribution from Buffalo attorney John Elmore, who serves on MVP’s Advisory Board, has refurbished the space with a new play table, couch, and a special PAW Patrol bookshelf.

MVP previously donated computers and workstations to the community room to create a place where students can do homework.