Meleia

originally uploaded by Greatwork. Click HERE or on the image abobe to see more photos.

No society that feeds its children on tales of successful violence can expect them not to believe that violence in the end is rewarded.
-Margaret Mead, anthropologist (1901-1978)

This page was stared to memorialize the life of Meleia Willis-Starbuck who was slain on July 17, 2005. Please feel free to scroll down and leave a commet below.

A memorial scholarship account has been set up in Meleia’s name for Berkeley High school graduates interested in pursuing work in social justice. Contributions Can be sent to the Mechanics Bank, 2301 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley CA 94704. Checks should be made payable to Meleia Willis-Starbuck Memorial Fund.

We were on our way thorough
Berkeley to get some desert
when we saw some candles
and posters on the street
stopping we were transported back

It is 1:30 in the morning
the morning of July 17, 2005....
A Bay Area chill in the air
A car full of
young men
has approached some
young women
and tried to hit on them
tried to talk to them
tried to get next to them
but the women weren’t
having It
backing off of it
then the “B” word hit
the fan and
the “N” word went around
and then the terror
started going down
three shots rent the air
flying to the mark
and then most likely
to succeed dropped
gasping to her knees
home for the summer
from Dartmouth
by the doorstep of her house
hold on her partners said
but she was already dead
1:45 a.m. on a Berkeley
street corner at College and Haste
19 years old
senseless stupid violence
shattering lives
in one razor sharp instant of time
1:45 A.M. July 17, 2005
a lioness
a protector
a dreamer of dreams

A sign tacked to the
Phone pole:

You were going to
Do so many things –
So short your time – so
Beautiful your example
I miss you I love you


MELEIA was 19 year old
and by all accounts a superstar....

___________________________________

Some links about these photos:

Links to my Photos On Flickr.Com
Start Here:


A couple of sets I have put together:

Meleia Memorial Slideshow

Large collection of images HERE.


From: Memorial for Meleia Willis-Starbuck From andydr's photos on flickr.

From: KRON Ivy League Student Shot in Berkeley

From: Cal Stuff 1 Arrest in Shooting, 1 Suspect at Large

From" The Daily Review Berkeley slaying remains a mystery
Killing of Dartmouth student has friends, community in disbelief

From: Ellipsis "In violence we forget who we are.""In violence we forget who we are."

From: The Dartmouth OnLine 'Tragic death' sends ripples through College community

From: The Bereley Daily Planet Friends Mourn Slain Berkeley Teenager