Loved ones mourn Tyree Nichols’ funeral, leaders in attendance call for justice

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Family, friends and dignitaries from around the country gathered at a Mississippi Christian church Wednesday to honor the life of Tyr Nichols.

Nichols died in police custody three days after he was beaten by Memphis police officers, cameras showed.

“The only thing that keeps me going is that I truly believe that my son was sent here by God,” said Nichols’ mother, RowVaughn Wells.

During the two-hour ceremony, the Nichols family shared their favorite memories of Tyre, a father of one, skateboarder and photographer.

There was also an invitation from Vice President Kamala Harris and the Honorable Al Sharpton, who offered their praise.

“I’m going to go up until Tyre Nichols gets justice,” Reverend Al Sharpton said. “I’m going to climb until Eric Garner gets justice. I’m going to climb until we change the laws. We’re climbers, we’re not day traders, and if God’s on our side, more than anything the world is against us.”

The celebration continued in the Edge District for a party with dinner by Chef Tam’s Underground Cafe and other local chefs and restaurants around Memphis. Nichols’ immediate family sat in a separate room, with photos of Memphis shot against one of the walls.

“We can make a difference and show that food really is healing, and all these restaurants coming together show that when we’re together, we’re stronger,” said Tamara Patterson, owner of Chef Tam’s Underground Cafe.

Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. have helped the Wells family and their guests at the service and say they will continue to support the family in the coming days.

“One thing about Memphis, we’re a city that loves each other and we build each other up and we’ve gone through a crisis that was so unfortunate that it never should have happened,” Brian Harris said. “We still came together as one people, supported each other and loved as a family.”

The Wells family also thanked Memphis and local activists for their support during this difficult time for their family.

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