Beyond Grief: Amarr Murphy-Paine's 19th Birthday Marked by Service and a Call to Action
Photos: Erik Kalligraphy
By Omari Salisbury
Yesterday, the steps of Garfield High School were filled with a heavy, collective silence that eventually gave way to a powerful chorus of prayer and purpose. Yesterday should have been Amarr Murphy-Paine’s 19th birthday—a milestone of emerging adulthood. Instead, it served as a poignant 18-month marker since he was taken from a community that still feels the vibration of his absence every single day.
The Spirit of a Peacemaker
Amarr was not just a statistic; those who knew him described him as charismatic, gentle, and with a heart that led him to sacrifice his life for others. On June 6, 2024, Amarr died while performing an act of selfless service, intervening in a fight that did not involve him to protect his peers.
Yesterday, his father, Arron Murphy-Paine, stood before a circle of family, friends, and teammates to remind them that true strength is not found in hardening one's heart, but in the courage to be vulnerable.
On Emotional Resilience: He told the young men present, "It’s okay to cry. It’s okay to feel real emotions. What’s not okay is blocking them with everything that hurt you".
On Vulnerability: He shared that his own tears are a part of the strength the community sees in him.
On Love: He urged everyone to never miss a chance to say "I love you," noting these were the very last words he and Amarr exchanged.
Tangible Purpose: Amarr’s Heart Foundation
The grief felt yesterday was not static; it was channeled directly into the community. Through Amarr’s Heart Foundation (AHF) and a partnership with the Inner-City Action Network (ICAN), the gathering became a massive engine for good.
Feeding the Community: Supporters distributed nearly 200 sack lunches and hygiene kits to the unhoused community near 12th and Jackson.
Winter Essentials: The group provided blankets, socks, and gloves to those facing the harsh Seattle winter.
A Record-Breaking Drive: The second annual winter drive collected approximately 3,000 socks and gloves, smashing previous goals to ensure "1% better" progress every year.
The Unfinished Search for Justice
While the community honors Amarr’s spirit of kindness, there is a sharp, jagged edge to this story: the suspect remains at large. Despite the fact that the shooting was captured on video and occurred in broad daylight on school grounds, no arrests have been made.
This lack of closure has led the Murphy-Paine family to seek accountability elsewhere. In May 2025, they filed a lawsuit against Seattle Public Schools, alleging significant safety failures. The lawsuit claims that the district failed to implement a lockdown earlier that day after a separate incident involving a masked individual with a weapon, which could have potentially prevented the tragic encounter that took Amarr’s life.
A Legacy of Three Words
Arron Murphy-Paine has charged the city of Seattle with a duty: to ensure that Amarr’s name is synonymous with Strength, Love, and Kindness. These are not just words on a flyer; they are the blueprint for how the community intends to guide itself through grief and toward a future free of gun violence.
As Amarr’s 19th year begins in "heavenly birthday" remembrance, his essence remains a motivating force for change, proving that while a life can be cut short, a legacy of service is immortal.
Long Live Amarr
