It’s said that Jammerrei’a “JMac” Frazier was magic on the basketball court, and today, the family of the murdered Richmond teen is spreading some magic in his honor by hosting the “1st Annual Magic Drive” to help people facing homelessness.
The Magic Drive, which takes place on the third-year anniversary of JMac’s unsolved shooting, welcomes donations of clothing, coats, and personal hygiene items for people facing homelessness Sat., Nov. 26 from 1-5 p.m. at the Men and Women of Valor Resource Center, 1350 Kelsey St. in Richmond. A dove and balloon release in JMac’s memory will take place around 3:30/4 p.m. that day, while sandwiches, snacks, beverages, and a jumper for kids will be on hand, according to family spokesperson and JMac’s sister Jazmine Perkins.
JMac’s family—including his mother, Jackie Frazier—will be at the Magic Drive to accept donations of coats, blankets, socks, hats, scarves, and gloves to help people experiencing homelessness stay warm during the winter months. Hygiene products like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, women’s products, and water will also be appreciated.
The next day, JMac’s family will make homemade chili with rice and cornbread and visit local homeless encampments to distribute warm meals, donated clothing/blankets, and hygiene bags.
JMac Frazier was a 17-year-old DeAnza High School student who was shot and killed on Nov. 26, 2019, while walking to Rancho Market on Market Avenue in North Richmond. To this day, his murder remains unsolved. According to Perkins, a four-door black Infinity is of interest in the crime. JMac’s family urges anyone with info about the crime to speak up and contact the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff/Investigations at 925-313-2600.
Due to his love of basketball, the teen was often called “Magic” like Magic Johnson and wore jersey #32. During his lifetime, he played for Richmond High School, DeAnza High School, and the East Bay Soldiers, a team he traveled with domestically and internationally. Multiple colleges had expressed interest in awarding him basketball scholarships prior to his death.
Perkins said the “holidays will never be the same” for their family following her brother’s murder and that they are holding the event in his honor to not only “try and uplift my family and me” but also to help people in need. “I know this is something that he would be proud of us doing in his name because he was such a good kid,” she said. “So I’m trying to keep the faith and to keep pushing and to keep his name alive in the best way I can in a positive way.”
She added, “What better thing to do than to help someone in need?”
Questions about the event can be directed to Jazmine Perkins at jazmineperkins001@yahoo.com.
By Kathy Chouteau
