At least 800 people filled Atlantic City’s New Shiloh Baptist Church to capacity on Saturday to pay final tribute to 10-year-old Micah Tennant.
The boy, affectionately known as “DJ Dew,” was killed on Nov. 20 while attending a high school football game in Pleasantville. He was laid to rest by his family, friends, elected officials, police and a community of mourners followed by a reception at the Atlantic City Convention Center, according to CBS.
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Some came out dressed in suits and ties while others wore football jerseys. Outside of the church, police officers stood near a sign that read “Michael S. Tennant Homecoming,” according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Steve Stephen told CBS that he came out because he had to support the family. “I need to support this family. I need to support this community. Absolutely I’m here. My love goes out to the family and to all the friends and to the loved ones for the little boy.”
That sentiment was echoed by many of the mourners who may not have personally known Micah but was drawn to his story following the tragedy.
“We all suffer with the death of this young man,” Bishop James Washington, New Shiloh Baptist Church’s senior pastor told The Philadelphia Inquirer after the service. “We have to begin young, teaching the value of life.”
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On Nov. 15, Micah, who was a fifth-grade student, was shot in the neck at the Pleasantville-Camden high school football game when a fight started between several men. Two other people were injured. Police charged Alvin Wyatt, 31, with murder and two counts of attempted murder. Wyatt is one of six men charged in the incident, although the only facing a murder charge. One of the men charged was also injured in the shooting.
At his funeral, Micah was remembered as intelligent and spirited and a lover of music.
Micah loved to deejay, following in the footsteps of his uncle, and had been given the nickname “DJ Dew” when he hit the turntables to mix up some music during family events, including his own birthday parties, his family wrote in his obituary.
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Micah also loved his family and playing football. He will be remembered for his “bright smile and huge personality that made it easy for anyone to fall in love with him,” the family added in his obituary, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. “He was an extraordinary kid who will be greatly missed.”