Tragedy to triumph: Family honors Dontre Hamilton

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Maria Hamilton describes a mother's love as being committed, responsive and necessary. For nearly a decade, she's been on a journey, along with her family, to honor her late son, Dontre Hamilton.

"We're not supposed to bury our kids, they're supposed to bury us," said Maria Hamilton. "His legacy has taught me to love outside of me, to love others, to acknowledge others and also to accept people for who they are."

Dontre Hamilton (credit: Family)

Dontre grew up in a loving home and shared a special bond with his brothers.

"We lived life like two peas in a pod. We went; jumped in the creek together. Caught frogs and trapped whatever we possibly could trap. We had a pit bull and a rabbit at the same time growing up."

As an adult, Dontre struggled with mental illness. In 2014, in an encounter with a Milwaukee police officer, he was shot multiple times and killed in Red Arrow Park. After a lengthy investigation, the officer was not charged but was fired for violating department pat-down policies.

Red Arrow Park shooting (credit: CBS 58)

"I still feel his presence, I feel his protection," said Maria Hamilton.

Dontre's death sparked protests and ultimately changed policies in Milwaukee, which includes officers wearing body cameras.

"I will not be silent. They will know his name. They will know his legacy and I will always celebrate him," said Maria Hamilton.

Maria Hamilton (credit: CBS 58)

It's been nearly a decade since the incident that took Dontre's life and family has open arms for the community.

The annual Dontre Day event will serve as a free safe space for healing, promoting peace and unity while providing resources on mental health, housing, and job placement.

"The main slogan Dontre has been, Dontre cares," said Nate Hamilton. "So, we do this Dontre Day, that’s our biggest thing. We're showing that Dontre still cares through the way that we move as a family, the way we represent him and the way we allow other people access that love."

A bench at Red Arrow Park honors Dontre. It’s a place his family wants others to be able to reflect and heal.

"It's hard for me to go the cemetery, but I can go and read and sit in Red Arrow Park for hours and have a peace," said Maria Hamilton. "Just knowing that that bench is there, giving people the opportunities to say, you know something, I read that plaque, and it made really want to have a conversation about my struggles, my flaws."

To learn more about Dontre Day events click here.

Dontre Hamilton (credit: Family)