Family comes together to celebrate what would have been Rica Rountree’s 11th birthday

Posted on April 19, 2021
In honor of Rica, the family hosted a Justice for Rica Jae Play Day. (Photo courtesy: Heart of Illinois ABC)

By Heart of Illinois ABC

BLOOMINGTON – Two years after her daughter was murdered, one mother celebrated what would have been her child’s 11th birthday.

Rica Rountree’s mother, Antoinetta Harper said it’s important for the world to remember her daughters name and most importantly, celebrate her life.

In honor of Rica, the family hosted a Justice for Rica Jae Play Day. The event included face painting, laser tag, balloons and music.

Harper said she wants to take her pain and turn it into something positive.

“Rica had so much life in her,” said Harper.” She was too young to go and it was for nothing. If people can remember my daughter, they can remember what she went through, and maybe they will do their part to protect the next child.”

Harper said she hopes to make the celebration an annual event.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected]. 

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…