Cornel Young Jr. facts for kids
Cornel Young Jr. was a police officer in Providence, Rhode Island. His friends called him "Jai." He was born on May 19, 1970, and sadly passed away on January 28, 2000. He was shot by two other police officers while he was off duty. This happened when he tried to help during a fight. His death caused a lot of sadness and questions. People wondered if race played a part in what happened. Cornel Young Jr. had been a police officer for three years. After his death, he was given the higher rank of Sergeant. Today, an elementary school and a scholarship fund are named after him.
What Happened?
Cornel Young Jr. was eating at a restaurant in Providence. A fight suddenly started between two people. Young saw a man with a gun. This man was confronting two police officers, Carlos Saraiva and Michael Solitro III. Young decided to help his fellow officers.
He pulled out his own gun. Police officers were required to carry their guns even when off duty. Young told the man with the gun to stop. The two officers, Saraiva and Solitro, did not recognize Young. He was wearing regular clothes, not his uniform. They reportedly told him many times to drop his weapon. When he didn't, they shot him six times. Young may not have realized they were talking to him.
The officers then understood they had shot a fellow police officer. They quickly took him to a hospital. Sadly, Young died a short time later.
How People Reacted
Cornel Young Jr.'s death caused a lot of upset in the community. Many people felt it was an example of racial profiling. The governor of Rhode Island created a special group. This group was set up to study how police work and how they interact with different races.
After this event, the Providence police changed their rules. Officers were no longer required to carry a gun when they were off duty.
Young's mother filed a large lawsuit. She sued the city of Providence and the officers involved. She believed that Cornel Young Jr.'s rights were not protected. She also felt the city had not properly trained its officers. A judge first dismissed the case. However, a higher court later sent it back for another look. The court said the police department might not have trained one of the officers correctly. In the end, a jury decided there wasn't enough proof. They found that the city of Providence was not responsible. The officers involved also did not face criminal charges.
Remembering Cornel Young Jr.
Many people gathered to remember Cornel Young Jr. A wake was held on February 1, 2000. His funeral took place the next day. Thousands of people attended to pay their respects. A memorial service was also held a year later. Hundreds of people came to this event.
Young's parents set up a scholarship fund in his memory. This fund helps high school students from Providence. It helps them attend the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI).
On November 6, 2001, an elementary school was named after him. It is called Sergeant Cornel Young Jr. Elementary School. The school has a large mural of him. This helps keep his memory alive for future generations.
