Community says it has lost a precious gem
Sacramento, Calif. -- By Robert J Hansen
A candlelight vigil was held for the owner of Fresh Lines and Kicks Barbershop in Sacramento on June 13, who died on Saturday after being shot in front of his store two weeks ago.
Terrance “TJ” Flournoy Jr. was shot on May 26 in front of his barber shop and died yesterday at the hospital after several surgeries were unsuccessful.
Flournoy was a successful business owner, well respected by the community and loved by those who knew him.
“He fought hard and he fought long,” Leia Schenk, founder of EMPACT said. “He succumbed to his injuries yesterday.”
An unhoused resident and close friend of TJ, who preferred to be unnamed, said TJ’s murder is devastating for the community well trying to hold back tears.
TJ’s friend had just found out that he passed, moments before the vigil began.
“He gave me food, shelter in his own car and work,” TJ’s friend said. “He was a great, great man and everyone is going to miss him.”
Terrance Flournoy Sr. said his son wasn’t a thief, he worked hard and was an irreplaceable leader in the community.
“We need to stop this black killing black,” Flournoy Sr. said. “My son didn’t deserve that. He worked hard every damn day for his daughter.”
He helped the homeless, he made jobs for people and gave back everything he could to the community according to Flournoy Sr.
Sacramento Chapter coordinator for Crime Survivors for Safety, Jamilia Land said this is another senseless death because of gun violence.
"Again, another young girl is going to have to grow up with no one to guide her, to teach her, protect her to love her," Land said.
Land said that the community needs to start to hold itself accountable, particularly if they expect the same accountability from police officers.
A young man named Florida, Flournoy Jr.’s apprentice, said TJ was an achiever and did everything he set out to do.
“I’m talkin’ bout from this shop to that shop, to down the street. We doin’ it,” Florida said.
Florida said he didn’t really know how much he loved TJ until he was gone.
The investigation is ongoing, therefore other details of the incident will not be disclosed.