Maleek M. Surrette

Maleek Malachi Surrette, the beloved son of Major Surrette and Yolanda Miller, was born on September 23, 2004. He was tragically taken from us on Sunday, September 13, 2020 (just ten days before his 16th birthday). "It takes a village to raise a child" is an old African adage applicable to raising the average child but Maleek was far from average. It took several villages to raise him because his frenetic energy could not be contained by just one. In all things, Maleek just wanted to be free. Academically, Maleek was a straight ‘A’ student in Math and Science. Because of his keen interest in these subjects, he attended the Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aeronautics Academy, a K-12 program at Morgan State University. He was fascinated by drone technology. He attended a summer camp and after school program offered by Global Air Media, LLC. He was super proud of the drone he made after attending this program although it ended up on the roof of his grandmother Mary Surrette's house. Outside of school, Maleek's creativity was channeled through art lessons with his cousin and renowned artist, Darren Guest. Music was another creative outlet he pursued through African drum, regular drum, guitar and flute lessons. Along his path, Maleek met and was mentored by Sensi Carl Matthews who taught him karate and (best of all) loved him like a son. In 2014, Maleek participated in the Mentoring Male Teens (in the Hood) a program run by Cameron Miles at New Shiloh Baptist Church. To help him calm his restless spirit, in 2016 Maleek began practicing yoga as part of Changa Bell's Black Male Yoga Initiative. Changa was another mentor who loved and counseled Maleek. Londyn de Richelieu also took Maleek under her Angel wings. She loved Maleek like a son, took him everywhere with her, counseled him and cultivated his love of the finer things in life. Anyone who knew Maleek knew he was a troubled and restless soul. As happy as you were to see him come, you were equally happy to see him leave. This doesn't mean you didn't love Maleek, it just took all your energy to keep up with his. He was a constantly moving ball of energy. He can best be described as "erky." He loved doing things to drive you nuts. Maleek could have tried the patience of Job, but we still loved him and that's all he ever wanted. He was preceded by grandparents: Major Surrette Sr. and Michael E. Miller Sr. Maleek left to mourn a loving father and mother, Major Surrette and Yolanda Miller; Brothers Dominic, Allen Michael, Akiel, and Pierre. Sisters London, Tashawna, Keyonna, A’liyah and Lailah; Grandparents Mary Surrette and Regina Branch; Aunt Kizzy Miller; cousins Nigel, Shiand and Zuri Miller; a host of other aunts, uncles and cousins.

Tributes

Maleek M. Surrette

September 23, 2004 - September 13, 2020