Family and friends of Jacob Dominguez get ready to release
balloons on his birthday, October 30, 2017.
Jacob was a father of 3 little children, a 7 year old, 5 year old, and 4 year old,
and husband to his love, Jessica.
Rosie Chavez, Jacob’s aunt who helped raised him, thanks the crowd of about 50 family, friends, and community.
As the family marched from Roosevelt Park to City Hall, they passed out postcards with a still from a documentary “Making of a Gangsta” featuring Jacob. It read, “My hope for this film is when people see someone like me, they see the good.”
Spiritual drummers present a feather to Jacob’s mother Cindy.
A single balloon is released for Jacob. He would’ve turned 34 last Monday, October 30.
Family and friends carried banners and homemade posters to let the community know who Jacob is – a loving father, husband, son, brother, nephew, and friend.
Jacob’s uncle leads the crowd in chants.
Spiritual drummers get ready to open the ceremony for Jacob’s birthday, and to demand justice for Jacob.
Jacob’s family made a flag and tied it to a pole at City Hall. Jacob grew up in San Jose, CA. San Jose police reports describe him as a gang member with a criminal history, but the people who knew him best describe him as father, husband, son, brother, nephew, and friend who was dedicated to turning his life around.
Jacob’s mother Cindy writes love messages to her son before they release white balloons and Happy Birthday balloons to the sky.
Spiritual drummers sing in honor of Jacob.
Jessica, Jacob’s wife, watches balloons release to the sky and within the loudness of the chants, she whispers love greetings to her husband.
Family and friends of Jacob Dominguez get ready to release balloons
on his birthday, October 30, 2017.
Find out more about the "Making of a Gangsta" Documentary
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