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SPECIAL MESSAGE ABOUT A GREAT YOUNG MAN

By CSEA Local 830 President Jerry Laricchiuta
Saturday November 4, 2006

Last year I met a young man who came to my office to convince me to see if CSEA could somehow help an organization called H.E.V.N. (Help End Violence Now) on Long Island.  His name was Hykiem Coney.  He was a former gang member and now the organization’s leading board member.  I decide to meet with him and his mentor, the Bishop Raymond J. Mackey just to see what this organization was all about.  

The Bishop started off the meeting with an explanation of what H.E.V.N. was all about and how he was working around the clock trying to convince young men to turn their lives around, leave the gangs, or even better, staying away from them.  He then went on to introduce Hykiem, and the Bishop spoke of how out of control this young man’s life was just a couple years earlier.  Bishop Mackey saw something special in this street smart tough guy and something there clicked. 

I was skeptical, but when Hykiem began to speak, I knew almost immediately that I was meeting a truly special person.  He didn’t speak fast or loud.  He didn’t try to impress us with tough talk or gang lingo.  Instead, Hykiem spoke in a soft but direct tone, always making eye contact and always ready to answer any of our questions, regardless of how personal or intrusive they might have been.  He was as honest as anyone could be and you could tell that his past had bothered him…really bothered him.  You also could not help but note the sincerity and motivation in his voice.  He came across as a true leader on a mission and nothing was going to stop him.  His presence was one of somebody gifted, as person who does not come along very often.  He was a great salesman, because he was NOT a salesman, but instead somebody who was giving 100% of his being towards a cause that he knew all too well was of the highest importance.  I was very impressed with Hykiem and felt as though I had just met somebody who would someday be a well known leader.

I saw Hykiem two Monday’s ago while I was addressing members at Nassau Community College.  He was a student there.  We spoke briefly and I assured him that CSEA was still trying to get some things done to help H.E.V.N.  I remember his smile and pleasant personality from that day.  Now, it may have been Hykiem who was a little skeptical.  We made a few jokes and shook hands.  I told him he’d be hearing from me soon. 

Three days later Hykiem was shot in Uniondale and later died from his wounds.  The say he was killed because of his anti-gang stance and how effective he was.  We will all miss Hykiem and Long Island has lost a great leader.  I had already been convinced about where Hykiem’s heart was and his special qualities made you want to help him.  He made a difference and that’s a great accomplishment. 

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