Community honors slain teen with street co-naming, basketball tournament

Members of the Bronx community gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of a young basketball star who tragically died a year ago.

News 12 Staff

Jul 7, 2021, 11:45 PM

Updated 1,192 days ago

Share:

Members of the Bronx community gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of a young basketball star who tragically died a year ago.
Brandon Hendricks was a 17-year-old recent high school graduate who was gunned down at a family barbecue in July 2020.
"He was such a help to me in the classroom because he inspired everyone else,” says one friend.
Loved ones tell News 12 that Hendricks is remembered as someone who always found a way for everyone.
Although the sign that stands on E. 156thStreet and Park Avenue can’t bring back Hendrick’s life, his mother, Eve Hendricks, say it’s a reminder of his legacy, community contributions and light left behind.
“It's very emotional, in a good way. It's a fabulous day, my son Brandon deserved this,” says Hendricks’ mother. "Out of everyone in this world who wants to live, he wanted to live. He worked hard for everything that he'd been given in life.”
Attendee Vanessa Gibon remembers basketball playing a big part in the teen’s life, saying in part, "I know that his season was so important and so significant.”
Several community members say Hendricks' legacy will continue with the street sign, but also a scholarship fund.
The Brandon Hendricks Scholarship fund includes a $5,000 scholarship to help high school seniors with college. For more information, visit the fund’s website.