In a poignant moment at the Aurora City Council meeting on December 2, 2024, a young voice echoed through the chamber, capturing the hearts of those present. Kylan Lewis Jr., just 16 years old, stood before council members to share a deeply personal and painful story—the loss of his father, Kylan E. Lewis Sr., who was killed by Aurora police on May 23, 2024.

With a trembling voice, Kylan painted a vivid picture of grief and loss, describing how his father's absence shattered his family. "My dad wasn't just my dad; he was my guide, my protector, my teacher," he said, his words heavy with emotion. He spoke not only for himself but also for his three-year-old brother, King Kai, who still waits for a father who will never return. "How do you explain this to a child who only knows love?" Kylan asked, his question hanging in the air like a haunting echo.

Kylan's testimony was a powerful indictment of a system that he feels has failed his family. "Aurora, you haven't just stolen my father. You've stolen our trust," he declared, expressing the profound silence that followed his father's death—a silence he described as feeling like "standing in the middle of a storm with no shelter, no answers, and no justice."

His words resonated with the audience, highlighting a broader issue of systemic injustice faced by Black families. "This is not just about one officer or one decision," Kylan emphasized. "It's about a system that keeps telling Black families like mine that our pain is invisible."

As he concluded, Kylan vowed to keep his father's memory alive, stating, "I refuse to let you forget my father. His name will be in every word I speak, every tear my brother cries, and every breath I take until justice is more than a word in this city."

The emotional weight of Kylan's testimony served as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles for justice and accountability within the community. His call for action resonated with many, urging leaders to not only acknowledge the pain but to take meaningful steps toward change. The meeting, marked by Kylan's heartfelt plea, left a lasting impression on all who attended, igniting conversations about the need for transparency and justice in Aurora.