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Council proclaims day in memory of local gun violence victim; survivor advocate urges restorative justice
Summary
Council issued a proclamation recognizing National Gun Violence Survivors Week and declared Jan. 28, 2026, as Solomon Ahmed Abdul Matekleem Day in Cincinnati; Rukia Zafar Abdulmutakalim, CEO of the Musketeer Association, described her son's death and called for sustained community action.
Cincinnati City Council adopted a proclamation honoring National Gun Violence Survivors Week and recognizing the life and work of Solomon Ahmed Abdul Matekleem on Jan. 28.
Council Member Albee presented the proclamation and introduced Rukia Zafar Abdulmutakalim, CEO and founder of the Musketeer Association, who spoke about her son’s life, his decision to live in and serve a struggling neighborhood and the restorative-justice programs she now leads.
"He paid the price to wake us up because he wasn't in the streets," Abdulmutakalim said, describing her son as someone who moved into a neighborhood to help and who continued to act in service even after his death. She asked the city to remember victims and to support programs that reach young people and families.
Council members thanked Abdulmutakalim for sharing her story and highlighted the need for continued attention to gun violence prevention, trauma-informed services and community-based supports. The chair said a copy of the proclamation would be provided to the family.
The proclamation text included biographical language about Solomon's military service and community work and set Jan. 28, 2026, as a commemorative day in the city. Council did not take a policy vote tied to the proclamation; the action was a ceremonial recognition and an acknowledgment of ongoing advocacy work.
