Forever Doodle World: Sumter parents, community walk to honor Robinson Jr.’s life, legacy
April 24 should have been a celebration for Gregory Robinson Jr.
He should have been blowing out 10 candles, surrounded by friends, family and the joy that comes with reaching a milestone year.
But instead of planning a birthday party, his loved ones spent the weekend honoring the life he lived - and the one taken too soon.
Saturday, April 26, under a cloudy morning sky, more than 100 people gathered along Manning Avenue for the inaugural Forever Doodle World Walk - a tribute to celebrate Gregory's life and launch Forever Doodle World, a grassroots organization envisioned by his parents, Sanobia McClam and Gregory Robinson Sr., to raise awareness about the impact of gun violence and support families who have experienced similar loss.
Gregory Jr., affectionately known as "Doodle" - shortened from "Do the Most," was just 9 years old when he died in October 2024 because of gun violence. His 10th birthday was supposed to mark a new chapter - the first year of double digits and a time when childhood feels wide open with possibilities. Instead, his name was spoken with both pride and grief as his family turned their heartbreak into action.
"We as a whole made a difference today in our community," expressed Dameon Duffie, organizer for the event, to the sea of people. "At the end of the day, no parent wants to bury their child."
Family members of Shameka Nathaniel, Jacob Russ, SPC LaVincent Purdue Jr., Raekwon Owens and Michael Idlett stood shoulder to shoulder with McClam and Gregory Sr. The loss from both gun and domestic violence was personal for each of them, but on Saturday, so was the hope.
Gregory Jr. left an impression wherever he went. He loved sports - basketball most of all - and made friends easily. It was second nature for him to offer comforting words, to be the one to offer a hand or smile when someone else needed it. As they walked the very avenue Gregory Jr. did, they reminisced not only about the things he loved, but also about the way he made others feel.
Robinson Sr., as he held up a flyer asking for information on his son's case, his voice steady but heavy, spoke from the deepest part of grief. "Doodle" wasn't just their baby; he was his reason to be better. So, he urged those who may know something to follow suit. To rise above the silence and give the family closure.
"You don't have to wait for the first person to say something. If you know something, open your mouth," he expressed. "If it was me and I know how this parent felt losing their child and I know somebody who knows something, call me a snitch or whatever you want. You took a child's life."
"Call [it] a snitch all you want, but you'll be a hero to me."
The investigation into Gregory Jr.'s death remains open, and Sumter County Sheriff's Office is working on leads.
McClam, Gregory Sr. and their families plan to "do the most" for their Doodle through Forever Doodle World. Plans are underway for a clothing line, more walks and more outreach. But, most importantly, it will serve as a blueprint for families grieving the loss of loved ones because of gun violence on how to turn their pain into purpose.
Gregory Sr. said this is only the beginning of how they will honor their son as "he deserves it" and much more.
For updates on events and more, visit Forever Doodle World on Facebook.
IF YOU KNOW SOMETHING
Sumter County Sheriff's Office is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person(s) responsible for the death of Gregory Robinson Jr.
Anyone with information that can be helpful can contact the sheriff's office at (803) 436-6275 or 911. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to CrimeStoppers, www.p3tips.com or using the P3 Tips app for mobile devices.