In Arabic, the name Jafar means “rain or water that comes from heaven.”

The words came from Khalid Samad, an activist from Cleveland who came to Homewood on Friday to pay his respects during a dedication to the young Jafar Brooks, who died Dec. 15 after being gunned down in Penn Hills.

The shooting is under investigation by Allegheny County police, who have yet to make arrests.

Although the heavens held off on the rain Friday afternoon, those who attended a dedication to remember Brooks on the cold, gray day came prepared to shower love on him. Dozens of friends, family, coaches and teachers came to Homewood’s Community Empowerment Association to hear eulogies from those who knew him.

Many held onto balloons – some inscribed with the dates of his birth and death – in wait for the moment they collectively let them fly.

In Pittsburgh, Jafar Brooks, 15, will be known by friends and family for his joviality, athleticism and nearly endless potential.

His grandmother, Amargie Davis, addressed the crowd briefly through some tear-filled moments. She encouraged the young people who knew Brooks to come to her — or anyone at the CEA — to talk. Davis and her husband, Rashad Byrdsong, founded the organization in 1994 that aims to support African American youth.

“You all are all I have left of Jafar,” she said, fighting back tears. “And so to keep him alive, I need you all …”

Her voice trailed off as she cried softly in her face mask. People in the crowd encouraged her with “We love you” and applause.

“I just want everybody to keep the goodness, the happy times, the fun things that you all did with Jafar – that’s what’s gonna make it happen. That’s how you’re gonna get through the pain,” Davis said.

Friday’s balloon release along Kelly Street in Homewood concluded a day that began with a viewing and a private funeral for the family.

Byrdsong said his grandson’s death underscores the importance of work being done to offer resources, education and opportunity for Black children.

“This is a wake-up call,” he said. “Black boys and brown boys and women now are dying in the streets. So we have to change that. … Young people ain’t never seen a world without violence. Ain’t that something?”

He said the responsibility falls on adults to provide a community and environment that is safe for children. Byrdsong also offered to be present for any young person who needed help navigating the grief and pain caused by Brooks’ death.

Those who spoke Friday encouraged anyone with information about the shooting to share it.

County police have said people can call their tip line at 833-ALL-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous.

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