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Corshawnda Hatter, a resident of Calumet Park, Illinois, is grappling with the emotional aftermath of a traumatic attack. Yet, thanks to a heartwarming gesture from Ceasefire, her holiday season has been brightened. The organization gifted her children with presents and provided Hatter with a $650 check, bringing some much-needed cheer this Christmas.
“This is the only family I have. It really lifts my spirits, knowing I have people supporting me,” Hatter shared, expressing her gratitude.
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The past few weeks have been particularly challenging for Hatter and her children, 10-year-old Devonlee and 6-year-old Devonye. However, their spirits were lifted when they were surprised with an array of holiday gifts at the Ceasefire headquarters in Calumet Park. The children received an Xbox, baby dolls, and new clothes, among other items.
This gesture was especially meaningful after Hatter and her children were targeted by a group of seven students from Bright Elementary School during their journey home.
A video of the attack has circulated widely on Facebook, accumulating tens of thousands of views.
You can see Hatter being punched and eventually falling to the ground, where the assault turns even more violent.
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ABC7 froze the video because it becomes too graphic after that point. We also blurred the faces of the people involved because they are minors.
Their story made national headlines and caught the attention of local rapper Lil Zay Osama, who donated all of the toys. Hatter says it has put them one step closer to healing as she tries to deal with the permanent damage left behind after getting punched in her stomach.
“I can no longer have children,” Hatter said. “That made me tear up a little bit, knowing that it’s more people out here that care for us, and there’s people down here that will help you.”
“Nobody, kids, no parents, nobody at all. That ain’t parents don’t deserve that type of treatment at all. So, you know, I just wanted to reach out and let them know, like the city behind them, like we with that stop the violence movement and like everything that happened to them wasn’t right,” Lil Zay said.
Lil Zay plans to continue his support of the family even past Tuesday. Meanwhile, as of last Friday, seven of the kids involved in the attack were charged, released from custody, and referred to counseling. Hatter says the kids should have more time in juvenile detention.
