Refugee Education Center’s Statement Regarding the Death of Patrick Lyoya

Grieving with Our Community

The Refugee Education Center grieves with our refugee community as we process the senseless killing of Congolese refugee Patrick Lyoya. Patrick’s death at the hands of a police officer has deeply affected a refugee community that has already been forced to flee acts of violence in their home countries. We acknowledge the profound pain this situation sparks, as it touches not only refugees but many other disenfranchised communities locally, regionally, and nationally who have faced similar losses of loved ones.

About Patrick Lyoya

Photo of Patrick Lyoya

Patrick Lyoya was 26 years old, a Congolese refugee, and his family’s firstborn son. Patrick came to the United States with his family from the Democratic Republic of the Congo to escape the violence there, only for his life to end here in violence. He is survived by his father, mother, five younger siblings, his partner, and two young daughters. In a recent interview, his father, with the help of a translator, describes Patrick as “a good kid, a smart kid. He was a hard worker. He was a sharing person. He helped his family. If he had money, he would share it with them.” He loved soccer, and comments on his Facebook page say that Patrick was always “a positive person and represented his culture to the fullest,” teaching Congolese and African community dances to families and children.

Support for Refugees

If you are a member of the refugee community looking for support at this time, below are some resources:

Call Bethany Christian Services for support group information at 616.224.7540

Connect with Mental Health Clinicians of Color for therapy services.

Attend a COMMUNITY CONVERSATION hosted by Black Impact Collaborative. Join us tonight, April 14, at 6:00 pm at Ottawa Hills High School in processing this collective and cascading trauma our community is experiencing as a result of Patrick Lyoya's tragic death. Featured speakers include:

  • Senita Thompson Lenear - City of Grand Rapids Commissioner

  • Nathaniel Moody Sr. - City of Grand Rapids Commissioner

  • Anita L Hitchcock - City of Grand Rapids Attorney

  • Nadia Shatawn Brigham - Principal at Brigham Consulting, LLC

  • Larry Johnson - Grand Rapids Public Schools Chief of Staff & Executive Director of Public Safety & School Security

  • Fridah Kay - Founder and Director of A Glimpse of Africa Festival and Cultural Intelligence Center Administrative Assistant

  • Lennox Forrest, PhD - Licensed Psychologist

The Mental Health Clinicians of Color in Grand Rapids will also facilitate audience Q&A to help process community trauma.

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