Family of Makiyah Wilson forms 'Makiyah Scouts' to empower young girls

WASHINGTON -- After enduring ten months of heartache filled with catching the suspects in 10-year-old Makiyah Wilson's murder and filing a lawsuit against the D.C. Housing Authority, Makiyah's family is taking a step in a positive direction.

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Makiyah's oldest sister, 19-year-old Nyjhay Lewis, founded Makiyah Scouts in her honor, to empower young girls like her sister.

“I want to be a big sister to the younger ladies, because I wouldn’t want this to happen to them, so I just want to get them together, keep them out the streets…so I just want to change a life," said Lewis.

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Some of those lives are two of her young cousins, who are some of the first scouts to sign up.

“I really miss her so much. I wish she never died or nothing," said Londy McPherson.

Her older sister, Leanna McPherson, says she wants to honor her memory by doing what she loved--dancing.

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“Just make sure everybody still remember her. They don’t forget her," said Leanna.

Makiyah's mom, Donnetta, will certainly never forget her and literally wears her broken heart drawn on her sleeve--next to pins with Makiyah's picture and her name written on the back of her jean jacket.

She says this helps.

“A lot of this is my strength. It’s daily you know you just know that nothing in the world can being Makiyah back, but doing something for the city positive and trying to be able to bring awareness back the best way I can, that definitely brings me joy to be able to know that I’m being able to give back," said Donnetta.

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She and her daughter say the scouts will host educational events, do community service, travel to hear speakers--anything that can inspire these girls to grow up to be strong young women and help others like Makiyah did.

“To be able to do this is definitely Makiyah all over me, and this is something she would have loved. She loved helping and giving back. I’m her voice now," said Donnetta, smiling.

Makiyah Scouts is open to girls ages 8 to 13.

For more information about how to sign up, click here.

The next big plan is to move into a permanent location by next year.