JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Natasha Jackson walked across the stage at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on Wednesday in place of her son, two days before the six-month mark of her son’s death.
Friday marked six months since 18-year-old Matthew Jackson was shot and killed while breaking up a fight at a westside Burger King restaurant where he worked. His mother walked in his place during Riverside High School’s graduation ceremony, determined to honor his memory.
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“It was gratefulness, and also just the impact of it to see how many hearts that he’s touched, how many people that he influenced,” his mother told News4JAX on Tuesday.
Natasha also walked alongside Matthew’s twin, Madison Jackson. She described the moment the crowd reacted to her crossing the stage.
“When I got up and walked across the stage, just the standing ovation and to hear the hollers, the love, the claps, the yells and screams and saying his name, it was everything.”
Despite grieving the loss of her son, Natasha said she continues to push forward.
“I miss him every day. His absence is felt every day,” she said. “I have my good days. I have my bad days, but I’m just pushing through.”
But ultimately, it’s the love for her son that keeps her motivated to keep his legacy alive. She planned to continue to work on starting a foundation in Matthew’s honor.
She is working to establish a foundation in his honor and plans to partner with Silent Women Speaking for a back-to-school event this summer.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office arrested Dawud Burrit in connection with Matthew’s murder in November. Burrit’s next pretrial hearing is set for June 16, and his trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 16.