Tarik Jackson lives on

September 18th - I lost another colleague, a friend.

I'm in shock. I, I I don't know what to say. Tarik Jackson, is gone. He’s gone. Please tell me this is a lie. He was such a gift. As annoying and kid brother like I made him out to be, Tarik was dope, he was funny and his career was just about to blow up. He was accepted into the HBO Directing Fellowship and I couldn’t be even more prouder but also jealous. His charisma and talent had gotten him far, and I would’ve loved to laugh with him over our successes. Hopefully he’s resting in peace.

After watching the funeral, all of it, I can’t help but think about the countless people in my life - especially black men who are suffering in silence. My hope is that people find a way to seek help in their own lives and/or stay positive during this weird, crazy time we’re living in. It’s not easy living life, but it’s even harder to tell someone how to deal/understand it.

His father posted this:

Dear family,

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beautiful son Tarik Jymal Jackson. Tarik was a brilliant young man who graduated from both the prestigious Morehouse College and the University of Southern California (USC) School of Cinematic Arts. Tarik was exceptionally gifted and was in the HBOAccess Directing Fellowship program

Additionally, Tarik co-created, directed and co-wrote CLASS, an eight-episode original series that premiered on YouTube. The series has been viewed over 1.2 million times. Tarik’s follow up short BUSHBABY, a comedy about gentrification in Brooklyn, got Tarik selected to be a part of Ryan Murphy’s Half Foundation, where Tarik shadowed an episode of SCREAM QUEENS. He then shadowed Oz Rodriguez on two episodes of SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. Tarik also performs sketch and improv at the UCB theater as a member of the group Cornbread Kitchen.

We the family are devastated over the loss our young brilliant and talented son. We are planning a home going service for our young king in New York of which we will share with you in the very near future. - Stephen Jackson