At just 13 years old, A’Mier was involved in a tragic series of events that forever changed two families. The most devastating was the death of David Cheatham, who was killed in a car crash while A’Mier was behind the wheel.

What followed was not a traditional path through the justice system—but a brave and deeply human choice. The Cheatham family chose a restorative path. They agreed to a community-based process that centered truth-telling, healing, and accountability. A’Mier met with those most impacted, David’s wife and three children.

They asked one thing of A’Mier: “Become a good man.”

Now 17, A’Mier is taking another powerful step in fulfilling that ask. He is graduating from high school—an achievement that once felt out of reach. And in a full-circle moment of healing and courage, Dia and Quin Cheatham will be there to celebrate with him.

A’Mier was recently featured in Justice USA, and both he and Dia spoke publicly at our Blossom and Thrive Breakfast, sharing their intertwined stories of loss, growth, and the possibilities that emerge when a community chooses repair over retribution.

A’Mier dreams of continuing his education in HVAC, building a future with stability, skill, and purpose. He is ready to work hard—but he cannot do it alone.

We invite you to be part of this moment.
Let’s come together as a community—one that believes in second chances, in transformation, and in young people who choose to rise.

Your gift will help celebrate A’Mier’s graduation and support his next steps in vocational training.

Together, we honor the Cheatham family’s hope, A’Mier’s commitment, and the kind of future we can build when we lead with love, accountability, and belief in what’s possible.

A'Mier's Graduation

By Raphah Institute

A'Mier's Graduation