Boy delivers impressive speech to Fort Myers council

FORT MYERS, Fla. – “I am sick and tired of being sick and tired,” 11-year old De’Arrion Albany said in front of city council members Monday.

Albany delivered a moving speech expressing his disdain for community violence, referencing a recent incident that claimed the life of 63-year-old Gloria Sparrow.

“To me it’s not fair that because of someone else’s ungodly behavior good innocent people must suffer,” he said. “Just this past weekend an innocent young lady was killed in her own home because someone thought it was a good idea to do a drive-by shooting.”

The 11-year-old, dressed in a bow tie and slacks, also had some criticism for law enforcement.

“Our police officers don’t appear able or capable of bringing these violent people to justice. They don’t seem to be arresting these bad guys and putting them away,” Albany said, his small hand holding the microphone to his mouth.

But the young boy wrapped his speech on a high note, stirring the room to a standing ovation.

“I am asking everyone to just pray. Pray for all the victims, the hurting families, our policemen and policewomen who’re doing the best they can,” Albany said.

Mayor Randy Henderson became visibly emotional and called Albany a brave young man. As a token of appreciation, Councilman Johnny Street presented Albany with a city pin.