Vigil honors Harlem community leader killed by stray bullet, remembered as a key figure in the neighborhood.

A poignant vigil was held on Wednesday to honor Excenia Mette, a 61-year-old grandmother, businesswoman, and community leader who lost her life to a stray bullet during a violent altercation in Harlem. The gathering brought together family members, friends, and local activists, highlighting the profound impact Mette had on her community.

Mette was shot on Tuesday night, an incident that unfolded around 10:20 p.m. at Tamara’s Beauty Bar, located on Lenox Avenue near West 113th Street. Mette, who resided in the apartment above the salon, reportedly heard a loud argument outside and, concerned for her grandson’s safety, ventured out to assess the situation. Sources indicate that her grandson, who was not part of the fray, urged her to remain inside. However, Mette, known for her community-oriented nature, insisted on stepping out to intervene.

Attendees at the vigil described Mette as an “anchor” for the Harlem community, with her sister, Diane London, emphasizing her innate desire to help others, often at personal risk. London lamented the violence that claimed her sister’s life, reinforcing the idea that Mette’s actions represented her care for those around her.

Jarian Jordan Jr., Mette’s grandson, recounted the traumatic moments surrounding the shooting. He revealed that he heard gunfire and rushed downstairs only to find that the last memory he had of his grandmother was her organizing the store and preparing dinner moments before tragedy struck. Heartbreakingly, the incident occurred when one of two armed individuals began firing at each other, with a stray bullet striking Mette in the head just as she stepped outside.

Mette was promptly transported to Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. One of the shooters, identified as 23-year-old Darious Smith, was also found at the scene with gunshot wounds and taken to the same hospital in stable condition. The second suspect fled the area and remains at large.

Known affectionately as “Zeenie,” Mette was a respected figure and a longtime member of the National Action Network led by Rev. Al Sharpton. She made history by being the first Black woman to own and operate a bodega in New York City since 1987 through her establishment, Momma Zee’s Food to Plez, on Adam Clayton Powell Boulevard, which had closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mette’s son, Jarian Jordan Sr., expressed the deep void left by his mother’s death, highlighting her commitment to the community she loved dearly. The vigil not only served as a remembrance of Mette’s remarkable life and contributions but also as a somber reflection on the ongoing issues of violence impacting urban communities.

This tragic event continues to resonate, drawing attention to the complexities of community safety and gun violence. As the community mourns the loss of a cherished leader, calls for justice and a reassessment of public safety measures grow louder. The investigation into the shooting is ongoing, with law enforcement urging anyone with information to come forward to aid in the resolution of this senseless crime.

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