In a poignant tribute marking what would have been his 25th birthday, the family of Joaquin Oliver, one of the 17 victims of the 2018 Parkland school shooting, has embraced an innovative approach to memorialize him using artificial intelligence. On this special day, Joaquin’s father, Manuel Oliver, expressed that while their family continues to feel the deep sorrow of his loss, they are determined to honor his memory by showcasing his ideals rather than the tragedy itself.
“We want to remember Joaquin not as just a victim, but as a vibrant 17-year-old who is now becoming an icon,” said Manuel. This initiative aligns with their ongoing efforts to raise awareness around gun violence, which Joaquin passionately fought against during his life.
In a moving ceremony in Washington, D.C., attended by victims’ families and survivors, they gathered at a memorial wall dedicated to Joaquin. Here, an AI-generated video featuring Joaquin was unveiled, enabling guests to connect with his message in a powerful and meaningful way. Manuel stated, “It’s an amazing tool to raise Joaquin’s voice” and emphasized that the segments shared through AI are based on his son’s own words and ideals, making the experience even more authentic.
In a related development, journalist Jim Acosta, with the family’s approval, released an interview featuring Joaquin’s AI model that discussed the urgent need to combat gun violence. The family’s unique approach not only serves as a way to hear Joaquin’s voice again but also aims to inspire action in the ongoing fight against gun violence.
This combination of technology and remembrance stands as a testament to Joaquin’s legacy, reminding all that change is possible and urging society to continue the dialogue on reducing gun violence. By choosing to celebrate Joaquin in this way, his family hopes to keep his spirit alive and drive home the message of the impact of gun violence in communities across the nation.