Zumante Malik Lucero was born on August 14, 1999 in Denver,CO to Zuton Green and David Lucero. He was the first of five children born to this union. Zumante was always a quiet spirit. He seldom cried and never required more than a clean diaper, full tummy, and a pair of arms to hold him. When his sister Ashantay was born, 1 1/2 year old Zumante loved her dearly. He constantly checked to make sure she was okay. He knew that she was a more "energetic" type, and he adjusted his personality to accomodate. By 2007, Zumante was big brother to Ashantay, D.J., Elijah, and Maxwell. The proverbial big brother, he helped them to get dressed and prepare snacks, read with them and nurtured them. He also corrected them when he saw fit.
At school, he was Mr. Popular. He had friends in every grade and was always at the center of the action. Zumante participated in extra art classes, summer scholars, and numerous other extracurricular activities. Most recently he performed in the talent show with longtime friend cameron (they were the stars of the show). Zumante also gave the final farewell address for the continuating fifth grade class.
Zumante had several passions. At the top of the list was FOOD. The only person who matched his enthusiasm for eating was his mother. They spent a lot of time bonding over the joy they found in meals. Zumante began karate lessons at age six and had attained the level of a black Gi and a green belt. He was most proud of the fact that he was learning from his Uncle Calvin and emulating his Papa.
From the moment he could hold a crayon, Zumante became an artist. He drew anything and everything. He did it so well that many were convinced that he was only tracing. When Zumante's stepfather and stepsiblings entered the picture, he embraced them wholeheartedly. He cherisehed his bond with his stepfather and maintained a different, special bond with each of his siblings. Together, there were ten of them, and being number three was perfect for Zumante. He enjoyed being the "little" brother to two of the children and the idea of being part of a "wolf-pack".
Zumante passed away on Monday, July 20th, three weeks before his tenth birthday. He leaves to cherish his memory, his parents, siblings, grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and a host of other relatives and friends.