Gilbert Malik Cross was born in Oakland on December 21, 1991, to his proud parents Gilbert and Mary Cross. He was fondly known as Malik. He died on June 27 at age 33.

At age 6, Malik accepted the Lord as his Savior and was baptized by Pastor Joe L. Smith at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Oakland. There he would later serve as an usher and sing in the church choir, Little Mighty Voices. As he grew, he became part of the GHMBC Special, singing in the teen choir.

Malik received his education through the Oakland Unified School District. As a young child, Malik’s boundless curiosity and creativity were clear — whether through music, dancing, or taking things apart just to see how they worked. One favorite family memory is the time he and his brother Country dismantled a bunkbed with f

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