NORTH SALT LAKE — Loved ones and community members remembered a 10-year-old Black Utah student who died a year ago Sunday, as her family prepares to sue the school district for her death.

Fifth grader Izzy Tichenor died by suicide after her family said she was repeatedly bullied at Foxboro Elementary School because of her race, learning disability and the fact that she was experiencing homelessness.

The family said they reported the incidents to the school several times, but the school failed to give Izzy and her family the proper resources for help, or fully investigate the claims.

Sunday's vigil came just a few days after the Tichenor family attorney filed a notice of claim in preparation for filing a lawsuit, as the family intends to ask for $14 million in damages from the Davis School District.

Milton Grimes, the attorney best known for representing Rodney King 30 years ago, flew in from Los Angeles to attend the vigil. He announced he is joining the case against the Davis School District.

But everyone including Grimes who spoke at the vigil made it clear that the court case and talking about what went wrong was not what they wanted to focus on. Hugs were shared at the park pavilion near Foxboro Elementary, many from Izzy's family members as they told stories and shared their favorite memories through tears.

Izzy's grandmother spoke about how she missed what her granddaughter would call "fuzzy hugs" from the bright, loving child who was always concerned about making other people happy.

"I would give anything in the world for just another hug," Izzy's grandmother said, as she got choked up.

Brittany Tichenor-Cox, Izzy's mother, and Izzy's sister Addison danced together in a tribute, in front of the crowd.

"Every day she's with you in the heart, and I know on the day that made me cry," Addison later said, speaking to everyone. "But always don't give up because she's by you every day and every night."

Tichenor-Cox also stood up and spoke, saying that the last thing Izzy told her before Izzy's death was how she was a great mom.

"'Mom, you're the best mom in the whole wide world,'" Tichenor-Cox remembered, of what Izzy said. "(She) said it three times and kissed me on the cheek, and I thought my baby was OK. And then to find out she wasn't, it broke my heart."

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Utah family of bullied Black girl who died by suicide files $14M claim

The family of a Black fifth grader in Utah who died by suicide last year plans to file a $14 million lawsuit against her school, arguing that an inadequate response to reports of her being bullied over her race and disabilities led to her death by suicide.

She said it has been a tough year for her.

"But I try to remember the good stuff about her, I really do, because she was nothing but warm," Tichenor-Cox said.

Rae Duckworth, operating chairperson for Black Lives Matter Utah, wants people to amplify Izzy's story. She talked about the importance of being proactive in battling anti-Blackness and understanding the existing resources available for mental health.

She and others who spoke talked about wanting to spread love.

"Standing for Izzy is going to be a very monumental thing, especially for children of color in Utah," she said. "Us coming here, and gathering out of love is the most powerful thing that we are capable of."

She urged people to participate in their community and connect with one another.

"When you go through trauma, you feel alone. And I told Brittany that we weren't going to let her feel alone. So, today was proof. So we showed up, and that means a lot. It's very empowering," she said.

Mario Mathis, president of the Utah Black History Museum Bus, talked about his own journey with mental health and the importance of seeking help.

Beyond a vigil on the one-year anniversary of Izzy's death, he stressed how crucial it is to think about Izzy every day and be proactive when it comes to children and mental health.

"We need to have this on our hearts every single day," he said. "When we hear about bullying, racism, especially in our classrooms and schools, we need to be doing something about it."

Mathis said it's unfathomable to know what Izzy's family went through when they lost her.

"It should never happen," he said. "It should have never happened, and it should never happen again."

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