18 years later, Wendale Davis’ memory continues to inspire
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) – It’s been 18 years since an unknown gunman deprived 16-year-old Wendale Davis of his life.
18 years since Wesley Davis lost his son.
18 years since Davis’ faith-focused nonprofit found a new source of inspiration.
On April 23, 2006, Wendale Davis was sitting in the driver’s seat of a car outside a friend’s house near the intersection of Cottonwood Road and Bradshaw Street in southeast Bakersfield. Someone drove by in another car and opened fire. Police suspect gang members but say they have exhausted every lead in the investigation.
ROBERT PRICE: Haggard’s ‘Kern River Blues’ gets new life, all in the name of his beloved river
Since the murder, Wendale’s father Wesley Davis Jr. has dedicated his nonprofit, originally known as Soldiers for Christ, into a guiding light away from the dead-end of gang life.
“I lost my mom about two, three weeks ago,” he said. “So I’ve experienced the loss of a father, of a mother, of siblings, the whole gamut, and none compare – I can tell you – to having a child murdered. I’m yet to find the words in the English language, really.”
The Wendale Davis Foundation has been based at 7th and Chester for more than a decade now. But their work is on the street, in the parks and in the schools.
“It’s therapeutic for me,” Wesley Davis said. “It is. It’s absolutely therapeutic. I have to do this, until I leave here. I have to, it’s not optional. That’s medicine for me.”
ROBERT PRICE: Bacon-wrapped danger dogs: A late-night sidewalk delicacy that’s thriving
Wendale was one of 23 children. On Tuesday, the anniversary of his death, siblings and other family members shared memories, prayed and honored his life. Wendale’s father said he will continue these vigils every year for the rest of his life.
The foundation’s mission — motivate, encourage and inspire people from all walks of life to help themselves and their community, and lend support to those who have lost loved ones to violence.
Want to help? Visit www.wendaledavisfoundation.org.
They’ll be back at Union Cemetery next year as well.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
