BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — A vigil was held today at Union Cemetery in East Bakersfield for Wendale Davis, who was killed 13 years ago today at 16-years-old.
23ABCs Lezla Gooden, spoke with Wesley Davis Jr., father of Wendale Davis and his eldest brother, Wesley Davis III.
They both say Wendale’s passing has led them on the path of community mentorship and healing.
“You know it’s been bittersweet. You know obviously if I could make the choice my own, I wouldn’t sacrifice my own son to reach a million people,” said Wesley Davis Jr.
Wesley Davis Jr. remembers the day when his son, was gunned down in Southeast Bakersfield. His killer has still not been found.
Since then, he and his son Wesley Davis III have been working in the community through the Wendale Davis Foundation.
“As his oldest brother I am just excited that you know I can still move forward and do the work in honor of my brother's name,” said Wesley Davis III.
Wesley Davis III was just 22 when his brother was murdered. Now, he has dedicated his life as an interventionist to teens. He says he sees his little brother in them all, full of life
“I am somebody that has been consistent and given them life skills, life tools to be successful, to teach young men and women how to deal with different situations that you are going to face in life,” said Wesley Davis III.
Despite the tragedy this family has faced, they are continuing to offer resources to teens to ensure they are productive in society.
“My organization offers weekly tutoring; we offer weekly mentorship and gang mentorship, drug intervention [and] you name it we offer it,” said Wesley Davis Jr.
Wesley Davis III says, he has been encouraged, inspired and motivated to continue to do this work in his brother's name for years to come.
“His name still really rings on. it's still a very popular name that people won't forget,” said Wesley Davis III.
The Wendale Davis foundation has planned a meeting tonight with organizations to discuss the recent string of violence from this past weekend. The foundation says they will be hosting future community events.
