Davis funeral followed by symbolic Stop the Violence march

"Love Yourself. Stop the Violence!" "James E. Davis - He's Our Hero!" These and other chants rang out as mourners marched through the streets of Brooklyn to Council Member James Davis's home directly following his funeral last Tuesday. Participants were grieving the loss of this fallen activist, cut down so shockingly by a political rival; yet, the mood was anything but dreary. The feeling that infused the march was reminiscent of James Davis himself: dynamic, energetic and full of life.

Heading up the march were presidential candidate Rev. Al Sharpton, who, though always a great speaker, had truly outdone himself in his eulogy of James Davis; Council Member and New York City mayoral candidate Charles Barron; and Geoffrey Davis who will run in his brother's place in the upcoming council election.

Also leading the marchers was long-time peace activist and Pastor of the House of the Lord Church, the Rev. Herbert Daughtry. He noted, "This march is the appropriate conclusion to a week of ceremonies. It represents the life of James Davis. He was a man in the street, available to everybody. This gives the people, his constituents, a chance to participate. With the in-house services, it was generally difficult for people to get there. With this march, everyone can line the street and wave and shout their appreciation."

Even as they moved along at a pretty rapid pace, marchers were eager to express what James Davis meant to them. For instance, Evelyn Williams, who is a member of the 71^st Precinct Community Council, told of working closely with Davis over the years, beginning with the Stop the Violence campaign. "He never faltered in his commitment," she stated. "He was a man of God and a man of the people. If you knew someone who had a problem, you told James. He got right back to them. I love him; my children love him. My son is in England and he said, 'Mommy, be there!'"

Shanell Lyons, who marched with her two sons, commented as well on Davis' commitment to ending violence. She said, "I'm glad to see so many people out here supporting it. We've got to keep strong about this because violence is breaking down so many communities, not just African American communities. It's a much wider problem than people sometimes realize."

Sarah Brinson, member of the National Action Network and a retired school teacher, remarked, "James Davis has always been very special to me ever since I met him eight or ten years ago." She told of crossing Fulton Street one year and seeing his Stop the Violence march. She parked her car and joined in. Every year after that, she made it her business to find out when it would be and to participate.

Then, as she got to know Davis through working on Rev. Sharpton's mayoral campaign, she came to love him like a son. "He was such a joy to be with," Brinson commented. "His smile was so contagious; his warmth was so real. He always had something positive to say, and he loved children. He will always remain dear to my heart."

The renowned jazz flutist Bobbie Humphrey, who gave a beautiful rendition of "Amazing Grace" at the beginning of the funeral service, also marched. She said, "I'm proud to have known Council Member Davis. He was a true community leader. The best way we can celebrate his memory is to stand for the things he stood for: non-violence, interest in the aging, and economic empowerment for the community."

Irene Alexis stated, "We lost a really good man. He was everywhere on the streets in the neighborhood, walking with that smile that lit up everything. When you saw his face, you saw a candle light."

She spoke, too, of the loss of her own son nine years ago and commented, "I know what his mother is going through. We all love him and will miss him dearly."

Many of Davis' colleagues from the City Council were there as well, such as Council Members Yvette Clarke, Robert Jackson, Al Vann, Simcha Felder, and Kendall Stewart. Stewart represented the feelings of many Council Members when he said, "It was a real pleasure working with James, and he will be greatly missed. He inspired people to think out of the box. He was a true independent leader who listened to all, but in the end, the decision was his."

Council Member Charles Barron pointed to what a fine and hopeful thing it is that Davis' energy is being transferred to thousands of others. "In death he is larger than ever," Barron observed. "The love and energy that has generated from this tragic event can cause some real positive things to result from it. It's what we do with James' life's work that really matters. We must push it forward so we make the changes that he and all of us want. We must make those real changes in New York City so it's truly a city for the people and not for the rich only."