It seems like yesterday. Helicopters flying over City Hall could be seen from downtown Brooklyn. Word passed from stranger to stranger. “Councilman James Davis has been shot!” Tears of grief, stone-faced shock, and prayer-filled mutterings moved through the streets like a stadium wave, as recognition of the horror spread throughout the city that sunny July afternoon.

Geoffrey Davis, brother of the slain leader, led the 5th annual memorial service for James Davis at City Hall. 

Dionne Warwick welcomed guests and presented the founders of the James E. Davis Foundation, Geoffrey Davis, and their mother, Ms. Thelma Davis.

(Geoffrey Davis, mother Thelma Davis, Geoffrey's daughter and son)

Ms. Warwick introduced goddess of song, Melba Moore, who enthralled the packed Council Chamber with her iconic song, Lean On Me (lyrics changed to Lean on Jesus).

Audience were treated to a video of James Davis, in preacher mode, explaining why he became a police officer. (Few know James Davis was an ordained preacher.)

Councilman Charles Barron gave a prayer on the balcony spot where James Davis was gunned down.

(Rock Hackshaw, Thelma Davis- partially hidden, Inez Barron, Charles Barron, Letitia James, and Lenora Fulani)

Several hundred attended the 5th annual memorial celebrating the life of James E. Davis, including Assembly members Hakeem Jeffries and Karim Camara, Wellington Sharpe, and Uncle Roy.