James E. Davis (New York politician) facts for kids

James E. Davis (April 3, 1962 – July 23, 2003) was a dedicated New York City police officer, a corrections officer, and later a respected member of the City Council. He worked hard to improve his community. Sadly, he passed away in a tragic event at New York City Hall in 2003.

Early Life and Community Work

James E. Davis was born and grew up in Brooklyn. His father was a corrections officer, and his mother was a registered nurse. He lived with his brother, Geoffrey A. Davis. As a young child, he lived in Bedford-Stuyvesant before his family moved to Crown Heights.

He went to Pace University and earned a bachelor's degree in social science. After college, he became a corrections officer at Rikers Island. Later, in 1991, he joined the NYPD as a police officer.

In 1990, James Davis started an organization called "Love Yourself Stop the Violence." This group was dedicated to helping stop violence in cities across America. Because of his dedication, the NYPD assigned him to the New York City Police Academy as an instructor. He also became a frequent guest on local radio and television shows, sharing his message of peace.

Political Career and Public Service

James E. Davis Post Office on Empire Boulevard in Brooklyn

James Davis also became a minister at Holy Trinity Baptist Church in Brooklyn. He then entered politics, first becoming a District Leader. In November 2001, he was elected as a council member for Brooklyn's 35th Council district.

His journey into the City Council was not always easy. He had run in previous elections against powerful political figures. During one campaign, he was fired from the NYPD. This happened because there was a rule against paid city employees being involved in electoral politics. However, James Davis fought this decision in court. He argued that he had not formally accepted the nomination from the Liberal Party. His claim was upheld, and he was allowed to get his job back with the police department. But instead of returning to his teaching role at the police academy, he was assigned to a night shift in Brooklyn.

His successful campaign in 2001, however, led to a sad outcome. A person named Othniel Askew had tried to run against him but had not filed the correct paperwork on time. This caused Askew to hold a grudge against Davis.

A Tragic Day

James E. Davis at Evergreens Cemetery

On July 23, 2003, James Davis brought Othniel Askew to a Council meeting at New York City Hall. Davis planned to honor Askew by introducing him from the balcony. As an elected official, Davis and his guests could bypass the metal detectors.

Once they were in the balcony, and as the Council members and many attendees gathered for the meeting, a tragic event occurred. Askew fired a weapon at Davis, hitting him several times. James Davis, who was a retired police officer, had a weapon with him, but it remained in its holster. A plainclothes police officer, Richard Burt, who was a bodyguard for the City Council Speaker, then fired at Askew from the floor of the chamber.

Paramedics quickly arrived and tried to help both men. They were taken to Beekman Downtown Hospital, where both James Davis and Othniel Askew passed away. It was later found that Askew had asked Davis to sign papers that would name Askew as Davis's replacement if anything happened to Davis.

After this sad event, James Davis's brother, Geoffrey, decided to run for his brother's seat. However, he was defeated by Letitia James.

James Davis was first buried in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn. But when his family learned that his killer's ashes were also in Green-Wood, they had James Davis's body moved. He was reburied in the Cemetery of the Evergreens.

See also

• List of assassinated American politicians