04/27/2024
This weekend we remember the lives of David Breaux, who filled the city with the upmost light and compassion, and Karim Abou Najm, who created a tremendous impact at UC Davis and as a researcher here at the Center for Mind and Brain.
Forever in our hearts and minds.
A year ago, our community experienced one of the most tragic times in our city’s history. The deaths of two of our community members, and the stabbing of another, are still very much in our collective consciousness a year later.
We mourn David Breaux and Karim Abou Najm, who lost their lives that week. We think of Kimberlee Guillory who survived the attack.
David, aged 50, was known as “The Compassion Guy” for his pursuit of what it means to be compassionate. In David’s honor, the corner of B St and Third St was named “Compassion Corner,” echoing the art bench project that David spearheaded in 2013 to create a gathering and listening space. This year, David’s sister, Maria, held a celebration on David’s birthday at the Compassion Bench, featuring his favorite dessert, Boston Cream Pie. On Saturday, April 27, the community is invited to visit Compassion Corner and Compassion Bench to reflect on its meaning and connect with others.
Karim, aged 20, was a Davis Senior High School graduate, who was on the cusp of graduating from UC Davis. Residents and family members created a touching remembrance area in Sycamore Park with flowers, cards and photos of Karim. In Karim’s honor, a UC Davis scholarship was created (https://give.ucdavis.edu/VCSA/125342). An art piece will be built this year at Sycamore Park, funded by the Davis community, the City of Davis and UC Davis. On Monday, April 29, at 7 pm, the community is invited to the unveiling of Karim's memorial bench and the bike path renaming, from Sycamore Lane to the 113 overcrossing, at Sycamore Park. Karim's family will also say a few words.
Kimberlee, age 65, was the third victim but survived her multiple stab wounds. Community members started a Go Fund me page which raised more than $60,000 to go towards Kimberlee’s hospital bills and assist with her finding permanent housing.
In sadness and grief, there is also light and hope. Though these tragic events will always be part of our history, so will our resilience, strength and spirit. Let us endeavor to act compassionately in memory of David and live vibrantly in honor of Karim. Let us continue to support one another and lead with kindness.
