Plans have been made to build a permanent memorial for Karim About Najm at Sycamore Park in Davis—now organizers are working to raise $30,000 by the end of August to make it happen.
UC Davis student Karim Najm was killed at Sycamore Park on April 29. His murder was part of a violent stabbing spree that also killed David Breaux, Davis’ “Compassion Guy”, and severely injured Davis mother Kimberlee Guillory.
As neighbors mourn this great loss and community trauma, they’re also finding ways to contribute to healing.
“Living just a few blocks away, Sycamore Park and Willett Elementary have been important places for my family for many years,” memorial organizer Susan Lovenburg said in an email to community members. “I pass through the park almost daily on my walks,”
Lovenburg connected with the City of Davis, then Karim’s parents, Nadine and Majdi, to offer fundraising support.
Nadine and Majdi will work directly with an artist on the design and the memorial. The memorial itself, a gift to the City, will travel through standard City approval processes. That process is set to happen at the same time as fundraising, to allow for a quicker installation.
The project seeks $30,000 to support design, construction and landscaping of the memorial. Plans have construction slated for fall.
The Davis Phoenix Coalition will support the project by holding funds during the campaign and distributing them as needed.
Donations can be made online or by check. Note “Karim Memorial” with your donation.
Online: davisphoenixco.org/donate
Check: The Davis Phoenix Coalition | P.O. Box 1902 Davis, Ca 95617
You can also support this community effort by spreading the word: posting on social media, forwarding an email, telling a neighbor.
“Your gift will honor Karim’s life, comfort his family, and create a lasting space for contemplation and reflection in the park,” Lovenburg wrote.
Art by Mazen Najm, Karim’s uncle.
