While celebrating his college graduation in Zakynthos, Greece, Bakari was fatally attacked by a group of local men. The initial trial, with worldwide coverage in 2018 for his killing, found the attackers guilty only of assault charges. Then, during the retrial in 2022, they were, unfortunately, all still found not guilty of intentional homicide.
Since his death, The Bakari Foundation and the Bakari Legacy Event were established by the Henderson family as a way to celebrate Bakari’s life and also to help other families who have lost a loved one at the hands of another.
“He was very tenacious but also very compassionate. He always had big ideas. He dreamed big and lived life fearlessly. Bakari was laser focused but also enjoyed life with family, friends, and even strangers. He thought outside of the box” said Jill Henderson, Bakari’s mother and Founder of The Bakari Foundation
He was very tenacious but also very compassionate. He always had big ideas. He dreamed big and lived life fearlessly.
The Bakari Legacy Event, hosted this year by KVUE’s Quita Culpepper, is not just a gathering. It is also a fundraiser for the Foundation. The ticket and merchandise sales from this event help fund the Transformative Travel Healing Experience, a program for families who have lost loved ones at the hands of another. These families are taken on an all-inclusive international trip. The 2023 recipients will be announced at this year’s event. A new program, free therapeutic victim’s support services, will also be announced at the event which will be held at the Archer Hotel at The Domain on Saturday, April 22, at 7 pm.
[modula id=”55142″]“It’s 6 months of free therapy that will be provided. We’ll also help families fill out their victim compensation applications and help with other steps they have to take with the legal system,” Henderson said.
Henderson mentioned that it warms her heart to continue Bakari’s legacy of love and continue this event in his honor and help raise funds for other people in need of healing.
This year’s theme, “Carnivals Around the World”, was envisioned by the event chair. When choosing a theme, the Foundation tries to incorporate things Bakari enjoyed. “The Foundation and Bakari Luxury Sportswear is all Bakari.” Bakari enjoyed traveling and exploring new cultures, and carnival is a lot of varied cultures celebrating one theme in their own way.
This year, attendees can expect very unique silent auction items. Sponsors of $1,000 or more will have a VIP meet and greet before the main event which will include hors d’oeuvres and other special offerings.
Though we’re doing work to help others, we’re still fighting for justice for Bakari. Our journey still continues
During the event, the Huston-Tillotson jazz band will perform as well as Grammy-nominated jazz artist Colin Hancock. Super Bowl champion Alex Okafor will be honored that evening along with other attendees. There will also be one-of-a-kind memorabilia offerings from the Foundation, and Bakari Luxury Sportswear will be available for purchase as well.
“Though we’re doing work to help others, we’re still fighting for justice for Bakari. Our journey still continues,” concluded Henderson.
Tickets to the event are available for purchase online.
