WASHINGTON — Nearly four years after a child was shot to death at a July 4 cookout, the street where he was killed will be renamed in his honor.
On July 4, 2020, then 11-year-old Davon McNeal died after being hit by a stray bullet while he was attending an anti-violence cookout his mom was hosting.
He was gunned down on the 1400 block of Cedar Street SE.
Saturday, his family will reclaim that block as the city renames it to Davon T. McNeal, III Way.
"It is an honor, and we are very glad and proud to be able to witness this on his behalf," Crystal McNeal's cousin, LaTraviette "La" Walker said.
Saturday, Davon's family is marking another anniversary -- his birthday. He would have turned 15 on Tuesday, Jan. 9.
Crystal McNeal had served as a violence interrupter for years before her son was killed. After his death, however, she has poured even more resources into the community to try to prevent other families from feeling the pain she has felt.
“She's not giving up on the community, despite her own challenges," Walker said. "So with that being said, Crystal has worked hard. And making sure like I said, he's had his pictures on bus stops, on the side of buildings in the District. And now this. He will now have the street where he lost his life named after him."
Walker said Saturday's event will feature a live band, food, and the mental health agency One Care to help attendees process any strong emotions they may be feeling that day.
Since Davon's death, Crystal has also created the group DM3 to offer support to "traumatized youth" in D.C.
This past year, she took a group of kids to Florida to get out of the city and relax.
"Continue to [give] Crystal her flowers, continue to support her and her efforts to support the community," Walker said. "[She goes] out of her way for everyone and most times neglect her own self."
In regards to the investigation into Davon's death, four men were sentenced for Voluntary Manslaughter last year, with varying lengths of time.
Crystal doesn't believe any one of them received a long enough sentence -- especially since most of them knew and interacted with Davon.
Saturday's event goes from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m., and Walker said it will go on despite the weather.