Najee Ali Baker, a 21-year-old from Crown Heights, was a treasured friend, son and teammate. He was pursuing athletic and academic excellence at Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina when he was tragically killed by gunfire in 2018.
Every year since, Najee's friends and family have celebrated Najee Day at Jackie Robinson Playground in Crown Heights to commemorate his legacy and keep his memory alive. The event draws a big crowd every year. The park also hosts basketball games for all age groups every August, bringing the community together to honor Najee.
"Najee Day means more to me than just an event. It's about Najee's family and the unique ways everyone knew him," said Kaseem, Najee's childhood friend.
Najee grew up in the Ebbets Field apartments in Crown Heights. He attended Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn, where he led the varsity football team to win the championship in 2015.
After graduating, he attended Dean College in Massachusetts and later transferred to Winston-Salem, where the 6-foot-1, 240-pound linebacker successfully made the football team as a walk-on player.
"Najee recognized that sports provided him with an outlet, and he used it to demonstrate to young people that education and sports go hand in hand," Najee's father, Ronald Baker, told BK Reader.
On January 20, 2018, while attending a party on the Wake Forest University campus, nine miles away from Winston-Salem State, Najee became a victim of gun violence. This senseless tragedy deeply impacted his community, leaving his loved ones stunned by such violence at a student party.
"Najee was a role model for the youth in the community because he didn't let anyone stop him from chasing his dreams," Ronald said. "We honor Najee through an annual basketball tournament organized by his childhood friend, serving as a tribute to our radiant star."
Najee was highly regarded by many in Crown Heights, his friends said.
"We all looked up to Najee; he was a truly genuine person," said Alpha, Najee's childhood friend. "It's an honor to participate in his tournament every summer."
The event attracts a diverse array of attendees, each with their vision of Najee, adding to the beauty of the occasion. Najee's character spoke volumes, as evidenced by the admiration shared by all. Ronald said this event will ensure his legacy endures for years to come.
"Najee Ali Baker, my child, my oldest boy, my king Najee," Ronald said.
Najee Day will be held on August 12, at Jackie Robinson Playground in Crown Heights.
