Benji’s Slaying Still Resonates Nearly 30 Years Later
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By DERON SNYDER
Few things bring complete strangers together more than sports and tragedies. Whether we’re residents celebrating a world title or residents navigating natural (or man-made) disasters, we’re in it together. The common bond unites in moments like those, making it easier to see ourselves in one another.
Unfortunately, the connection is fleeting. We retreat to our personal silos and circles before long, and everything returns to “normal.” The spirit of community hibernates until the next event — or until we’re reminded of past incidents.
That’s what we have in the new documentary, “Benji,” which airs Tuesday on ESPN. It’s the story of 17-year-old Ben Wilson, the sweet-natured boy who was the nation’s top basketball prospect when he was gunned down in November 1984. He was Chicago’s 669th murder victim that year, but his senseless killing shook the city like none other.
“He had an infectious-type personality, first of all, because he was 6-foot-8, handsome, and always laughing and smiling,” said Kurt Jones, a close friend and teammate of Wilson’s at Chicago’s famed Simeon High. “Not only was he a nice person who people were attracted to because they loved his personality, but he was always looking out for others. He always said positive things to people.”
