Ryedell Davis is a father, a business owner, and a familiar name in the Syracuse community.

"I always come to him about assisting people in the community and he always gave to me, whatever cause I had for the community," said Jay Denson, a friend of Davis.

Community members say Ryedell is known for his giving heart and for hosting events that he says are to uplift and unite the community.

"It’s always about showing love because we always have so much against us. So, now, we have something where we can actually show we can actually come together and have fun," said Ryedell Davis, "Rye Day" organizer.

One of the biggest events being his annual birthday party, Rye Day, serving as an information and culture hub for entrepreneurs, artists, and politicians. It ended up being where nine people were shot over the weekend, including a 17-year-old in critical condition.

"For years, we weren’t able to say there’s a platform for my minority-owned business to say we have a place to go promote. It’s creating that avenue to say now we’re creating stability in the minority community," said Denson.

"You have to meet people where they are. If you want their votes meet them where they are ... So we had a voter registration table," said Davis.

Davis says the event that usually has more than 1,000 people has never been violent before.

"This is something we’ve never ever dealt with. I didn't have to run from gunshots, I didn't have to run from knife fights," said Davis

He says in light of the shootings Saturday he hopes a few bad actors won’t overshadow the peaceful 14-year history of the event.

"The people who may have done it are not a representation of my community. Yes we have some knuckleheads but that’s anywhere," said Davis.

Davis says he has been in contact with some of the victims and is focused on their recovery. As for next year, they're dedicated to serving the community in a bigger way with a scholarship for young community members.