Let the Resurrection Symbolize New Life and New Hope for the Oakland Raiders

Damali Binta – Apr 7, 2012

Twenty-seven years was a long time to be out of touch with one of the most gifted NFL players who attended the same college I did before 1966. When you look back over your life,  you realize that achievements in education and travel are good, but touching the lives of people is better.

The senior Oakland Raider who I had the honor of knowing through the years, is doing well in his senior years in Southeast Texas. He is settled down, and he is always excited about the upcoming football season.

His greatest grief is seeing his friends pass away. He was touched by the death of Bubba Smith, Mr. Al Davis and others.

An owner of a restaurant on Washington Avenue in Beaumont, Texas said that Mr. Warren Wells is doing very well, going to church and always having his Bible with him. His life is exemplary of the restoration and resurrection of peace and joy in one's life, if they embrace certain beliefs. Those beliefs have worked for Mr. Wells. It is well with his soul.

On Good Friday, I drove to Beaumont, Texas on a hunch that I would be able to see him. I had three very powerful moments from Mar. 24 to Apr. 6, and I knew it was time to travel to the town about 90 miles from Houston.

I checked my mailbox at the post office on Avenue A, and then I drove by the location where Wells resides. There he was leaning over, feeding his beautiful dogs. I stopped and shouted, "Hey, Warren, how are you doing?" He lifted his head and said, "Okay."

Wells is as tough as he was when he was young, He showed little emotion. He kept feeding his dogs. I knew he may have been disturbed that I have not been to see him for nine months. He was getting strong and he didn't need those regular visits anymore, and I had so many projects to do, including my research and writing about the NFL, and Sports and STEM.

The only time he showed joy was when I asked him if he still has his Bible. He lifted his head and said yes.

I have known Mr. Warren Wells for 50 years. He loves the Word of God. It gives him joy and peace.

On this weekend, I had a sense of accomplishment, knowing that there will always be a connection to the Oakland Raiders. Why? We lost Mr. Al Davis the day before my birthday, and a few hours before he passed away, I awakened in the middle of the night and wrote an RNT article saying, Thank you.

I really do believe that the Raider Nation Times is going to help inspire the restoration and resurrection of the positive image of the Oakland Raiders.

I believe this because when I went back into my files I saw that my friend had on a Green Bay Packers shirt, and the restoration of the Oakland Raiders is presently being led by a former Green Bay Packers executive, Mr. Reggie McKenzie.

Some things seem to be prophetic. As such, experience the brightness and joy that many of us feel as we make this journey as fans in the Raider Nation.

Note: Mr. Warren Wells is flanked by Karume Kanyama, Damali's son. Mar. 23, 2007