In Memoriam: DeVonte Yates

The VoteRiders staff, volunteers, and partner organizations with whom DeVonte worked knew him as a dedicated community servant who found genuine joy in helping others; a supportive colleague who uplifted those around him; and, above all, a person whose kindness created meaningful connections. 

This past weekend, we joined his family and friends in a memorial service to honor his life, which was tragically cut short but full of joy and love. 

Below are the remarks I was honored to share with the many members of the community who gathered together in celebration of DeVonte: 

My name is Lauren Kunis, and I was a colleague of DeVonte’s at VoteRiders. Our team gathered last week in Atlanta for our annual retreat, where his absence left a gaping hole in our hearts. I’m honored to be invited here today to share some reflections on who DeVonte was in his work, and how his values and commitment shone through in everything he did.

From DeVonte’s very first days on the job, we all saw the authentic joy that he derived from being in service to his community. As an Organizer with our team, DeVonte regularly sat with people in crisis at places like shelters across the state—working with them patiently and compassionately one-on-one and giving them dignity back by helping them get an ID to vote, live, and thrive. 

DeVonte’s colleague Jake Spence here in Wisconsin, who unfortunately cannot be with us in person today, asked me to share that: 

“The way DeVonte carried himself at work made it easy to see that he was a kind, sweet, funny, and bright young man. He was always supportive and willing to help with whatever was needed or to take on a new task that he thought would help others. I can remember so many conversations about his work where he would just talk about wanting to help people. It was clear that helping others was what drew DeVonte to work at VoteRiders. He had the opportunity to help so many people while working with local organizations like the Salvation Army Emergency Lodge, St. Ben’s Shelter and Meal Program, Guest House of Milwaukee, and many others. DeVonte was caring and open, and chatting with him always resulted in a few laughs. 

During our check-ins, we would take care of business and then find ourselves chatting about things like the Kendrick Super Bowl halftime show or some of our favorite spots to eat around the city. I’m going to miss having those talks with him. As I think back on my memories of working with DeVonte, I feel blessed that I got the chance to know him and to have been a part of his work helping others.

Losing someone like DeVonte is always difficult, and only time can help us get over the feelings that come with such an unexpected loss. But as I think back on my memories of working with DeVonte, I feel blessed that I got the chance to know him and to have been a part of his work helping others.”

DeVonte wasn’t just in service to voters, to people in crisis, by getting them the IDs that often changed their lives for the better. He was also serving OUR community at VoteRiders, picking up our team and volunteers when we were struggling. On Election Day, when nerves were high, he steadied our team with his words in a message to us early in the day—words which I hope can steady many of us as we forge a path forward:

DeVonte was part of the thread that bound us together, and even if he’s not here with us anymore, we will always feel connected to him.

In my faith, in the Jewish tradition, when someone passes away, one of the most important and meaningful ways to honor their memory is via what we call tzedakah. One of the highest forms of tzedakah is performing acts of kindness and community service as a sort of living memorial to the person’s memory. The connection between tzedakah and remembrance reflects a value that is held across faiths and humanity–that the departed live on through their positive influence on the world. By continuing a life of service, we ensure that their memory becomes a blessing. 

I know that we at VoteRiders, and our extended team and community across the country, will be honored to ensure that DeVonte’s memory becomes a blessing and that the life of service he lived will be one that we all pursue in his honor. 

Lauren Kunis is VoteRiders’ Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director.

March 17, 2025.