Candlelight vigil held for five JSU students
Jackson State University’s festive homecoming atmosphere was dampened upon learning of the death of JSU student, Kendika Brown, in a car accident on Saturday, Oct. 18 in Memphis, Tenn.
Brown, a sophomore psychology major from Boynton Beach, Fla., was one of four students involved in the accident. Celicia Portis-Temple, a finance major from New Orleans, La.; Dorris Perry, a criminal justice major from Marrero, La.; and Abena Smith, a psychology major from Arlington, Tenn. were all injured in the accident. Portis-Temple and Smith have been released from the hospital and are recovering at their homes. Perry is still hospitalized at the Memphis Regional Medical Center.
This tragedy comes weeks after another Jackson State student, Chelsea Gladney, a sophomore business administration major from Jackson, Miss., was seriously burned in a accident when her SUV collided with a semi-truck on her way to church on Oct. 5.
A candlelight prayer vigil, sponsored by the Student Government Association, was held on campus on Monday, Oct. 20 on the Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway to encourage families, friends and students to be strong in the face of these tragedies.
“There is power in the spirit of prayer. When spirits gather and raise a voice in prayer, it is a power that God will listen to and it’s a healing process. The spirit will reach out to the hurt and encourage them to heal,” said Jackson State President Ronald Mason, Jr.
Hundreds gathered, including former high-school classmates and students who were currently in the same organizations with the young ladies. Smith is a member of Tiger Pride Connection (TPC). Perry and Portis-Temple are members of the NAACP. Brown was also a member of NAACP.
“Dorris and I went to high school together and those of you who were her friends knew her as Deka. Deka would want us to be happy and not sad during homecoming week,” said Jasmine Love, sophomore class president. “Pray for the families and the others that were injured and put yourself in their shoes and imagine it were you. Continue to show support to those who need it.”
Tommy Morris, director of the JSU Center for Student Leadership and Involvement, also offered words of encouragement at the vigil.
“Death is a mystery that none of us knows. Weeping endures for a night, but joy comes in the morning. All we can do is hope and pray for the morning because the morning will come,” said Morris. “Remember there is someone greater than us. God comforts us and makes us strong; in this be comforted and know that the morning will come.”
Jamie Bender, a sophomore mass communications major and former roommate of Brown was saddened to hear of her death.
“Deka was fun to be around. We were total opposites but found a way to connect,” said Bender. “If you needed something and she had it to give, she would. She was just a good person,” said Bender.
On Tuesday, the day following the vigil, students rallied in support of Gladney’s recovery by responding to a blood drive on the JSU campus sponsored by Mississippi Blood Services. Another blood drive for her took place on Oct. 12 at Lynch Street CME Church.
“I have never given blood before but because this is for a specific cause, to help a JSU student, I decided to give,” said Sherrell Jones, a freshman biology, pre-med major from Vicksburg, Miss. “I’m scared but its for a good cause, so I’m sacrificing myself.”
Natasha Jennings, a senior elementary education major from Indianola, Miss. was also at the drive to show her support for Gladney.
“I am giving blood to help out Chelsea. You never know when you might need blood,” said Jennings.
The Division of Student Life will be offering counseling on the second floor of the Student Center in the Meditation Room and the campus ministry offices. There will also be a worship service in Ballroom A of the Student Center on Sunday, Oct. 26.
The Latasha Norman Center for Counseling and Psychological Services will hold grief counseling sessions entitled “You Are Not Alone in Your Grieving,” from Oct. 20 – to Oct. 31 in several locations on campus. For information, call 601-979-0374.
