The Alcorn State University (ASU) Braves’ family mourned the passing of James Carr III, a Freshman General Studies major from Itta Bena, Mississippi and Tahir Fitzhugh, a Junior Agricultural Business major from Brookhaven, Pennsylvania.
On Monday, February 17, 2020, the Braves’ family lost the two to gun violence 13 miles north of campus off Highway 61 in Claiborne County. To show their love and support for anyone that may have been affected by this tragedy, the University held a candlelight vigil at 3:00 pm on the steps of the Oakland Chapel to honor the lives of Carr and Fitzhugh. At the vigil, Dr. Nave along with several students gave words of encouragement, the Gospel choir provided songs, and prayers were offered to students. Alcorn’s President, Dr. Felecia M. Nave, said, “I acknowledge that there are no words that can help ease the pain that you feel in your heart and it’s not a pain that’s going to go away today, tomorrow or in a week. It is a pain that is going to be with you all for a while, but time heals all wounds. You have to stay together, you have to continue to encourage each other and you have to be there for each other. I hurt with you. The last thing any of us wants is to receive that phone call in the middle of the night, but when it comes, we have to be there for each other.”
On Friday, February 21st, students, alumni, faculty and staff held a cook out at 4:00 pm in memory of Carr III and Fitzhugh. The purpose of the event was to honor the victims of gun violence and stand in support with those who were affected.
The funeral service for Fitzhugh will be held at 12:00 pm on Monday, February 24, 2020 at the Masjid As Sabiqun, 1105 Concord Road, in Chester, Pennsylvania. The internment will be at Haven Memorial Cemetery, 2500 Concord Road in Aston, Pennsylvania. The funeral service for James Carr III will be held on Saturday, February 29th at 1:00 pm at Victorious Faith Ministries Church of God in Christ, Highway 82 West in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Visitation for Carr III will be from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Century Funeral Home, 801 Walthall Street in Greenwood, Mississippi.
The University will be offering individual and group counseling services to students, faculty, and staff through the Office of Counseling Services located in room 305 of the Walter Washington Administration Building. The following is a contact list of services offered:
Alcorn State University Counseling Services
(601) 877-6230
Alcorn State University Health and Disability Services
(601) 877-6460