The Baton Rouge community mourned the losses of two promising Southern University students Tuesday night in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union on SU’s campus.
Lashuntae Benton and Annette January, both 19, lost their lives amid crossfire at a house party at The Cottages of Baton Rouge early Sunday morning, as previously reported by The Daily Reveille.
Indiana native January, described as “beautiful and loved,” was on a full-ride track scholarship to SU. Benton, a track team athletic trainer from Lake Charles, was remembered by speakers as a “friend, classmate and one who loved being [at SU].”
Though LSU President F. King Alexander was unable to attend the ceremony, he expressed his condolences on behalf of the University in a statement provided by LSU Media Relations Director Ernie Ballard.
“We are very saddened by the senseless loss of life, especially those with such bright futures,” Alexander said in the statement. “We often talk about how all college students in Louisiana are our students, regardless of what university they attend, so that makes this extremely difficult for us all. Our thoughts are with the Southern University community and the young ladies’ families at this time.”
Echoing Alexander’s sympathies were the words of Pastor Gerard Robinson, who said the entire local community can be brought together by the tragedy of the unnecessary taking of lives. Robinson said everyone must become “their brother’s keeper” and take responsibility for one another’s well being because “everybody is connected to somebody.”
As life progresses, he said it becomes measured by “what we do now.”
Paula-Marie Mensah, president of the Association for Women Students, spoke the thoughts of many when she said people do not realize “these kinds of things” are happening until they hit so close to home.
RESIST representative and Southern student Angelle Bradford said senseless acts of violence are far too common on national, state and local levels.
Despite the grim circumstances, Bradford said she noticed “the most beautiful integration of [her] class” take place. As a newly interwoven entity, she said she hopes her generation can change the “new reality” of violence prevalent in today’s culture.
Miss Southern University JaMya Magee said her classmates and Baton Rouge residents should combat the chain of violence through love of one another.
On behalf of the class of 2018, student Xavier Diamond said, though their beloved classmates’ lives were cut too short, there is still reason to rejoice.
“We can be the change of tomorrow,” he said.
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A candlelight vigil was held for shooting victims and Southern University students Lashuntae Benton and Annette January on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union at Southern University.
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A candlelight vigil was held for shooting victims and Southern University students Lashuntae Benton and Annette January on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union at Southern University.
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First cousin of victim Lashaunte Benton gives a speech at the candlelight vigil that was held for shooting victims and Southern University students Lashuntae Benton and Annette January on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union at Southern University.
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A candlelight vigil was held for shooting victims and Southern University students Lashuntae Benton and Annette January on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union at Southern University.
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Southern University student Ariel Pierre performs a solo at the candlelight vigil that was held for shooting victims and Southern University students Lashuntae Benton and Annette January on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union.
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A candlelight vigil was held for shooting victims and Southern University students Lashuntae Benton and Annette January on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union at Southern University.
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Southern University class president Xavier Diamond gives a speech at the candlelight vigil that was held for shooting victims and Southern University students Lashuntae Benton and Annette January on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union at Southern University.
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Southern University class presidents Anthony Kenney and Lela Murdock give a speech at the candlelight vigil that was held for shooting victims and Southern University students Lashuntae Benton and Annette January on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union at Southern University.
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Southern University class presidents Anthony Kenney and Lela Murdock present flowers to the parents of the shooting victims and Southern University students, Lashuntae Benton and Annette January, at the candlelight vigil on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union at Southern University.
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Pastor Gerard Robinson provides the inspiration sermon at the candlelight vigil that was held for shooting victims and Southern University students Lashuntae Benton and Annette January on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union at Southern University.
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Students sign a banner at the candlelight vigil was that was held for shooting victims and Southern University students Lashuntae Benton and Annette January on Tuesday, April 12, 2016 in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union at Southern University.
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