WSSU family bonds after student killed on campus
Above: WSSU photos- Over 400 students gather around the clock tower on the campus of Winston-Salem State University for a prayer vigil in honor of Anthony White Jr. on Sunday, Nov. 1. White was fatally shot earlier Sunday.
Jarrett Jerome Moore is arrested in connection with fatal shooting
By Tevin Stinson
The Chronicle
Just a few hours after Homecoming activities came to an end, the campus of Winston-Salem State University was shaken to the core Sunday, when news of a fatal shooting on campus traveled through social media. Another student was wounded at the scene.
The shootings were reported about 1:20 a.m. Nov. 1 and occurred in a parking lot near Wilson Hall and Gleason-Hairston Terrace residence halls.
Shortly after the shootings, university officials released a statement that stated Anthony White Jr. had died and that investigators were looking for Jarrett Jerome Moore from Charlotte in connection with the shooting. Moore is a former WSSU student, officials said.
Less than 48 hours after the shooting was reported, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police arrested Moore on outstanding warrants.
After deliberating with the Forsyth County District Attorney’s Office, authorities charged Moore with murder and possession of weapons on school grounds.
The wounded student was treated and released at a local hospital. That person’s name has not been released to the public.
Although a suspect in the shooting was apprehended, the pain of losing a fellow classmate to senseless gun violence loomed over the university. However, the WSSU family vowed to stay strong . Students and professors took to Twitter to express their emotions.
“Despite tragedy, the resolute will always push forward,” said Jack Monell, professor of justice studies. “My students provide me strength and optimism, we remain Ram strong.”
A number of well known local political figures sent their condolences and well wishes to the university during their time of grieving.
U.S. Rep. Alma Adams (N.C.-District 12), who participated in the Founder’s Day Convocation and annual Homecoming parade, called for an end to gun violence and mindless murders.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Anthony White Jr. and the entire Winston-Salem State University community,” she continued in a statement. “It saddens me that just one day after the university celebrated 123 years and the installation of its new chancellor, we are faced with such a tragic loss of life.
“Senseless murders and gun violence must stop.”
From the time the shooting was reported until the campus lockdown was lifted more than three hours later, Chancellor Elwood L. Robinson kept students updated with frequent posts on Facebook and Twitter.
“I was up all night trying to communicate in anyway that I could,” he commented. “I wanted to let the students know that we were doing every single thing in our power to keep them safe.”
Sen. Paul A. Lowe Jr. commended the newly installed chancellor and the WSSU family for the way they handled the situation.
“All of us who are a part of the WSSU family, we will not allow this tragedy to mar the great legacy of the institution,” Lowe continued. “Chancellor Robinson and the university officials are to be commended on how they handled this intense situation.”
During a prayer vigil on Sunday, Robinson provided students with words of encouragement.
“Moments like this are an opportunity to speak to the heart, to listen to the heart, to listen to your feelings and that will capture the moment for you,” he continued. “I’m saddened, I am heartbroken, but we have to remember that we have to continue to build upon where we are at, at this particular moment.
“We will continue to support each other. I’m asking you to come together, bond together because that’s who we are and that’s what we do.”
Throughout the entire vigil, Alice Bitting, an alumna and native of the city, held a burning candle to honor White.
When asked why she felt the need to attend the vigil, Bitting said she wanted to show current students that they had alumni support and prayers.
“As an alumni, I felt I needed to show the current students we are a family, and in time of need we will always be here for them.”
A number of students recall White fondly.
“He was real cool and laid back,” they said. “He was really serious about his education and he encouraged others to take it serious as well.”
