TO THE EDITOR:
In the wake of the shootings of Deah Shaddy Barakat, Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha and Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, UNC Muslim Students Association members were suddenly tasked with grieving for the lost lives, answering to the national and international community and the press and providing support to members of the local community. For their generous efforts and support during this difficult time, the UNC MSA wishes to thank everyone at UNC who made Wednesday’s vigil and prayer services possible.
We especially thank Crystal King, the Carolina Union director, for her kindness and selflessness. Crystal mobilized university staff and administrators to help us organize every detail of the vigil, from providing parking accommodations to keeping the Great Hall available for our late night prayer services. Above all, she was an emotional pillar whose support has been unwavering.
Crystal also introduced us to Dean Desiree Rieckenberg, who handled all of our logistical questions and iterated that anything we wanted would be provided to us. Her diligence and compassion helped to make the vigil successful. Crystal connected us to Dean Blackburn, who acted as a liaison between the vigil organizers and speakers. His warm smile and reaffirming words gave us strength throughout the day.
We additionally wish to thank Vice Chancellor Winston Crisp, Chancellor Carol Folt and Bobby Kunstman for their presence, words of wisdom and support; Vice Chancellor Joel Curran for handling the press, Megan Johnson and the Union Design Services for creating the vigil programs, the UNC Student Stores Print Shop for printing the programs, the Union staff for staying open after hours and UNC Hillel for providing candles for the vigil. In their generosity and support, these individuals and others have demonstrated the Carolina Way.
Shamira Lukomwa
