Six years ago, our community suffered a great loss.
On Feb. 10, 2015, Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha and Razan Abu-Salha were murdered, shot execution-style by their neighbor in an unspeakable act of hate.
"The weight of this tragedy still rests heavy on the hearts of Muslim North Carolinians and has a unique impact upon the UNC Muslim community," Anum Imran, president of the UNC Muslim Students Association, said. "But above that grief is the memory of the lives Deah, Yusor and Razan lived."
Known for their selflessness and commitment to service, Deah, Yusor and Razan were three of Chapel Hill's brightest lights.
In 2018, the Town of Chapel Hill officially declared Feb. 10 Our Three Winners Day to honor the lives we lost. The Town’s proclamation encourages residents to embody the spirit of Deah, Yusor and Razan through service to each other and the community.
In the fall, the Adams School of Dentistry celebrates DEAH Day in honor of Deah and Yusor, who were both dental students, and their passion for serving the community. However, the University itself largely chooses to remain silent on the anniversary of their deaths.
"Their dedication to service and community, the light that shines from within their legacy, is an incredibly powerful source of comfort for each of us," Imran said.
