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Miami Herald
29-05-2025
- General
- Miami Herald
Mom and daughter graduate together from their HBCU
Courtesy: Southern University HBCU graduation season at Southern University and A&M College is always filled with joy and celebration, but for Angela Jones and Jordyn Jones, this year's ceremonies carried a deeper meaning. The mother-daughter duo walked across the stage just one day apart - marking a powerful, emotional milestone that represented years of perseverance, sacrifice and unwavering support. "It wasn't just about walking across the stage," Jordyn said. "It was about walking in purpose - together." The two never set out to graduate at the same time. What began as individual academic journeys became a shared experience filled with late-night study sessions, mutual encouragement and deep emotional connection. "Supporting each other through school at the same time was a blessing," Jordyn said. "We leaned on each other during tough assignments and moments of doubt. Whether it was a word of encouragement, a prayer or just knowing we weren't alone, we kept each other going." Angela, who earned her undergraduate degree nearly 30 years ago, returned to school with a renewed sense of purpose. "I always felt there was more I wanted to achieve academically," she said. "I wanted to prove to myself and to my daughter that it's never too late to pursue higher education." Watching Jordyn navigate college while pursuing her own degree was both motivating and moving for Angela. "It felt like we were on a shared journey, each motivating the other in ways we never expected," she said. "There was pure elation in celebrating each other's milestones-an indescribable pride." The two described the moment they realized they would graduate together as one filled with laughter, tears and hugs. Looking back, both Angela and Jordyn said they treasured the memories they made together - from long nights spent studying to moments of mutual encouragement during stressful times. "Her determination inspired me to keep going, even when things felt impossible," Jordyn said. "She taught me that with the right mindset and faith, you can overcome anything." For both women, the moment went far beyond the HBCU degrees they earned. "This milestone means everything for our family," Angela shared. "It represents generational growth, breaking barriers and proving that dreams can be achieved no matter the circumstances. Growth doesn't stop at any age. Your goals are still valid, no matter how much time has passed." Jordyn echoed that sentiment. "I hope people see that strength runs deep in family," she said. "Our story shows that with faith, determination and support, anything is possible." The post Mom and daughter graduate together from their HBCU appeared first on HBCU Gameday. Copyright HBCU Gameday 2012-2025
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Yahoo
Southern University student, band member to be laid to rest in Kenner service
KENNER, La. (WGNO) — Funeral services for Southern University and A&M College student and Kenner native, Caleb Wilson have been announced. The Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office announced on Thursday that a Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 15, in Kenner. The 20-year-old Human Jukebox band member died in an alleged hazing-related incident on Feb. 27, according to Baton Rouge law officials. Candlelight vigil honors Southern University student Caleb Wilson A preliminary investigation revealed that on Feb. 26, Wilson and other fraternity pledges were at a warehouse on Woodcrest Drive when he was reported punched in the chest causing him to collapse and become unresponsive. He was taken to a hospital where he later died. Since the incident, three arrests have been made, 28-year-old Isaiah Smith, 23-year-old Caleb McCray, and 25-year-old Kyle Thurman. Wilson who was a junior engineering student, is being remembered by family, classmates, friends and fellow band mates as 'a talented trumpet player, a dedicated student, and a bright soul.' His energy, spirit, and impact on those around him will never be forgotten. We understand that this kind of loss can deeply affect those who knew Caleb and even those who simply share in the grief of losing a fellow Jaguar. In times like these, it is important to lean on one another and seek support when needed. Counseling services are available for students, faculty, and staff. Our thoughts and prayers are with Caleb's family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. Caleb, we appreciate your service to the Southern University Department of Bands. We love you. We will miss you. And you will forever hold a place in our hearts as an Eternal Juke. Southern University Human Jukebox Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. releases statement after Southern University student dies The service will be at the Pilgrim Baptist Church at 2114 Reverend Richard Wilson Drive. Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. and the funeral starts at 10 a.m. followed by the burial at Providence Memorial Park and Orleans mother seeking answers in son's 2022 unsolved murder EPA announces rollback of environmental regulations Bubble Watch: Ohio State's loss is North Carolina's gain, plus a good day for the SEC Southern University student, band member to be laid to rest in Kenner service Covington man killed in Washington Parish crash Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
1 arrested in hazing death of college student pledging DeKalb-based fraternity
Police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana are releasing more details about how a college student died while pledging Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. Caleb Wilson, a 20-year-old junior at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, died last month. Police say Wilson was brought to a nearby hospital before 3 a.m. on Feb. 26 by a group of men who said he collapsed while playing basketball in a nearby park. All of those men had left the hospital before police arrived. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Investigators learned the group had not been playing basketball in the park. Instead, police say Wilson was fatally wounded in a hazing incident in a warehouse when he was repeatedly punched. Caleb McCray turned himself in to police earlier this week. He's been charged with criminal hazing and manslaughter. Police say more arrests are coming. TRENDING STORIES: Gene Hackman died of heart disease, his wife died 1 week earlier, authorities say Kandi Burruss' restaurant owes more than $150,000 in back rent plus other expenses, lawsuit says Heartbroken family says mother who killed son dealt with mental health issues The school's chapter of Omega Psi Phi has been ordered to cease all operations. 'It is with profound sorrow that we extend our condolences on the passing of Caleb Wilson. His loss is deeply felt, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by him,' Grand Basileus Ricky L. Lewis wrote in a statement after Wilson's death. He went on to say that the fraternity 'fully support[s] their efforts to seek the truth.' [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
Louisiana college student died after being repeatedly punched in chest at hazing, man arrested
A Baton Rouge college student who died after he attended an off-campus fraternity event had been repeatedly punched in the chest while pledging, police said Friday as they announced the arrest of a 23-year-old man. Caleb McCray turned himself in to police Thursday night, a week after Southern University and A&M College student Caleb Wilson died. McCray faces charges of manslaughter and criminal hazing. His attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Several suspects are involved in Wilson's death, Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse said at a news conference. Investigators have two people they are seeking warrants for, he said. Police were first made aware of Wilson's death on Feb. 26 around 2:40 a.m., Morse said. It was initially reported that Wilson died on Feb. 27. Authorities were initially told that a group of males had dropped Wilson off at the emergency room and stated that he had collapsed while playing basketball at a park, Morse said. The group left the hospital before police arrived. Morse said detectives learned that the incident occurred at a warehouse and that Wilson died "as a direct result of a hazing incident where he was punched in the chest multiple times while pledging to Omega Psi Phi." The police chief would not say how many people were at the event and said, "at no time did anyone call 911 or attempt to call 911 or try to summon an ambulance to the warehouse to give him medical aid." The university said in a Facebook post on Wednesday that an internal investigation had been launched following reports that the event was unsanctioned. Dennis Shields, president of the Southern University System, said Friday that the investigation is ongoing. "Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are by the loss of our student Caleb Wilson," he said. "Our collective thoughts and prayers continue to be with Caleb's family, friends, classmates, and all who knew and loved him." The fraternity was ordered to cease all activities, and every campus Greek organization was informed that no additional membership intake could take place for the remainder of the academic year. Omega Psi Phi said in a statement last week that Wilson's death was "deeply felt." Wilson, from New Orleans, was a "dedicated" member of the university's "Human Jukebox" marching band. He was studying mechanical engineering. This article was originally published on
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Yahoo
Suspect charged with manslaughter after Southern University student dies in alleged hazing incident
A suspect has been arrested and charged with manslaughter and hazing in connection with the death of a Southern University and A&M College student in an alleged hazing incident, police announced on Friday. Caleb Wilson, a 20-year-old junior at the college in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, died shortly after midnight on Feb. 27 following an off-campus incident, school and city officials said. He was brought to a local hospital unresponsive by a group of males, according to the Baton Rouge Police Department. MORE: Alleged hazing incident under investigation following student's death The group dropped Wilson off at the emergency room and reported that he collapsed while playing basketball at a city park, Baton Rouge Police Chief TJ Morse said during a press briefing Friday. But upon investigation, officers learned that the incident actually occurred at a warehouse in Baton Rouge while he was pledging to a fraternity, he said. "Caleb Wilson died as a direct result of a hazing incident where he was punched in the chest multiple times while pledging to Omega Psi Phi Fraternity," Morse said. At no point did anyone involved in the incident call 911, he said. One suspect, Caleb McCray, turned himself in to the East Baton Rouge Parish prison Thursday night with his attorney and has been charged with criminal hazing and manslaughter, Morse said. McCray's attorney said they are reviewing the facts of the case and are committed to ensuring that "due process is followed." "At this time, I have not been presented with any evidence to support such serious accusations," his attorney, Phillip Robinson, said in a statement. "I maintain my client's innocence and urge the public to withhold rushing to judgment until all the evidence is heard." There are two additional suspects that police are currently drawing up warrants for and working with their attorneys to turn themselves in on Friday, the chief said. Additional suspects and arrests are possible, he said. Police did not share how many people were at the warehouse. Investigators are still working to determine an exact timeline of what happened, Morse said. Officers have interviewed over a dozen people and executed multiple search warrants so far as part of the investigation, he said. MORE: Miami University fraternity suspended amid 'inhumane' hazing allegations Southern University, a historically Black college and university, said it is cooperating with the criminal investigation. The school is also conducting an internal investigation into what led to Wilson's death following reports of "unsanctioned off-campus activities" and will "take appropriate action" once completed. "Hazing is a violation of the University's rules and regulations as well as Louisiana law, and it will not be tolerated in any form at Southern University," the school said. The university said Wednesday it has begun its student judiciary process for any alleged breaches of school policy amid its hazing investigation. It has also indefinitely banned membership intake for all student organizations in the wake of Wilson's death. Ricky Lewis, the highest-ranking national official in the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, previously said in a statement that they are "actively working to gather accurate information" amid the investigation by local authorities and "we fully support their efforts to seek the truth." The cause of Wilson's death has not yet been determined while awaiting the results of the additional forensic testing that was ordered by the pathologist, the East Baton Rouge Parish Coroner's Office confirmed to ABC News on Friday. Wilson was majoring in mechanical engineering, the school said. He was also a member of the Southern University "Human Jukebox" Marching Band, which remembered him as a "talented trumpet player, a dedicated student and a bright soul." "Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are by the loss of our student, Caleb Wilson," Southern University President Dennis Shields said during Friday's press briefing. "Our collective thoughts and prayers continue to be with Caleb's family, friends, classmates, and all who knew and loved him." Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sid Edwards said he has met with Wilson's family. "It's a sad day to lose such a promising young life, and I encourage all the young people out there to make better decisions," he said during the press briefing. Suspect charged with manslaughter after Southern University student dies in alleged hazing incident originally appeared on
