By Kia Wynne, Raven Hanning
A candlelight vigil was held in front of Old Main last Tuesday to remember Khalil Alford who was killed in a campus shooting on February 7. Alford’s family, friends and members of the university community were in attendance.
SGA president Aspen Andersson opened the vigil with remarks followed by a moment of silence led by SGA’ vice president Magally Ortiz-Rojas.
“Each flame reflects the spark of joy, creativity, and love that he shared so freely with those around him,” Ortiz-Rojas said.“As the light transfers from candle to candle, it represents the way Khalil’s presence has touched each of our lives, spreading from one heart to another, creating a network of connectedness and support.”
SGA had a table set up for attendees to get candles. As the candles were lit in remembrance of Khalil Alford the memorial service was illuminated.
The UNCP redemption choir performed in honor of Khalil Alford. The choir sang “Amen” and “We Speak Jesus.”
Alford’s aunt addressed the shooter in her remarks.
“For those that went out of their way to end his life in such a tragic manner, come forth and give the family some peace. There’s no way that you could sleep in peace at night, knowing that you destroyed so many lives. We can’t sleep at night so I know you can’t sleep at night either,” Melissa Ocean said.
Khalil Alford’s family spoke at the memorial service and shared their memories. Desmond Davis spoke of his cousin.
“The one thing I told him was at the end of the day you have to figure out what you want to do and once you do that you can’t stop. I’m gonna carry his name forever and I’m gonna play his music forever and that’s what I’m gonna do,” Davis said. While Davis was speaking of his cousin, he broke down in tears which led his mother who works at UNCP to come up to comfort her son.
Desmond’s mother, Jacqueline Davis, Community Health & Wellness Institute and SPARC Project Director, was called Aunt Jack by Alford and spoke of her nephew.
“He’d walk up behind me and give me a hug and a kiss. That was the same routine every time I saw Khalil and he did that with all his family. He loved his family. He loved his music. But most importantly,Khalil loved god. He grew up in the church and we know he had a relationship with god. We know that at that church, Khalil made his peace with God, so we gotta make our peace and just love him forever,”Jacquline Davis said.
The family weren’t the only ones to speak of Khalil.
Brain Harris, who was Khalil’s advisor, came forward and spoke.
“When my phone rang and I got the chance to speak with his mom. On the phone it was enlightening to speak with you because it was very similar to talking to my own mom. You could tell that you were the mom who only cared about her son’s safety and future, he felt that when I spoke with him. My heart goes out to you. On behalf of us and the center for student success, you guys are in our prayers,” he said.
Laurel Collins, Director of UNC Pembroke’s Counseling and Psychological Services gave the closing remarks.
“The recent loss on our own campus impeaches us all,” said Laurel Collins.
The celebration of life for Khalil at South Robeson High School will be held on Friday, Feb. 16.
Onlookers of the UNCP Intramural Basketball games, can look for a tribute to Alford on an empty chair.
“He always wanted the number four, so I’m sure we’ll find a number four and we’ll put it out there.” said Zaiheim Lang, a close friend of Alford and Intramural team member.
