Morgan State University’s Unprecedented Homecoming Cancellation After Shooting: Unpacking the Significance
Morgan State University’s Unprecedented Homecoming Cancellation After Shooting: Unpacking the Significance Morgan State University, located in Baltimore, has made an unprecedented decision to cancel its beloved homecoming festivities this year, much to the chagrin of students, alumni, and local businesses.
This drastic move comes in the wake of a shocking campus shooting incident that left five people injured, which occurred shortly after the crowning of Mr. and Ms. Morgan State during a homecoming event at the school’s event center.
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A First in Morgan’s History
University President David K. Wilson, in a press release, emphasized the gravity of this decision: “Regrettably, for the very first time in Morgan’s history, all activities planned around Homecoming will be either canceled or postponed until the perpetrator(s) of this atrocity have been found and brought to justice,” Wilson stated.
But why is the cancellation of homecoming such a big deal? Homecoming is a cherished tradition at many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), a time when alumni return to their alma mater and students get a much-needed break from their studies. It’s a chance to connect with former students, identify potential mentors, and pave a path toward post-college careers.
Morgan State University’s Unprecedented Homecoming Cancellation After Shooting: Unpacking the Significance
For underfunded HBCUs like Morgan State, homecoming also represents a vital fundraising period to gather much-needed support from alumni and other generous contributors. While it’s disappointing to miss out on the festivities, the priority remains the education of the students.
Ty Couey, the president of the National HBCU Alumni Associations Foundation, commended Wilson for his tough decision: “Homecoming is critical to any institution; however, what’s more important is education. Many parents were concerned about their children that attend Morgan State,” Couey remarked. “Homecoming is a money maker, but the education of black students is far more important.”
Impact on the Community
Homecoming events have a significant impact on the local community as well. With alumni flocking to town, small businesses in the area usually enjoy a boost in sales for the week, a financial lifeline for many. According to The Edvocate, it’s a win-win situation for everyone involved, except, of course, when unfortunate incidents like the recent shooting occur.
Mixed Emotions among Alumni and Students
As news of the homecoming cancellation spread, the reactions from Morgan State alumni and students were a mix of disappointment and understanding. Sydney Parker, a graduate of the university, expressed her sadness at the situation: “As a former student there, I hate to say that I’m used to the gun violence that we’ve seen this week,” Parker lamented. “But to hear it happened during a really important time for my former HBCU and surrounding community, I think it is just really sad.”
This isn’t the first time Morgan State’s homecoming has been marred by violence. In both 2021 and 2022, shootings occurred during homecoming events, leaving students and alumni on edge. Kristopher Jackson, a second-year nursing major, summed up the mixed emotions of many: “I respect our President’s decision because it’s better safe than sorry,” Jackson said. “However, I’m mad that homecoming is canceled. This is really the only chance to network and have fun simultaneously.”
What’s Next?
Morgan State University has canceled classes for the remainder of the week and is providing counseling services to support its students. The Baltimore Police Department is actively searching for two individuals connected to the shooting incident, hoping to bring them to justice.
So, as the Morgan State community grapples with this unexpected turn of events, they’ll have to wait a bit longer to dust off their dancing shoes and party hats for a postponed homecoming celebration. In the meantime, they’ll come together to support each other and their university, demonstrating that even in tough times, Bears stick together.
