As the people of a nation shaped by its struggle to become a more perfect union, we are shaken by the death of Tyre Nichols. The images we have seen coming from Memphis stir an unspeakable abhorrence and moral indignation. And for those of us whose personal histories and lived experiences are haunted by the specter of violence, those images reach forcibly into our souls, reminding us of our continued vulnerability. Despite our pain, we must not let Tyre Nichols’ death be in vain. In the words of Martin Luther King, this tragedy compels us to be concerned about the system and the philosophy that produced it and “says to us that we must work passionately and unrelentingly for the realization of the American dream.”
Please know that we are here for you. Counseling is available for students through USC Counseling and Mental Health and for faculty and staff at the WorkWell Center. If you are concerned about the well-being of a student, staff, or faculty member, please let us know through Trojans Care 4 Trojans, and for pastoral care and spiritual counseling, please call the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life at (213) 740-6110.