Akilah Davis/Contributing Writer
People never shock me. The only thing shocking now is their nerve. It seems as if money and image are the most prized and coveted possessions in America, maybe even the world. As a person, a young, black woman, I think we should take into account the feelings, well-being and lives of others.
I recently ran across an interesting article covering a true tragedy at our University. In March 2010, Quentin Wyche, a brief former walk-on football player, fatally stabbed another former football player, Kendall Berry, 22, with a pair of scissors to the chest.
The sequence of events leading up to Berry’s death are blurry, but it is allegedly the result of Wyche throwing a cookie at Berry’s then girlfriend. Beyond the fact that such a young, precious life was taken, I can’t help but be disgusted at some of the details in this report.
The article was initially about Wyche’s 20-and-a-half year sentence reduction —now 11 years— following his testimony on the behavior modification program he went through, his display of remorse and news of possible job opportunities outside of prison.
He was described as “a man who has a future,” and also “not a criminal, he just committed a criminal act,” by Defense Attorney Barry Butin.
What appalled me was the reaction of the students in attendance.
“It was electric and engaging,” FIU law professor, H. Scott Fingerhut, said to the Herald. “There wasn’t a single student who wasn’t inspired and excited. It was the best day of school-in court.”
What the heck?
Not only was a man’s life taken, another’s could have been ruined. This young soul was killed over a scuffle surrounding something as miniscule and trivial as a cookie.
A family lost a loved one, a young woman lost her partner and the University lost a rising football star. Kendall was said to have led our Panthers the season before his death.
I understand the passion those aspiring lawyers may have had during their in-court experience but it’s in no way something to celebrate.
Death: it’s the one thing, besides change, that is certain and inescapable in our lives. It’s unforgiving and relentless; I don’t understand how in the midst of participating in this hearing, they forgot the reason for it in the first place.
It reminds me of the letter sent by FIU’s president, Mark B. Rosenberg, regarding the death of Alexander Ghiz, a student who was most recently the victim of a tragedy at the University.
In the letter, the president also recounts important FIU events including the passing rate of the University’s law graduates and the College of Medicine’s collaboration with the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. While I appreciate everything our faculty does for us, a young man’s life was overshadowed.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t celebrate our successes nor that trying to find a light in the dark is wrong, however there is a time and a place to do so. Some members of our society have become indifferent, inconsiderate and almost void of compassion.
H is for how. As in, how could you remember a life called back to God’s glory respectfully and genuinely, while highlighting your gains and accomplishments in the process? Think about it.
DISCLAIMER:
The opinions presented within this page do not represent the views of FIU Student Media Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.
Image retrieved from Flickr.
About Post Author
