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Homecoming shootings mar otherwise peaceful gathering

Although Homecoming festivities were overshadowed by violence and questions of safety on campus, many are still reporting they were happy to be able to engage in the events held through the week.

Multiple shots were fired overnight Saturday after Grambling;’s football win over  killing a non-student and injuring seven others on campus, according to a letter sent to students from Grambling State University President Rick Gallot Jr.

That incident came after a shooting Wednesday that left one dead and one injured. This tragedy concnered the community and some asked if homecoming should still go on.

Ce’Arion Turner is a sophomore studying Kinesiology. She is from Los Angeles, Calif.

Turner said she feels campus safety could definitely improve after last week’s shootings.

“I rate campus safety right now at about a 5,” Turner said.

Due to the violence students have been leaving campus to return home, Turner said int is unacceptable in the eyes of the ones who get their education and lay their heads here at night.

Still, she said she enjoyed the parts of homecoming she attended.

Grambling State University held its annual Homecoming week and events last week.

Due to covid, there had not been a traditional homecoming since 2019.

Students started out the week on Sunday with a church service put on by our very own FSUB student body. Later that night the Talent Show was held.

Monday started with a “Protect the G” ceremony on the yard. Laser tag and Tiger madness was also held in the Hobdy Assembly Center. These turned out to be successful events.

Tuesday, students attended the Greek/Non-Greek stroll off earlier that day. There was a scheduled bonfire in an empty field next to campus but because it rained that day it was changed. Students showed up to the yard and the quad. There was quite a crowd until some off campus students disrupted the gathering.

Wednesday, “My black is beautiful” day party proceeded in the yard. As night fell, the Comedy Show took place in the Assembly Center.

Thursday was a very anticipated day for students. With an entertainment panel held in the auditorium and a concert featuring the leading artists Lucky Daye and Est Gee. Also, the homecoming playbook took place at the yard.

Friday’s events consisted of an early morning Golf classic, a Black wall street shop on the quad, The pep rally in the AC and a step show in the auditorium. Alumni put together a Black and Bougie Masquerade party for our previous Grambling State Graduates.

Saturday held the fanatic Grambling State University football game against Texas Southern University. With this victory at home, there were many reasons for celebration.