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Campus Life

Cold Night, Warm Hearts

Salam Ibrahim stands with hundreds on Stafford Commons Wednesday evening during the vigil. Photos by Marc Hall.

Hundreds gathered outside NC State’s Talley Student Union under a crescent moon on Wednesday evening to honor three Muslim students on the anniversary of their deaths.

“Instead of crying and mourning, we celebrate their legacy,” said Mohammad Abu-Salha, speaking for the families of the slain students. His daughters, Yusor and Razan Abu-Salha, and Yusor’s husband Deah Barakat, were murdered in Chapel Hill a year ago.

The candlelight vigil brought together members of both the NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill communities, who huddled in near-freezing temperatures against a brisk wind. Razan Abu-Salha was an architecture student at NC State. Her sister and brother-in-law were NC State graduates enrolled in Carolina’s School of Dentistry.

“Each lived their life dedicated to using their skills to make the world a better place,” NC State Chancellor Randy Woodson told the crowd.

Events marking the anniversary continue on Thursday when NC State’s Stewart Theatre hosts a performance of the mixed-media memorial called “Shattered Glass” by alumnus Mohammad Moussa.

Vigil goers brave near-freezing temperatures during the event.
Vigil goers brave near freezing temperatures during the event.
A man participates in the call to prayer at the beginning of the ceremony.
A man participates in the call to prayer at the beginning of the ceremony.

Mohammad Abu-Salha speaks on behalf of the families Wednesday evening.
Mohammad Abu-Salha speaks on behalf of the families Wednesday evening.
A participant takes comfort in a friend’s embrace during the program.
A participant takes comfort in a friend’s embrace during the program.

Participants stand arm in arm during the program.
Participants stand arm in arm during the program.
Smartphone lights take the place of candles in the brisk wind during the vigil.
Smartphone lights take the place of candles in the brisk wind during the vigil.

Despite a cold wind, some are able to keep their candles lit.
Despite a cold wind, some are able to keep their candles lit.
Doha Hindi, a junior, gets a hug after the vigil at Talley.
Doha Hindi, a junior at NC State, gets a hug after the vigil at Talley.