As Black people, we must ask ourselves, is Black life important to all of us? On February 27, 20-year-old Kenner, Louisiana native, Caleb Wilson was allegedly killed in Baton Rouge.
Update: US Marshals arrested Kyle Thurman Monday afternoon, and Isaiah Smith turned himself in Tuesday morning. Ironically, Smith is the son of Todd Smith, a businessman who leases space at the warehouse where the alleged hazing incident took place.
Wilson was a mechanical engineering student at Southern University and A&M College (HBCU) and a trumpet player for the Human Jukebox Marching Band. According to the Associated Press, an alleged off-campus and unsanctioned Omega Psi Phi violent fraternity ritual caused the death of Wilson.
Louisiana has an anti-hazing law due to tragic cases like Wilson’s. Under the Max Gruever Act (a law passed in 2018 due to a hazing ritual involving a student dying from an alcohol overdose at Louisiana State University), if arrested and prosecuted, those involved can face felony charges.
In the wake of such tragic news, Southern University has halted all club recruiting activities for the remainder of the year, including new fraternity and sorority members.
On March 6, New Orleans filled the streets of the historically Afro-Creole community of Tremé to commence a Second line for Caleb Wilson.
With musicians, bands, culture bearers, dancers, and community members, Second Line culture celebrates and honors those who transition. The cultural ritual also understands that justice serves at divine timing, because the truth reveals itself.
“It’s heaviness for me, ‘cause I know that this city, we do this for a living. We do this as a culture, so having all these people coming out here to support Caleb means a lot,” SU band member Ryan Williams said.
What Led Up to Caleb Wilson’s Death?
According to the Baton Rouge Police Department Chief Thomas Morse Jr., Caleb Wilson died due to repeated punches to the chest while pledging to Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
Police arrested former Southern University student and fraternity member Caleb McCray (23) as a suspect in the case. He faces charges of manslaughter and felony criminal hazing.
Along with blows from previous members, McCray punched Wilson four times in the chest at a warehouse. This caused Caleb to become unresponsive, collapse, have a seizure, and lose bodily function.
According to the warrant, the fraternity leaders changed Wilson’s clothes before taking him to the hospital. They also delayed time and lied about the initial occurrence.
In addition, police are searching for two other members who wore boxing gloves during the hazing initiation.
According to Stop Hazing, over 70% of students in social fraternities or sororities face hazing. Student-Athletes have also shared their hazing experiences. From 2007-2017, 40 students died due to hazing.
Remembering the life of Wilson
South Louisiana loved Caleb Wilson. Gatherings and vigils spread throughout the region, including Kenner, New Orleans, and Baton Rouge. Showering with love, music, and togetherness, local communities are taking Wilson’s death hard. “I really want to thank you all for the love y’all gave our son,” Wilson’s father said.
As a Kenner native, Wilson’s faith was homegrown. “Caleb grew up in this church from a baby. He was baptized here, so he’s been a member all of his life.” Pilgrim Baptist Church Reverend Mitchell Stevens shared, “As a matter of fact, his entire family… And his grandfather who was a former pastor of this church for 44 years.”
Reverend Stevens also reflected on Caleb playing the trumpet at worship services while on college break. His dedication to faith and music shined throughout his life.
Friends of Wilson remember him as a bright and dependable spirit who loved to smile, laugh, and cheer on his friends. “He had a spirit, ya know, he was always funny and made jokes, always practiced. He had a good spirit,” Brandon Mitchell shared.
Ultimately, the Second Line and multiple vigils for Caleb Wilson show the power of effectively joining, communing, being spiritually fed, and breaking bread without violence.
“When they allowed us to go into his apartment, his uniform was laid out and ready for this Mardi Gras season… He was ready,” Wilson’s father said.
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- New Orleans teens solve “impossible” mathematical equation
- Omega Psi Phi severs ties with Memphis Police Officers
- Here’s Why You’ll See Black Greek Letter Organizations Stepping Out Hard Every January
