Jovonte’ Davis, a student in the School of Business and Industry at Florida A&M University, died in a single-car crash on Thomasville Road and Hermitage Boulevard on July 20.
The students and staff at FAMU came together Tuesday in the Grand Ballroom for a candlelight vigil to honor Davis.
Jeremiah Carter, a public relations student at FAMU, facilitated the vigil. Carter said his love for God and the students at the university drove him to preside over the somber occasion.
“We had the chance to celebrate the life of a student who left an impact on everyone he came in contact with,” Carter said.
Carter has hosted five candlelight vigils as a student leader. He believes that it is important that the student body takes the initiative to personally support their fallen Rattlers rather than university officials because the students actually know each other.
Terrell Nelson, a student in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication, had similar thoughts.
“I am proud that University Officials didn’t have to do anything. It was really awesome to see the university president, SBI professors and other faculty there though,” said Nelson.
Nelson honored Davis by opening the night up with prayer. Surrounded by students and staff, Nelson’s main goal was to bring comfort to Davis' family.
“You never know what people may be facing. You just want to be warm to everyone because you don’t know when the last day is for you,” said Nelson.
Nelson believes that it is OK to tap into someone’s experience of losing someone. He was honored to be asked to pray at Davis’ vigil because it honored the life of his peer and his family.
Davis’ family held a funeral service on July 27 in Daytona Beach, his hometown.
With only a few short words, Larissa Beamon-Massey, Davis’ mother said,
“Please continue to pray for me and my family. Thank you.”