TSU site of meeting, reunion for Waffle House families with James Shaw, Jr.

By Kelli Sharpe

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The mood was somber as expected, as family members, many visiting TSU for the first time, were greeted by President Glenda Glover along with James Shaw, Jr. and his family. The seven families were here to meet Shaw, Jr., the young man hailed as a hero following the deadly mass shooting on April 22 at a Waffle House in Antioch, Tennessee.

Renee Hampton, aunt of 24-year-old Sharita Henderson, who was injured in the Waffle House shooting, thanks James Shaw, Jr. (Copyright 2018 TSU Media Relations. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

“I truly wish I was welcoming you to our university under different circumstances, but please know you have all been in our thoughts and prayers since the horrific events of April 22 unfolded,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “The Shaws are a part of the TSU family as alumni, and we reached out to them immediately as a show of support because that’s what families do. On behalf of our university, we welcome you as family, and are here for you as well.”

Shaundelle Brooks, whose son, Akilah Dasilva, was killed in the Waffle House shooting hugs James Shaw, Jr., as her other son, Abede, looks on. (Copyright 2018 TSU Media Relations. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Following a brief meeting with the families, the small group shared lunch and got an opportunity to thank Shaw, Jr., for his heroism and actions following the shootings. Emotions after emotions were displayed as mothers, brothers and others representing those still hospitalized thanked Shaw. All consumed by tears.

“I would have lost two sons if it weren’t for you,” said a tearful Shaundelle Brooks. Her sons Akilah and Abede Dasilva were both there. Akilah didn’t survive.

The parents of Joe Perez, one of the four killed in the Waffle House shooting on April 22, thank James Shaw, Jr. for his heroism. (Copyright 2018 TSU Media Relations. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

“If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be here,” said Abede Dasilva. “I’m able to be here for my mother because of you.”

The group walked to the campus amphitheater to release balloons to honor their loved ones. The eight families, representing those killed or injured, held hands and bowed heads as they were lead in prayer. Four black balloons were released for those who died.

Shaw has repeatedly said he doesn’t consider himself a hero. However, following the shooting he immediately began helping the families of those killed or injured by creating a GoFundMe account to help with expenses.

As a show of support and to highlight his act of bravery, TSU set up a scholarship in Shaw’s name. Donations to the James Shaw, Jr. Scholarship Fund can be paid through the link below or by mail. Please send to: The James Shaw, Jr. Scholarship Fund at Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University Foundation, 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. Box 9542, Nashville, TN   37209

https://epay.tnstate.edu/C20204_ustores/web/classic/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=415&SINGLESTORE=true