By Angel Higgins
The event has a special meaning for organizer, TSU student Tamauri Murray
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The goal of the Tennessee State University Office of Student Activities and Leadership is to enhance the skills of those elected or selected to serve in the student government association. Mister Junior Tamauri Murray is doing just that by using his platform to bring awareness to breast cancer awareness. Murray organized the TSU Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Walk for student leaders to participate on Saturday, October 21. For the Birmingham, AL native, the event had a special meaning and to have his peers involved made it even more significant.
“I wanted to make sure I used my position as Mister Junior to emphasize breast cancer awareness. This walk is one of the ways I have done so. While my mom is home fighting her fight in Birmingham. It’s my mission to do my part here in Nashville.”
Tamauri’s mother, Tuwanna Murray, is a breast cancer survivor and the walk was in her honor. His mom found out her diagnosis on June 20th after finding a lump in her breast and having a mammogram. He recalled the day his mother told the family.
“This summer I was working at TSU as a University Ambassador and went home for the weekend in between orientations. My mom sat me and my sister down and told us she felt a lump and was diagnosed with breast cancer. I really did not know how to process it. I did not cry and instantly lost my appetite. So many questions were asked, lots of which my mom did not have answers to yet,” says the computer science major.”
The TSU leader emphasized how important it was for him to use his platform to bring awareness to breast cancer after seeing his mom go through surgery and chemotherapy. Throughout all the ups and downs the Murray family has been through since Tuwanna’s diagnosis, she keeps God on her side and is very proud of what her son has accomplished.
“I could not do it without my support squad, that includes my son, Tamauri,” Tuwanna Murray said.
“Since he found out, he checks up on me and supports me while in Nashville. I am so proud of him and the efforts he has put forth being Mister Junior. Tamauri organizing the walk just made me smile harder than ever. My love for him and his sister will forever be unmatched.”
Several hundred participated in the walk as a part of the national observance of Breast Cancer Awareness for October. The event began near the Walk of Fame Park off of 4th Avenue South in Nashville. Student Government Association Executive Vice President, Chrishonda O’Quinn said the initiative was really important for students to be a part of and to represent the University.
“Tamauri wanted to partner with Student Activities and Leadership for the walk. It feels really nice to be here not only in support of the survivors and people who have been through it but his mother as well. The administration and I are grateful to be a part of this walk.”
O’Quinn and Murray serve as members of the TSU 83rd Student Government Association.