Howard Student Dies, Leaves Hundreds Mourning

<p>The rain picked up as the stream of people gathered to cross The Yard late Sunday, March 15. The vigil for Davon Green Franklin, planned for 10:30 pm around the Howard University flagpole, was relocated into the Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel under the leadership of Dean Bernard Richardson. As attendees flowed into&nbsp;the building, raindrops mingled with tears as sobbing students embraced.</p><p>Many were shocked to learn that Green Franklin, who was heard from as recently as early Sunday afternoon, had suffered a drowning accident in the early evening that day while on Spring Break in Cancun, Mexico. Green Franklin was a senior from Baltimore, Md. and an active member of the Howard community. At the vigil, members of the Xi Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc., as well as members of the university&rsquo;s Campus Pals represented the organizations with which Green Franklin was most notably involved.</p><p>Known for an effervescent smile and positive outlook, he strived to learn lessons from everything he encountered. Through his account on popular social networking site Twitter, Green Franklin shared a message he gleaned from his surroundings early Sunday. &ldquo;Life Lessons from the ocean water: the waves will pull you out further before they take you back to shore,&rdquo; he said.</p><p>Though little is known about the circumstances of the accident, those who attended the vigil made it known that they appreciated the time they spent with Green Franklin. Shoulders were lent for support around the chapel as looks of pensive disbelief clouded the faces of his loved ones. Students, alumni, faculty, and staff were all on hand, representing various campus organizations, including many of the Greek-lettered groups. On a campus known for its fashion savvy, it was clear that mourners disregarded stylish pretense and came as they were to honor Green Franklin&rsquo;s memory and support one another.</p><p>Melech Thomas, former Mr. Howard University, organized the event along with Howard University Student Association (HUSA) President Bryan Smart and Dean Richardson, to provide support for all those struggling with the news. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s nothing too complex. It&rsquo;s just people coming together that have a similar heart that may be aching and grieving, right now,&rdquo; he said.</p>