Tragic Death of Caleb Wilson and Its Impact

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.