Remebering Jamal Floyd

by Colby Hernandez, Staff Writer

Passing even into my purer mind, With tranquil restoration: feelings too Of unremembered pleasure: such, perhaps, As have no slight or trivial influence On that best portion of a good man’s life, His little, nameless, unremembered, acts Of kindness and of love.

From Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey by William Wordsworth.

Many find it hard to define Jamal Floyd in just one word. Student, artist, talented, friend. All of these are him, and yet they fail to convey the meaning and impact he had on the lives of students, faculty, staff, and everyone else who had the pleasure of meeting Jamal.

Remembering

Two vigils were held for Jamal; Chi Phi’s private vigil was on September 6 while GSW hosted a public one on September 7. University President Neal Weaver gave a speech and honored Jamal’s family with his gold coin, a gift GSW students receive upon graduation. Alejandro Espitia, the Student Government Association President, followed Dr. Weaver. SGA will be dedicating a tree in Jamal’s honor. Palmer Braunstein, Chi Phi’s president and long-time friend of Jamal, gave a speech honoring Floyd and his family. Following these speeches, friends of Jamal came up to say a few words. All of those who attended the vigil felt the weight of Jamal’s loss. His funeral was held on September 14 in Cairo, Georgia.

Call to Action/Honoring Jamal’s Legacy

Jamal was a light on campus that glowed brightly. We should honor his memory and legacy by being that light for others. If you wish to donate to Jamal’s family to help cover funeral costs, use Chi Phi’s Venmo (@chi-phi-9) or Cashapp ($gswchiphi97).

Interviews

Emma Cobb, Sophomore, Psychology Major, Friend of Jamal

I would like Jamal to be remembered as a legend! Jamal impacted my life more than he ever knew. He had such a positive impact on my life, and he pushed me to be a better person, and I will continue to be a better person and a positive influence for him. My favorite memory with Jamal must be when we went out to eat with friends and sang Morgan Wallen together, and they turned the radio up to tune us out.

Dylan Tracy, Sophomore, Music Education Major, Chi Phi Brother

My favorite memory of Jamal was actually the first time I met him. I was walking by a Chi Phi interest table outside of the Caf, and he called me over. He started talking to me and asking how I was doing, and he was the first person on campus I didn’t know who made me feel included.

Emily Larkey, Senior, Fine Arts Major, Friend of Jamal

I want Jamal to be remembered as outgoing, and having such a drive for the things that he cared about most and for the people that he loved. Jamal showed me what a true friend was. We went through the ups and downs of friendship since freshman year. I am a senior now, and we were seniors together, and he stuck with me through it all, and he made an impact on so many people, and he was just someone you knew you could count on. We made so many memories, but my best memories are of any time we went to a party together. No matter if we were partying together or if we were separate, he would run and find me, and we would take a party selfie together at every party we went to.

Matthew Wilson, Senior, General Studies, Chi Phi Brother

Jamal impacted me in so many ways. He wanted to make sure we all kept a smile on our faces, told us to always show up and show out, and be extra where we can. He helped teach me art, compassion, and to try to make everything fun.