Rest In Peace

Just a few days ago, I wrote about shocking events that happen in which you'll remember forever. Unfortunately, that happened just a few days ago to one of the best professors at my alma mater, Trinity.

I had initially planned to write something a little lighter and enjoyable like how I came up with my new blog name but of course when things happen like this, things change dramatically.

When tragedy like this happens, for me, I tend to hunker down and just lie in bed all day and think about what is going on in the world. It’s kind of like a fog of war feeling. This whole week I've been off because I wanted to dissociate from life. I kept on wondering how a a quarterback who has been credibly accused of sexual misconduct can “earn” a fully guaranteed contract yet someone as great a man as Dr. Latimore passes away unexpectedly. How can innocent children die while seemingly the law enforcement at the scene just straight up did not do its job? It’s something I think about way too much if I’m honest.

Here's the thing: even though Trinity was a small liberal arts university, I never took a class with him, nor did I meet him. It was only after I graduated that I would see his spots on KSAT. His commentary during the racial unrest in 2020 was just so great and thoughtful. His view, while not original, on how cities effectively planned cities in ways that disadvantaged people of color helped make me want to graduate from UNT with a Masters in Public Administration with a focus on planning to try to fix those rights. While I loved Trinity, I’m not sure i really ever went to the east side, west side, or even below south town. Yet, Dr. Latimore explained it in a way I could understand. He was passionate about his subject, and I know for a fact that students loved having him as their professor. Frankly, I’m just journaling my thoughts right now. I can now only think of what he could have accomplished had he was still here just like it’s hard not to wonder how Princess Diana could have accomplished had she survived.

I’m struggling and it’s okay if you are too so I ask you to be kind to yourself as well as their others. Later this fall during alumni weekend l, I will be sad to not see him, but I will make a donation in memory of him.

please reach out to me if you are struggling and just want someone with whom can listen.

Rest in Power, Dr. Latimore. You are so missed, and I’ll do my part to continue your lasting legacy.