MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WKRN) — The Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) community gathered Wednesday to honor the life of a student who died by suicide.
The vigil, held in front of the James E. Walker Library, honored the life of Serenity Birdsong. Birdsong died on Monday and all classes were cancelled at MTSU on Tuesday as a result of the tragedy. The message was not just a moment of sorrow, but a call to action.
For many, Birdsong had become like family. Even through tragedy, her memory served many attendees as a reminder of kindness and compassion. MTSU president Sidney McPhee was at the vigil, telling the community that they were not alone in their sorrow.
"Our love and care for one another can penetrate even our darkest moment," McPhee said.
The student government association at MTSU helped host the vigil. Students have also been provided with a myriad of resources by the university to help navigate the loss of Birdsong. Birdsong served as the vice president of MT Lambda, an LGBTQIA+ and ally student association. Elizabeth Cannan-Knight, MT Lambda's president, reflected on Birdsong's commitment to friendship and community.
"In our conversations Monday, one of the things she kept coming back to was how much she loved interacting with everyone..." Cannan-Knight said. "She really did enjoy being a part of whatever space she fit into and she fit into every space that she found because of that genuine care and love towards others."
Birdsong's poetry was read aloud at the vigil in a celebration of her creativity. Friends and community members shared their thoughts and condolences to all of Birdsong's loved ones.
If you are contemplating self harm, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day.
"This is so tragic for our community," Brian Sullivan with the Tennessee Equality Project told News 2. "It's really a time for the entire community to come together and, really, to rally around MT Lambda. They're a student organization on campus that provides services for LGBTQ students there at MTSU. Our heart goes out to Serenity and all of her family and friends."
The president of MTSU's student government association, Michai Mosby, gave a call to action and encouraged attendees to check on each other and share in positivity.
"Serenity's life serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of kindness and connection," Mosby said. "...Love harder. Laugh louder. You want to make the world a better place? Do your part in sharing some positivity into this already-negative society."
Every attendee shared one common sentiment: that Birdsong's legacy will not be forgotten.
"I think this right here proves to all of us that she was loved, too, even if she couldn't see it at the time," Cannan-Knight added, gesturing to the crowd.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a prevention network of 161 crisis centers that provides a 24/7, toll-free hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
