Tragedy in the Trojan Family

You may have read stories over the last week about the tragic and senseless killing of Jamiel Shaw II. The story first ran in the L.A .Times on March 4 and a follow-up was in yesterday's paper. LAist posted a number of video tributes. If you missed it, try to take a couple of minutes today to learn about what happened. It's a stunning reminder that life is precious -- and sometimes all too short.

Even if you heard about the what happened, you might not have realized that Shaw was part of the Trojan Family.

Shaw was a cousin of Audrena Goodie, a longtime staff member of the USC Leventhal School of Accounting. He was also a candidate for a USC Summer Leadership Program. People in Leventhal are trying to get the word out about a fund that has been established in his name (to support the family, including a younger brother that he helped care for) as well as a number of memorial services that are starting today (more information is available after the jump).

Our condolences go out to the entire Shaw family.

Yesterday, Kurt Streeter wrote a column about the violence. In it, he implored readers:

"Volunteer. Find a charity and send money. Call your congressman. Do something."

Amen. You don't have to start a charity like Pete Carroll, but at least you can give to one. And remember that time is often more valuable than money (just ask Randy Pausch -- check out his "Last Lecture" and "Time Management Lecture" if you've got a couple of hours).

Viewing:
Monday, March 10, 2008, after 4 p.m.
Inglewood Mortuary, 3801 West Manchester Avenue, Inglewood, California 90302, (310) 412-6811

Funeral Service:
Tuesday, March 11, 2008, 11 a.m.
West Angeles Cathedral, North Campus, 3600 Crenshaw Boulevard Los Angeles, California 90016, (323) 733-8300

Re-pass and Ceremony:
Tuesday, March 11, 2008, Immediately Following Funeral

Many have wanted to send donations to the family. Any donations to the Shaw family should be sent to the following address:

Foundation for Jamiel Shaw II
c/o USC Federal Credit Union
University Park Campus
1025 W 34th Street
King Hall, 2nd Floor MC 2280
Los Angeles, CA 90089
Phone: (213) 821-7100
Fax: (213) 821-7151