A Painful Moment of Confrontation

The tragic death of Demartravion “Trey” Reed, a Black student at Delta State University in Mississippi, is a profoundly painful moment that forces us to confront a long, dark history and urgent contemporary issues. On September 16, 2025, Trey Reed was found hanging from a tree on campus near the pickleball courts in Cleveland, Mississippi. Official investigations by campus police, the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation, and the county coroner determined there was no foul play—no signs of trauma or struggle. Yet this finding, while factual, exists alongside a powerful collective pain.

The Weight of Historical Trauma

We must acknowledge the weight of this imagery. The sight of a young Black man found hanging from a tree evokes the brutal legacy of lynching and racial terror that scarred Mississippi and permeates our collective memory. This is not just history; it is a living trauma felt deeply in Black communities who continue to grapple with the realities of systemic racism and violence. Trey’s death cannot be seen purely as an isolated incident—it reverberates with historical fears and ongoing concerns about safety and justice at predominantly white institutions (PWIs).

A Legacy of Racial Violence in Mississippi

Mississippi’s history is stained with acts of racial violence and oppression that remain painfully relevant today. The memory of Emmett Till, the 14-year-old boy lynched just miles from Delta State almost seven decades ago, still haunts Black families and communities. The symbolism of a Black student found hanging on a university campus in this region is a stark reminder of those past horrors and a catalyst for vital conversations about race, safety, and justice in education.

Community Grief and Public Outcry

The local community and Trey’s family are immersed in grief, navigating this loss with pain and resilience. While the family grieves privately, social media and public discourse have been ablaze with calls for thorough investigations and justice. This tragic event highlights the fears many Black families have about sending their children to PWIs—questions of belonging, safety, and the emotional toll of enduring subtle and overt racial hostilities.

Challenges at Predominantly White Institutions

At Delta State University, where Black students make up about 42% of the population, the presence of diversity is evident, yet the experience of Black students can still be fraught with challenges. Being Black at a majority-white institution, especially in a state with such a charged racial history, often involves navigating microaggressions, implicit biases, and an environment that may lack adequate support systems. Trey’s death underscores that these challenges are not abstract—they can have real and devastating consequences.

University Responsibility and the Need for Change

Universities have a moral and urgent responsibility to implement comprehensive measures that support Black students. This means offering mental health resources that are culturally competent and sensitive to racial trauma, ensuring that diversity and inclusion go beyond mere checkboxes to create authentic, inclusive environments. Campus safety protocols must be informed by an understanding of racial contexts, with training that recognizes the historical and emotional weight of incidents like this. Most importantly, university administrations must foster an environment where Black students’ voices are heard, valued, and acted upon with transparency and accountability.

The Pervasiveness of Racial Trauma

Racial trauma does not end with the school day; it permeates every aspect of a Black student’s life and experience. Trey Reed’s death is a sobering reminder that the legacy of racial violence, while painful, calls us toward healing and change. It demands action, systemic reform, and a recommitment to justice to ensure that no other student faces such a tragic fate.

Supporting Black Families and Students

For families with Black children attending PWIs, this is an especially difficult and urgent conversation. Staying informed, having open and honest dialogues with young people about their experiences and fears, engaging with campus resources like Black student unions and cultural centers, and advocating for transparency and accountability from school administrations are essential steps. Building strong support networks within communities and among families is crucial to navigating this complex and painful terrain.

A Call to Action

In conclusion, the heartbreaking death of Trey Reed is a call to action for Delta State University and institutions across the country. Official reports indicate no foul play, and that must be respected—but so must the profound grief and concern of the community. Universities must move beyond platitudes and implement meaningful changes that prioritize the safety, mental health, and inclusion of Black students.

Hope for a Brighter Future

The safety and wellbeing of Black students are non-negotiable. While history casts a long and painful shadow, we have the power and responsibility to create a future illuminated by justice, empathy, and genuine support. Trey Reed’s story will not be forgotten, and the work to build that brighter future must start now.