On Thursday, news of the death of Morehouse College’s interim president, Bill Taggart, rocked the Atlanta community. Officials have confirmed that Taggart, 55, died of an aneurysm. In addition to the outpouring of grief across the Morehouse campus, social media buzzed with condolences for the Taggart family. Politicians, students, and community members took to Twitter to memorialize Taggart and celebrate his legacy.
Morehouse College is a tight-knit community; following the news, students and alumni came together for support and condolences. Both former and current members of the Student Government Association at Morehouse were particularly expressive.
Such an unfortunate day for the Morehouse Commumity. My dearest condolences go out to President Taggart and his family.
— Dream On (@EvenKings_DREAM) June 8, 2017
The Last Meeting! RIP President William Bill Taggart! A God sent man for Morehouse! pic.twitter.com/utMXO0EWXd
— ryancgeorge (@ryangHTX) June 8, 2017
His love for @Morehouse was so infectionous, if you weren't working to make Her better, you'd feel out of place.
— Johnathan Hill (@JohnCapitolHILL) June 8, 2017
Similarly, other students lent their voices to the conversation.
Wow. RIP Morehouse College interim president Bill Taggart has died, report says https://t.co/I3cOOA4wHK
— Chris P. Bacon (@_rsalexan) June 8, 2017
😥— Invisible Man (@TheDariusJ) June 8, 2017May the Taggart family, Morehouse community, and other affiliates reach a space of peace.
The Twitter account for Miss Maroon & White also expressed sympathy. According to Morehouse’s website, Miss Maroon and White embodies the feminine qualities that the Men of Morehouse cherish and idealize.
The 81st Miss Maroon & White Court has heard the news of the untimely passing of our Interim President William 'Bill' Taggart and (1/3)
— MissMaroonandWhite (@MMWCourt) June 8, 2017
In addition to these student voices, Atlanta politicians contributed to the dialogue. Two mayoral candidates, John Eaves and Peter Amon, tweeted expressing their sympathies. In a follow-up tweet, Eaves mentioned his son who graduated from the HBCU this year.
Last night @Morehouse and the entire city of #Atlanta lost a great leader and I, a dear friend in Bill Taggart. Love to his family. https://t.co/QJBg0LH5JQ
— Peter Aman (@PeterAmanATL) June 8, 2017
My condolences to the family of Bill Taggart, Interim President of @MorehouseATL (pictured left), who passed away yesterday.
— John H. Eaves (@johneaves) June 8, 2017
1 of 2 pic.twitter.com/0u8dSkaBcX
Mayoral hopefuls were not the only politicians who chimed in. Courtney English, Board Chair of the Atlanta Public School System and Candidate for Atlanta City Council, also tweeted about the passing.
Sad to hear of the death of my friend and Interim President of @Morehouse, Bill Taggart. Rest well. pic.twitter.com/f3AtrwJUBa
— Courtney English (@CourtneyEnglish) June 8, 2017
More information on Taggart's death can be found here.