She was not forgotten.
Clark Atlanta University remembered Alexis Crawford, the 21-year-old senior strangled to death last fall by posting an image of the student during its virtual celebration Monday for the graduating class of 2020.
“Clark Atlanta University and The Class of 2020 salutes the memory of Alexis Crawford,” the message said next to a picture of the student, with a smile on her face.
Clark Atlanta, like many colleges and universities, have conducted online ceremonies for its graduates since the campuses are closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The death of Crawford, whose body was found in a DeKalb County park, made national headlines. Crawford's roommate, Jordyn Jones, and her boyfriend, Barron Brantley, were indicted in January on felony murder and several other charges.
Jones remains in the Fulton County jail, where she is being held without bond. Brantley's arrest violated his parole for a previous case, so he is being held in a state prison, records showed.
Student leaders and administrators sought ways to pull the 4,000-student campus together after the killing.
The hour-long commencement celebration included remarks by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and prominent graduates such as acclaimed director Kenny Leon and Pinky Cole, owner of the popular restaurant, Slutty Vegan.
“The best is yet to come,” Bottoms said in a video message.
Staff writer Alexis Stevens contributed to this report.
