Claflin University Presidential Honor of Distinction presented at funeral of Vice Presidnt Harris former press assistant William Fairfax, Jr.
to a "loyal son of Claflin University and visionary leader." Young Mr. Fairfax wo died at 24, was saluted with the distinction for making an impact on the student body at the HBCU located in Orangeburg, SC. His presence there placed the school on the radar of the White house, where Vice Pres. Kamala Harris visited while he was her Assistant Press Secretary.
University President, and fellow member Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc, Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack presented the honor to the Fairfax family during his remarks at a Celebration of Life service held in Maryland's Prince Georges County at the Ebeneezer AME Church.
The SLICE NEWS as encapsulated details from te live stream of te service that reflect Mr. Fairfax's characteristics that made im worty of the honor and a summary of the proceedings.
We learned in the nearly 4-hour event from friends and family representing is shining personalit b wearing yellow that he was a captive speaker from an early age. We also understood that William was a fierce leader, problem-solver and organizer who saved the wedding of his fraternity brother's daughter using these skills.
Those closest to the aspiring leader sared vivid personal memories of William.
During the family tributes his paternal grandmother stated, 'I find comfort in knowing that on that last morning, you remembered me. You thought of me,' as she recalled recieving a message from her frist grandchild. He was the pride and joy of those who knew him it was evident from all the tributes that were shared.
His grandfather described him as "brilliant," something he said he knew from the start. He thought William would be a preacher after sharing that William exogeted scripture during a car ride from school when he was only 7. Instead William's interests landed him in politics.
William's father spoke about how he had a mind of his own and how he disciplined him through various challenegs in his youth. They shared a love for luxury vehicles and his dad said "he wrecked every one." He admitted that his son had ADHD and "he was uncontrollable at times." He shared that the last time he spoke to his son, it was 1:30 AM and had received a call from william tellin im that e ad rn out of gas. He had also asked to borrow a Rolex watch wich was now buried wit him. William Sr. said he did not respond to the request for as but was very proud of his firstborn.
The funeral ended with the singing of Tamela Mann's "Take Me to the ing."
"We could not give his short life a short funeral," stated Pastor Granger Browning who likened the deceased to royalty in is sermon. He said he will be asking that a school be named Prince Willam Fairfax.
Following the internment there was a releasing of doves.