Faculty, staff and students in the Department of Political Science have started a fund in memory of Shenelle Naicker (BA Hons '05) who was killed during a mugging in South Africa in early January.
Left: Shenelle Naicker
Naicker was almost 24 when she was shot during a casual evening stroll while visiting relatives in Mount Isa. She graduated with a BA in political science from York last June, majoring in African studies. She aimed to help the underprivileged in Africa and had plans to work with the Red Cross.
The memorial fund was set up through the York University Foundation to raise $1,000 by March 15 to plant a tree near Stong Pond in Naicker's memory and denounce violence, racism and injustice.
Naicker represented York students in a very direct way, according to those who have established the fund. She was at home in Canada, but had many things to give back to the world at large, where she felt at home as well. She had taken a proud stance against racism and sadly, she died as a result of an attack in a society deeply divided by race.
There will be a memorial service for her Feb. 11 at the Hindu Sabha Temple, 9225 The Gore Road, Brampton at 11am.
To contribute to the Shenelle Naicker Memorial Fund, make a cheque out to York University Foundation and send it to Professor Janice Newton, undergraduate director, Department of Political Science, Ross Building S638.