Memorial acknowledges community members lost to COVID-19

As East Carolina University and the Greenville community adapt to the changes forced by the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Andrea Kitta, associate professor in the Department of English, has organized a memorial to those lost to the novel coronavirus.

The memorial, located in the green space in the 400 block of Evans Street, is completely grassroots, Kitta said. She brought a few items to start things, but the idea is for others to contribute additional items. “It can be whatever they want — pictures, letters, flowers, art,” she said.

Students from Teal Darkenwald’s classes in the School of Theatre and Dance planned to perform an improv dance, and Kitta said all forms of art and expression are welcome.

“I’m hoping people will bring pictures and memories of those they’ve lost,” Kitta said. “I’m also hoping this will give people an opportunity to talk about COVID and express how they feel.”

Kitta said it’s important for the community to collectively mourn and honor those who have died, and she was inspired by a friend’s involvement in the Naming the Lost vigil in New York City.

“Usually we have big events, moments of silence, speeches, but there hasn’t seemed to be enough acknowledgement of those who have died as we’ve seen in the past,” she said. “It’s about both respect of the dead and to let those left behind to know their grief is important, but it’s also about our collective grief over losing so many people.”

Visit the Facebook event for more information.