Food Drive Honors Legacy of Three Slain Muslim Students

Legacy is what we leave behind when we die. Even if we are forgotten and our work along with us, legacy remains.

People can leave a legacy through any good deed to benefit society, by helping disadvantaged, spending time educating others, being kind to everyone, and helping those in need when required.

Seven years after their death, people of different religions, colors and creeds came together on Saturday in a food drive to make the community better and honor the lives of the three North Carolina Muslim students, ABC 11 reported.

Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23 his wife Yusor Mohammad Abu-Salha, 21 and her sister Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19, were fatally shot Feb. 10, 2015, at the couple’s condominium in Chapel Hill.

One of Deah’s last posts on social media showed him and Yusor giving food and free dental supplies to homeless people. That post inspired the Feed Their Legacy Food Drive.

“We have the Jewish community, we have all ages, colors, backgrounds. So everyone is welcome to come, join in and contribute. We’re happy to have everyone,” Nadia Khan said.

The group also held a virtual food drive, which raised more than $8,500.

Keeping their Legacy Alive

Over the past years, the family of the Muslim students has been working to keep their legacy alive.

Following their deaths, the Our Three Winners Foundation was established by family members of the victims.

It aims to end hate crimes “through a preventive, rather than reactive approach.”

Also in the wake of their deaths, Deah’s brother Farris Barakat opened a youth group home in downtown Raleigh called “The Light House Project.”

The Light House Project looks to end Islamaphobia and promote understanding.