Message from Loyola’s president, Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J.: Celebrating the life of Dante Barksdale

Rev. Brian F. Linnane, S.J., president of Loyola University Maryland, released this statement on the fatal shooting of Dante Barksdale, a leader with Baltimore City’s Safe Streets anti-violence program:

“As we marked Martin Luther King, Jr., Day this week and considered the tremendous need for action that leads to justice, the tragic news spread through Baltimore—and far beyond Baltimore—that Dante Barksdale had been shot and killed. What a loss for our community and for so many who valued and benefited from his voice and leadership, particularly in his role with Safe Streets Baltimore, which works to prevent violence in our city. Mr. Barksdale was an invaluable colleague to Loyola’s Commitment to Justice Committee, giving insight into some of the realities and injustices that our neighbors experience. He had visited our Evergreen campus, including to speak on our 2019 panel on Baltimore Health Justice in Action, and he shared an authentic perspective that taught and challenged his listeners. His voice, advocacy, and leadership will be missed. On behalf of Loyola University Maryland, I extend the deepest sympathy to Dante Barksdale’s family, including his Safe Streets family. As we reflect on his life with gratitude, may we each carry with us that same commitment to non-violence and optimism in the future of our city.”

Dante Barksdale will be included in the intentions at the 12:10 p.m. Mass at Loyola University Maryland on Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2021.