Mother of Waffle House Shooting Victim Accepts Diploma On Daughter’s Behalf
On Saturday night, Sherl Baker walked across the stage at Belmont University in Nashville to accept her daughter’s diploma. DeEbony Groves, who was shot at a local Waffle House on April 22, had been working for several years to receive her degree in social work, according to CNN.
DeEbony’s brother, Di’Angelo, was to graduate alongside her, and received his diploma from Belmont on Saturday as well. During the tearful commencement ceremony, Di’Angelo announced a social work scholarship which was founded in DeEbony’s honor, according to USA Today. The announcement received a standing ovation from the crowd as Sherl Baker wiped tears from her son’s face and they consoled each other.
Mother of DeEbony Groves, 21-year-old fatally shot at a Waffle House in Tennessee, accepted her daughter’s diploma during Belmont University’s graduation ceremony. https://t.co/xeL9rdnOj3
DeEbony’s brother, Di’Angelo Groves, also received his diploma on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/Flp80qQLsJ
— ABC News (@ABC) May 7, 2018
Robert Fisher, president of Belmont University, spoke about DeEbony at the commencement ceremony. “Almost two weeks ago, our community suffered an unimaginable loss…While out hearts are broken, we have the chance to celebrate DeEbony’s life together.”