GAMBIER, Ohio (August 9, 2005) Kenyon students are reaching out along with others to help the family of Akilah Amapindi, Class of 2004, who died in Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday while attending the annual convention of the National Association of Black Journalists. Akilah, 23, a sociology major, had worked as a radio reporter in Namibia, southwestern Africa, where she apparently contracted malaria and a parasitic infection, according to news reports.

At least two efforts are under way to help the family cover medical costs and other expenses. A fund has been established by the National Association of Black Journalists, which may also create a scholarship in Akilah's name. Donations may be sent to: National Association of Black Journalists, Akilah Amapindi/Student Memorial Fund, 8701-A Adelphi Road, Adelphi, MD 20783. Checks should be made out to the National Association of Black Journalists or NABJ, and on the memo line donors should write "Akilah Amapindi/Student Memorial Fund."

At Kenyon, Zeta Alpha Pi, the service sorority that Akilah helped to found, will be establishing a memorial fund when school resumes later this month, according to Grace Twesigye, Class of 2006, the group's vice president.

Akilah's funeral will likely take place in Atlanta this coming Saturday, although arrangements are not complete. The College will provide information when it is available. Cards and letters may be sent to Akilah's mother, Unnah Harper, at 117 Regis Drive, Staten Island, NY 10314.

In addition to her sorority activities, Akilah was involved in the Black Student Union at Kenyon and was a reporter for the Collegian. Associate Professor of Sociology Jan Thomas remembers her as having a "wonderful presence" in class. "She was so excited about the opportunity to learn about Namibia and become a journalist," says Thomas.

A number of newspaper Web sites have posted articles about Akilah. Information has also been posted on the site of the National Association of Black Journalists. For Web links, see the box at right.