JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – It’s been nearly one year since the death of Jackson State University (JSU) student Jaylen Burns. No one has been held responsible for his death. However, that does not halt the activism and community support that continues despite the tragic loss.

Family and friends of Burns gathered at the Stewpot Opportunity Center on Thursday for the unveiling of a vibrant mural in his honor.

“This young man had a beautiful spirit. I am honored that I got a chance to hug him and engage with him and see that service looks all kinds of different ways,” said Javonda Stanton, the director of Stewpot.

The Opportunity Center was the last service project Burns worked on before he was shot and killed at the University Pointe Apartment Complex on Sunday, October 15. He was an Industrial Technology major from Chicago, Illinois.

“My son’s name is mentioned in rooms that he never has been in, and that is how I will make sure that is continued for me. Because as long as there is breath in my body, breath in his siblings’ bodies, breath in their bodies, they will make sure that Jaylen Burns’ name is forever spread, that they will make sure that his death was not in vain,” said Latrice Wright, Burns’ mother.

She plans to start a project dedicated to her son in his hometown.