NEW ORLEANS — Two L.B. Landry seniors, who are best friends, and French horn band mates, and captains, could have never imagined what happened at school Monday. And it was all because a pushing incident with a NOPD officer while marching in the Muses parade, went viral.
For nearly two hours, elected officials, judges, people from the courts, city council, U.S. Congress, musicians, and professional team coaches, praised Brandon Mitchell, and Jerome Marshall for what they called emotional discipline, extraordinary composure, maturity, mental strength, and dignified conduct in the face of adversity. They got proclamations and plaques, and then monetary rewards and even college scholarship offers.
Police from Black River, New York even wrote asking that the young men understand that there are many in law enforcement who are respectful. And the NOPD superintendent showed up, too.
“The police chief, yes, she did apologize. You know, I really respect that. You know, she came out today for the little time she did have,” said Brandon Mitchell, one of the honored students.
The two say they are glad they have each other in this moment, and plan to go to college together. Right now their eyes are on Texas Southern University.
“I really want to have a full-paid scholarship. I don't want for my people to have to come out of pocket for anything. I would be honored to have a full paid scholarship to Texas Southern,” said Jerome Marshall, Mitchell’s friend and honoree.
“Me and him we talk about it every day. We're just trying to make it to college, and all these scholarship offers I'm living it. Very appreciated, said Mitchell.
At the school, there is a room where students learn conflict resolution.
“Conflict resolution still works, that we can talk it out. We don't have to react, and it's OK to take a moment, reflect, and handle it differently without violence, or disrespect,” said Dr. Tammi Griffin-Major, CEO of Algiers Charter Schools Association.
"We are hoping that students learn from this, and also follow the path that those students have taken,” said L.B. Landry Principal, Jeremy Geary.
“Adults, don't stop pouring into our generation, like, don't give up on us yet. You guys really do impact the way the youth move around, and do what they do,” said Mitchell.
The Fraternal Order of Police attorney says he, and the officer involved, are willing to sit down with the students and school representatives and a trained mediator to talk about what happened.
The school CEO says: "We're open to anything once we're contacted by those individuals."
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