The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) family is mourning the devastating loss of London Powers, a beloved junior majoring in social work, who passed away on Monday, August 11, 2025, from injuries sustained in a double shooting in Durham. Her death has left an irreplaceable void for her loved ones, classmates, and professors, all of whom remember her as a brilliant, compassionate, and determined young woman with a deep commitment to serving others.
A proud native of Washington, D.C., London brought warmth, intelligence, and focus to every endeavor she undertook. She was a distinguished member of the University Honors Program, a testament to her dedication and academic excellence. London’s aspirations reached far beyond her undergraduate studies—she had planned to pursue a Master of Social Work degree, with a focus on adolescent and mental health. Her career goals reflected her heartfelt passion for advocating on behalf of vulnerable and underserved populations.
London’s contributions to NCCU extended far beyond the classroom. She was recently elected as the Event Coordinator for the Social Work Society for the 2025–26 academic year, a leadership position that allowed her to build connections among her peers and foster a sense of unity and mutual support within her program. Known for her organizational skills and enthusiasm, London was already working on ideas to strengthen student engagement and provide meaningful opportunities for service.
Her dedication to helping others was evident in her plans for the coming semester. London was preparing to begin an internship at the Durham Center for Senior Life, where she intended to serve older adults with compassion, respect, and dignity—values that guided her every action.
Friends and faculty describe London as vibrant, hardworking, and deeply empathetic. She was the type of person who celebrated the achievements of others as much as her own and who instinctively reached out to offer encouragement or a listening ear. Her presence enriched the lives of everyone around her, and her absence will be felt in every corner of the university.
In the wake of this tragedy, NCCU is urging students, faculty, and staff to take care of themselves and seek the support they need. Counseling services are available by calling 919-530-7646 or visiting the Student Health Building, second floor, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with drop-in hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Crisis support is also available after hours at the same number. Faculty and staff may access assistance through ComPsych via the HR webpage.
Funeral service arrangements for London Powers will be announced once available. The NCCU community joins together in keeping her family, friends, and loved ones in their thoughts and prayers during this unimaginably difficult time.
London’s life was a testament to kindness, determination, and service. Though her time was cut tragically short, her impact will endure—in the lives she touched, in the causes she championed, and in the love she shared so generously.
Leave a Reply