Amin Serrano

Contributing Writer

On July 4, 2026, in Mississippi, Nolan Wells and a group of friends departed on a boat toward Horn Island for a Fourth of July celebration. Concerns arose when that boat returned without Wells, leading to a missing person’s report and searches both on land and in the air.

Wells was found dead in the water on the shore of Horn Island. The family, friends and supporters have been outraged at the lack of transparency from the justice system concerning his case.

ESU’s Black Student Union (BSU) organized a solidarity march for Wells and those mourning him. The march began at the university college circle, with Nakeem Facey, BSU president, leading it.

Among the crowd were members of many multicultural organizations on campus, including BSU, Men of Color Alliance, Women of Color Initiative, Muslim Student Association, Pentecostal Students and Associates, and the African Student Association.

Mowon Garlo, president of PENSA, spoke after Facey. She delivered a powerful speech relating to the family of Wells.

“When I look on the news and see a black man dead, I don’t see a stranger. I see my brother and every black man on this campus trying to get an education,” said Garlo.

Pastor Mark, from New Creature Ministries delivered the final speech. He spoke with presence, rallying the members of the crowd before the march began.

“Nolan Wells deserved the right to grow old,” said Mark.

An interfaith prayer was held before the march commenced. The crowd marched from the College Circle, down Crystal Street, and back to the starting point via Prospect Street.

Many carried signs in protest while chants echoed through the streets of East Stroudsburg.

“No water in his lungs. Say his name: Nolan Wells. He did not drown,” said the crowd.

Some of the signs had slogans that echoed the chants while others had original slogans. The crowd dispersed from the College circle after some final remarks and shared words.