Derrick S. Swanigan, 34, of Chicago was shot and killed on December 9, 2016, while visiting from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, where he was a student. His death came during a year marked by heavy gun violence in Chicago, which saw over 3,900 shooting victims in 2016.

Swanigan’s murder helped inspire the formation of Black Male Empowerment (BME). Dennis Beale, a fellow student from the same university, founded BME to support young Black men and challenge negative stereotypes; Beale said the group began as an informal brotherhood and became an official organization in February 2017. BME’s activities include local volunteering and educational initiatives aimed at fostering a supportive environment for primarily African American young men.

If anyone knew Derrick Swanigan or has information about the circumstances of his death, please share what you know.