Governor Proclaims DEAH Day 2023

WHEREAS, on February 10, 2015, Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha, and Razan Abu-Salha, also known as “Our Three Winners,” were killed in their Chapel Hill home in a hate crime; and

WHEREAS, Our Three Winners left behind a legacy of civic service and giving back to their community, spawning numerous initiatives that have lived on after their passing and have had a significant impact on the local community; and

WHEREAS, Deah Barakat and Yusor Abu Salha were Dental Students at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Adams School of Dentistry; and

WHEREAS, in honor of their legacy and as a way for students to remember Deah and Yusor’s love for serving their community, the UNC Adams School of Dentistry student body dedicated October 4 to these same activities in the Triangle area; and

WHEREAS, this day is named, “Directing Efforts And Honoring Deah And Yusor”, otherwise known as DEAH DAY; and

WHEREAS, the Adams School of Dentistry partners with local nonprofit organizations who do positive and impactful work across North Carolina; on DEAH Day, all classes are canceled to allow students to engage in acts of service; and

WHEREAS, dental students also volunteer at various dental clinics providing free dental care, including at the DYOR clinic established in Deah and Yusor’s name; and

WHEREAS, on DEAH Day, there are over 300 volunteers and 1000 hours of service completed each year; and

WHEREAS, on behalf of the State of North Carolina, it is with immense pride and honor that I recognize the legacy of Our Three Winners, Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha, and Razan Abu-Salha;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, ROY COOPER, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim October 4, 2023, as “DEAH DAY” in North Carolina, and commend its observance to all citizens.