Charles Gross, a third-year political science and African
American studies student, still has a smile on his face ““
amazing considering he’s been in the hospital for almost
three weeks.
On April 10, Gross, an assistant editor for Nommo magazine, was
shot in the right side of his head in an altercation with a
neighbor, said his girlfriend of over two years, Genevieve
Richards.
She added that Gross had been backing his car out of the
driveway of his mother’s house in Los Angeles when it
happened.
Despite the incident less than a month ago, Gross is steadily
returning to his old self.
“He smiles, he’s cracking jokes. He has the same
personality,” said his roommate, Joshua Jones, a third-year
African American studies student who writes for Nommo.
As of Wednesday, Gross was in the Martin Luther King/Drew
hospital, recovering from his injuries and focusing on getting
better. Richards said he was scheduled to be moved from the
intensive care unit to a rehabilitation center that same day.
“He’s really fighting, I’m really proud of
him,” said Richards, who is the editor in chief of Nommo.
Richards said Gross’ condition is progressing and that he
is able to read, write and talk.
She added that Gross still has a hard time moving parts on the
left side of his body because of paralysis.
Richards, who makes the nearly 45-minute drive to the hospital
at least five days a week, said there is always someone nearby to
be with Gross. She said his mother is there every day, and other
members of his family also visit.
While Gross is getting better, the shooting has certainly set
him back. Gross was supposed to graduate this spring but will now
most likely have to wait until fall, Richards said.
And while Gross is still smiling, his active role in the
community will also have to change until he gets better.
He is always concerned about helping others and giving back to
his community, said Na’shaun Neal, chairman of the African
Student Union.
He noted that a few of Gross’ activities include tutoring
for the Academic Advancement Program and working for the African
Student Union.
Gross will have to take a break from some of his commitments,
but once better, he will come back with even more intensity, Jones
said.
“I see him being twice, three times, four times as
dedicated and motivated as before,” he said.
Sheldon Ross, another writer for Nommo, said Gross’
shooting had given him a sense of horrific sadness.
Ross said he hopes the staff can address Gross’ shooting,
and a recent drive-by shooting of a middle school student in an
outreach program where he works, in the upcoming issue of
Nommo.