'Though hate may have taken your life, love has sustained your memory': UNC unveils memorial of man stabbed, killed on campus in the 70's

A fight broke out outside the student union around the pit.

"It went on for a handful of minutes," said Independent journalist Mike Ogle. "It ended when Mr. Cates was stabbed twice and fell to the ground."

Cates died after a delay in getting to the hospital, and although three men were arrested for his death, they were not convicted.

Ogle has made it his mission to memorialize the young black man.

"It was just obvious to everyone that something needed to be done," said Ogle. "I'm glad that it is."

He's been joined by Danita Mason-Hogans, working with the black mothers of the movement.

"This is such a good example of how we can look at history and use history as a tool for reconciliation," said Hogans.

UNC students like Julia Clark have also gotten involved.

She thinks of Cates every time she walks through the pit.

"I want you to know Mr. Cates, though hate may have taken your life, love has sustained your memory," said Clark.

Monday afternoon, the university unveiled a memorial honoring the 22-year-old. The Department of Justice has also opened an investigation into Cates' murder.

US Congresswoman-elect Valerie Foushee, a family member of Cates, said it's a step in the right direction.

"Justice that has been deferred for 52 years may not be justice denied," said Foushee.

UNC will keep the lights on in the pit from dusk until dawn tomorrow for students to lay flowers at the memorial.