Part Five President Netanyahu and Supporters Resist Ceasefire All though most of the world’s population are demanding, in all kinds of dramatic ways, a Ceasefire, President Netanyahu and supporters are moving straight a head with even more massive death and destruction. And what is the reason? They argue, passionately, that Hamas must be destroyed and any delay will give Hamas valuable time to regroup and come back stronger than before. And so, the indescribable suffering of innocent human beings continue. How many innocent people President Netanyahu and supporters willing to kill and their homes and properties destroy in order to kill the killers? And what is the guarantee that Hamas can be destroyed? And if it can be destroyed, how long will it take? A month, a year, or two or three or maybe never? Or maybe the name Hamas can be eradicated or fall out of use? Does that mean, the ideas drove Hamas to what it is eradicated, or will show in another name and another place? It is the overwhelming majority of the people I know and what I have heard and read, there will always be a Hamas, or a PLO until a permanent solution is consummated - a Two State Solution! Sadly, the four D’s from hell will continue: death, destruction, disease and deception. I mentioned deception, now reported that President Netanyahu(and maybe American leaders) funded Hamas to the tune of 360 million. I’ve already related that MR. Netanyahu had supported Hamas. So, added to all the misery and suffering the people and the land are enduring, they have to endure the deception of war leaders. It has been said, “the first causality of war, is true “ and maybe second, the massive death and destruction of the innocent! Part Six 12/10/23 Friday 12/8/23 U.S. Veto U.N. Resolution on Ceasefire Surely it will go down as one of the saddest chapters in American history. The horrors that we are witnessing in Gaza, innocent human beings, children, babies, the elderly, infirm, helpless are being slaughtered, whole cities destroyed, including hospitals; humanitarian aide denied, 17,000 people killed, half children, and to be against Ceasefire; to be against stopping this death and destruction madness: which means, U.S. endorses what is happening in Gaza! I wonder if the vote would have been the same if it were their loved ones; or if it were on their block or in their city? This madness would be happening.

What is happening in Gaza does it fit the crime of genocide or crime against humanity? There is a heated debate in the world on whether the horrible situation on Gaza fit the crime of genocide and/or crimes against humanity. What I would like to do is define what those crimes are as put forth years ago by an impartial world body. In my book, Theology of Liberation and Reparations Fact Sheet No.1. The author(s) in a profoundly persuasive research paper cites genocide and crimes against humanity and the sources for their presentations, Genocide: the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group by: killing members of the group; causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group; c) deliberately inflicting on the group the conditions of life calculated to bring about its destruction in whole or in part; d) imposing measures to prevent births within the group; or e) forcibly transferring children of the group to another group. From the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It became enforceable in 1951. In light of what you know now constitute genocide, in your honest unbiased opinion dear reader, what is being inflicted upon the people in Gaza, you think it is genocide? The next consideration is crimes against humanity. Cited from the Nuremberg trials. May be retroactively applied: “Crimes against humanity: Murder, extermination,enslavement, deportation and other inhumane acts committed against any civilian population before or during the war, or persecutions on political, racial or religious grounds in execution of or in connection with any crime within the jurisdiction of the Tribunal, whether or not a violation of the domestic law of the country where perpetrated.” Again, now that we understand the definition of crimes against humanity, I ask, is what is being inflicted upon the people of Gaza is it a crime against humanity? Thus, we have two definitions one of genocide and the other crime against humanity. It is important to note that these definitions were put forward long before the Gaza war. Well, if you believe that genocide and/or crimes against humanity is being inflicted upon the people of Gaza you are obligated to do something about it. There are many marches and demonstrations that you can join, or if you’re not inclined to demonstrate you can speak out, especially you can reach out to your political representatives, religious and community leaders. And if you’re more of the quiet type, you can pray. But it seems to me that even if we don’t go as far as genocide or crimes against humanity, what is happening to the innocent people, even children, the elderly, the infirm, people who pose no threat to anyone but who are caught up in a horrible situation and what has happened to them is against all decency, against all of what it means to be human. Let us join together and do what we can to reiterate our demands: ·      Ceasefire ·       Release all hostages ·       Make available humanitarian aid indefinitely ·      Negotiations ·      A permanent solution I am with those who believe, including President Joe Biden, in a Two-State solution. And that it is the only permanent solution.

The War In Gaza Resumes With Massive Death And Destruction It is hard to watch the massive suffering in all kinds of ways that the people, innocent people, in all kinds of help conditions, are enduring in Gaza even as I write. Surely what is happening in Gaza right now must be ranked among the worst war crimes and crimes against humanity in human history-and there have been some unspeakable acts of cruelty inflicted on humans by humans.And here is one of the most complex ironies of history, those who were once the victims of all kinds of crimes once in power become the Doers of what had been done to them and some time worse! There is a piece of mind-blowing news baffling every body especially the supporters of Israel. It has been reported that President Netanyahu and his administration knew the plan of Hamas to invade Israel. In fact they had the plans in their hands a year ago and they did nothing! Why?All kinds of reasons have suggested The most sinister reason is that President Netanyahu wanted Hamas to invade, so his superior military power could obliterate Hamas and occupy Gaza in his strategy to take over all of what had once been Palestinian land. Another reason is that Mr. Netanyahu didn’t think Hamas capable of such a monumental enterprise. In other words, they were simply dreaming the impossible dream. Another reason, the one that I’m leaning towards, it has also been reported that Netanyahu had formed an alliance with Hamas on Gaza against Armad on the West Bank the strategy that Hamas and Israeli would defeat Ahmad, Hamas would have control Gaza, under lsraeli rule, of course.Thus, the Two State Solution would no longer be under consideration. How true any of the above is, I know not, what is true is that the innocent people are suffering massive death, destruction, disease and deception. Let us not lose hope for a better world. Let us continue to demand: :Cease Fire : Release of the hostages. :Humanitarian Aide: :Negotiations: Two State Solution! Pray! Advocate! Work! SAVE ThE PLANET! SAVE THE PEOPLE!

I attended the ceasefire rally at the United Nations on November 8, 2023. It is worth noting how I ended up at that rally. I was in conversation with Sarah, going over the daily agenda and correspondences. I received a message from my daughter, The Reverend Leah Daughtry, National Presiding Prelate of the House of the Lord Churches. She asked me if I was going to the ceasefire rally. It was now about 3:15pm and the rally was scheduled to start at 4pm. I asked her to explain more about the rally. I heard vaguely that there would be a demonstration at the U.N. She explained some of our friends who were going to be there and what the rally was about. When I hung up, I immediately started getting ready and I decided that even if I got there late, it would be better than not to attend at all. I was in New Jersey when I got the call. I wanted to be more involved in the war in Gaza (See attached link I’ve made my position known: https://www.hdgministries.org/post/the-end-of-hamas). It is good to see that President Biden has come around to the two-state solution. I would simply add hostage negotiations which makes the ceasefire point proposal. It was 4:30 p.m. when I arrived at the U.N. A huge crowd had already assembled. The program was already in progress. Immediately I saw Dr. Cornel West, who is now running for the presidency; Dr. Iva Carruthers, Executive Director of the Samuel DeWitt Proctor, Rev. Michael McBride, noted clergy organizer; Tamika Mallory, longtime activist and Rev. Dr. Mark Thompson, TV personality and longtime organizer. He was the M.C. of the program. I was overwhelmed with the acceptance I received. I was asked by Rev. McBride if I wanted to stand with them on the stage. I responded affirmatively. When the time came, Rev. McBride, Dr. Carruthers and I took our positions on the speaker platform. Rev. McBride read a paragraph from the full-page ad that over 900 ministers had taken out a full-page ad in the New York Times demanding a ceasefire. After he spoke Dr. Iva Carruthers followed, she too laid heavy emphasis on ceasefire, humanitarian aid, release of hostages and a permanent solution. Then I followed, I too reinforced the same issues. I opened my statement with a call for ceasefire and a boisterous response from the crowd. I pointed out that I had been at the United Nations on April 15, 1967 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., spoke to the 100,000 that had gathered to demand an end to the war in Vietnam. A few weeks earlier I had been at the Riverside Church when Dr. King announced to a packed church his opposition to the war in Vietnam. Significantly, I had gathered some of the young men to accompany me. I underscored mothers, children and innocent people who were killed in the war, almost over 10,000 I am told. A large part of that number were children. The once thriving cities now were bombed to rubbish with homeless people moving through the streets slowly. And since then, the question that had been asked, was that if Dr. King was here, where would he stand? I answered, “he would be standing with the innocent people, both Israelis and Palestinians and surely, he would be calling for the same and agreeing with us on our five points.” I also emphasized where I stood with the Israelis who were killed in the Hamas attack. I wanted to point out but my time was limited, the solution is not to continue death of innocent people, the destruction of their homes with the stated purpose of completely destroying Hamas. And even if they did destroy Hamas, they will not solve the problem. There will be others perhaps called by a different name. But the children, mothers, fathers, homeless, wounded will not forget. We are looking at the next generation of Hamas or whatever name they choose to call themselves.

I did mention that when I chaired the National Black United Front (NBUF) I was invited to participate at the Annual Political Committee of the UN along with other liberation organizations. There was the African National Congress (ANC) that was Nelson Mandela’s organization. He was in jail at the time. Significantly, he was called a terrorist by heads of states of most Euro-American countries. Johnstone “Jonny” Mfanafuth Makhatini was the UN representative of South Africa, also representing South Africa was the Pan-African Congress (PAC) the representative was David Sibeko. There was Southern Rhodesia Liberation Organization, Zimbabwe African People’s Unity (ZAPU) headed by Joshua Nkomo and Zimbabwe African National Union (ZANU) headed by Robert Mugabe. The two organizations coalesced under the tile of the Patriotic Front. In Namibia, the liberation organization was South West African People’s Organization (SWAPO) headed by Sam Nujoma and the UN Representative was Theo-Ben Gurirab and guess what, the Palestinian were represented by Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) headed by Yassar Arafat. And I chaired the NBUF representing African people in the Diaspora, but in particular in the USA. There were several things they all had in common: 1. They were all called terrorists by those who had conquered and colonized them. 2. They all believed that their country, their land had been taken from them. 3. They were all committed to do whatever was necessary regain their homeland. After years of fighting, all of them gained their independence and became heads of government in their respective countries. Mr. Mandela became the Beloved Elder of the world; every corner of the globe people admired him and wanted to see him. I was a member of the Welcoming Committee along with Harry Belafonte, Bill Lynch and others when he came to the USA, starting in New York. My wife, Dr. Karen along with Julie Belafonte chaired the women’s section of the welcoming committee. In fact, Winnie made her first public statement at our church in Brooklyn. After Mandela was released from prison he served as President of South Africa until his resignation. I and my family enjoyed a wonderful friendship with Nelson, Winnie and their children. I was honored to have participated at Nelson Mandela’s funeral and burial in South Africa, accompanied by my grandson, Minister Lorenzo Daughtry-Chambers. My wife and my daughter and I also attended Winnie’s funeral in South Africa. I could never forget a profoundly moving gathering at Winnie’s home with the family. As I stated, all of the liberation organizations achieved their independence except one; Yassar Arafat and the PLO. Arafat is gone now and the PLO is a non-entity, but their fight continues. I have often reflected what a difference it would have made if the PLO and Israeli leadership had agreed to a two-state solution. How many lives would be saved and what tremendous progress two people working together would have made! But here we are, another so-called terrorist organization, another war and continued death or destruction of the innocent including children and the elderly. I made reference to my trip to Grenada where we memorialized Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and the eighteen comrades who were assassinated with him October 19, 1983, 40 years ago. At one of the ceremonies there was a wreath laying at the site where they were assassinated. It was an old fort. We placed the wreaths on the wall where they were lined up and shot. I was asked to make remarks at the ceremony. I recounted the long friendship I had with Bishop. I made mention of his meeting with the youth of our church led by Councilman Charles Barron. He was the youth leader of our church at the time. I quoted another son of the Caribbean, Marcus Garvey who said, “Look for me in the whirlwind.” We will look for Maurice Bishop in the whirlwind of social change. Wherever men and women fight for their freedom, for a better life, we will look for Bishop. I ended by saying, you can kill the revolutionary, but you can’t kill the revolution. You can kill the dreamer, but not the dream. Maurice Bishop will live forever; his spirit will be with us but not only with us, but wherever people long for freedom. On my way home, I reflected on the many times I had been to UN, primarily addressing world issues. I already mentioned the UN Hearing and Vietnam war with Dr. King. I was there in 1982 when we organized an international gathering to demand nuclear disarmament. We left there and gathered over one million people in Central Park. I spoke at both the UN and at Central Park. I was at the UN, when I headed an Interfaith Interracial delegation in preparation for our trip to Iraq just before the war started. It was a desperate attempt to negotiate peace. I was there for Sudan, Omar Al-Bashir President of the minority government in Sudan. They had driven the Darfurian people (the original African) from their land, they were refugees. I visited them in the refugee camps in Chad, West Africa. We demanded that President Al-Bashir be charged with war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, which eventually he was. It has been a long history of trying to Save the Planet and Save the People “and I ain’t no ways tired. Come too far from where I started...Anyway nobody told me the road would be easy, and I don’t believe he’s brought me this far to leave me” Will you join us in our ongoing struggle to Save the Planet and Save the People. Join us for the HDGM Save the Planet and Save the People Organizing Meeting on December 23rd, 2023. 1. International Renowned musician Randy Weston, myself, Theo-ben Gurrirab UN Rep for SWAPO at the House of the Lord Church where both were frequent visitors. 2. David Sibeko is the UN Representatives for the Pan-African Congress of South Africa. We are coming out of the UN after a press conference we joined with millions of others in the movement to Free South Africa/Free Mandela. 3. Rev. Daughtry greeting Nelson & Winnie Mandela after his release. 4. Rev. Dr. Dawnique Daughtry, Sharon Daughtry, Rev Dr. Herbert & Karen Daughtry, Princess Zenani Mandela-Dlamini, Prince Thumbumuzi Dlamini and Rev. Leah Daughtry, we hosted them at our home for a weekend stay. 5. Rev. Dr. Karen Daughtry, myself, Harry Belafonte meeting with Nelson Mandela. My wife was co-chair of the welcoming committee and founding chair of SASAA. 6. In 1977, as a Pan-Africanist the Reverend prioritized in his ministry, unity among people of African Ancestry. He formed the Commision on African Solidarity. One of its major accomplishments was a fundraiser for example Zimbabwe African Peoples Unity (ZAPU). The check was presented to Mr. Joshua Nkomo at the House of the Lord church in 1977. Mr. Nkomo was not only the president of ZAPU but he was considered the Godfather of the Southern Africa Liberation.

Oct. 15- Sunday- Early morning basketball I left early and Minister Gregory, my nephew took over. There was confusion on whether the repair to the floor had been done. Then at 8:45am we did the morning prayer. I am so pleased that this prayer is still going on. It started with covid when we could no longer meet in the gym for the basketball game and camaraderie. We organized the 8:45am prayer to sustain the prayer time and to stay in contact with the fellas. So when covid had been substantially reduced we were allowed to go back in the gym. But we continued the 8:45am prayer. You are free to join us at our prayer time phone numbers. 716-427-1168 passcode: 604309# the same number is used for our morning prayer Mon-Fri 7-8am and our Timbuktu Learning Center Health Night on Thursdays 7pm Jersey City Sunday Service was in-person. Oct. 16- Monday - Packing in Preparation for the trip to Grenada. I made a lot of important phone calls and had to take care of important business. Can you imagine the excitement that I was feeling going back to Grenada after 40 years and for the Inaugural National Holiday honoring Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and the 18 comrades that were assassinated with him. Oct. 17- Tuesday - Departed for Grenada from JFK at 11am and we landed around 3:45 pm. During the four and a half hours I had many thoughts swirl through my mind. As I have stated I have not been to Grenada in over 40 years. After the assassination of Maurice Bishop and the comrades, Grenada was not a desirable place to be. I didn’t know the leadership over the years and I didn’t pay attention to the developments they had. Hence, my thoughts turned to the relationship and the visits that I had before the assassination. The last visit was when I organized a Congressional delegations to meet with Maurice Bishop and his administration in Grenada. Earlier, Mr. Bishop had called me with concern for U.S. military invading Grenada and asked my assistance. I traveled up and down the USA, as I had done informing the people of the revolution in Grenada had brought Maurice Bishop and the New Jewel Movement into power in 1979. We did succeed in delaying the military invasion. But when Bishop and others were assassinated, the invasion occured. President Reagan said that the reason was the threat of danger to the American students, which was not true at all. The Reagan administration hated and feared the Grenadian revolution. Bishop and members of his administration had relationships with Prime Minister Fidel Castro, Prime Minister Michael Manley of Jamaica and Prime Minister Ortega of Nicaragua. They were all socialists or socialist-leaning with good relationships with other socialist countries ie. Russia and China. President Reagan was looking for a pretext upon which to remove Prime Minister Maurice Bishop. First, he tried to use the airport. Bishop had made plans to complete the International Airport that had been in the planning for years long before Bishop became Prime Minister. I remember the long talks that I had with Bernard Coard (Deputy Prime Minister) and who was one of the leaders in the assassination of Bishop. I still have problems believing that Coard was apart of the attempted coupe. He was so convincing in his expression of love and friendship for Bishop and how they had studied together the Civil Rights Movement in America. And that was months before the assassination occurred. I remember the first anniversary and the huge Black United Front banner that was put on the large stadium sign. It was huge! I remember my children and the youth of the church led at that time by Council member Charles Barron coming back home excited that they had met Prime Minister Maurice Bishop. He had taken the time from the important events at stake to spend an hour with the young people. I wondered how I would feel being back in Grenada… Oct. 18- Wednesday - It was a beautiful morning as were all the mornings of our stay in Grenada. We were in a spacious hotel right on the beach. Minister Lorenzo Daughtry-Chambers, my grandson and the 6th generation of Ministers in our family, who had accompanied me the rest of the way. I was proud and thankful that he had decided to make the trip. To have one who is competent, completely trustworthy, sensitive and share your world view and knowledge with regard to the issues in the country accompanying you is PRICELESS! A quick light breakfast with fruit, and my own super salad consisting of herbs, flaxseeds, chia seeds, turmeric powder mixed in olive oil on multigrain toast. It was a buffet spread out with all kinds of food. But I stayed with my program. So the first order of business was a press conference with our delegation. We had a briefing for what we would be doing led by Dr. Ron Daniels and nuances of interaction with individuals and ceremonies. I think that most of the delegation had had international travel experiences and top level meetings with international countries and organizations. Delegation Group Dr. Ron Daniels, IBW Don Rojas, Director of Communications, IBW David Abdullah, Third Party leader from Trinidad Dr. James Early Dr. Claire Nelson Herb Boyd, journalist and author Rev. Herbert Daughtry Lorenzo Daughtry-Chambers Dr. Daniels and Rojas made a statement and each of us offered our presentations. I recounted my friendship with Bishop and reiterated my reflection that I had on the plane. I added however my friendship with Jackie Cleft. I had a photo of my embracing Jackie as she extolled the progress of the educational system. I exclaimed, “Wonderful! Y’all are really doing it up.” She too was among those who were assassinated she was one of Bishops’ lady friend. Also I had the photo of our award given to Bishop’s mother when I chaired the National Black United Front. After the press conference, several hours later, we met with the Cuban Ambassador. From the hotel to the Ambassador’s office was about twenty minutes. We traveled upward along narrow roads. But all along the way I was lost in the scenic beauty of the Grenada. If you love high mountains, clear blue sea, flowers and greenery; if you love narrow streets, and traditional houses then Grenada is the country for you. The Ambassadors office and what appeared to be residence was set up on the structured side of the mountains looking across the countryside, and enthralling beauty for the eyes. The Ambassador was very friendly. Dr. Carol McIntosh a Grenadian who is a member of our church who has been head of the hospitals but now back in the states had setup a meeting with the group with the Ambassador. At some point the delegation made an appointment. We did the usual, we went around the room and introduced. I expressed my gratitude on behalf of the NBUF and the people of African Ancestry for the agreement with Cuban leadership. There were two requests that we made in 1982/3 and I as the Chair of NBUF would organize conferences in Cuba. We requested that there be a National holiday for an American leaders and medical scholarships. They agreed to both of these proposals and I am told that the scholarship program is still going on. One other matter that I discussed with the Ambassador more for humor than serious business. It was when we were last in Cuba, we went to a festival. There was singing and dancing, it was a fun time. Then one of the dancers came out with a huge snake and I knew she was going to where I was seated and dance around with this huge reptile. I braced myself to act bravely, not to be afraid but look it in the eyes. I had brought along photos of the occasion and anyone could take a look, but we did not get the humor as I anticipated. Maybe the size of the snake must have made the delegation uncomfortable. Children of Grenada Oct. 17-20, 23 we remembered Prime Minister Maurice Bishop of Grenada who was assassinated 40 years ago on 10/19/23. On Wed. 10/18 , after meeting with Cuban Ambassador earlier in the day, we met with the children. Oct. 19- Thursday- The actual day of the assassination! I awakened with the death of Maurice Bishop on my mind. I had mixed feelings as I looked forward to the day and yet reluctance to face the horrible of the day. The program for the day was first the Ecumenical Service at The National Stadium, after which was a Wreath Laying, which to me was the most painful, traumatic experience and then in the evening a Candlelight Tribute. It was a long day, but after all, this was the first National Holiday since Bishop and the comrades had been assassinated. Other administrations could have done the same thing, but they chose not to. There had been at least two administrations since the assassinations but, to repeat, none thought it worthy to institute a National holiday. The eternal credit goes to Prime Minister Dickon A.T. Mitchell for making it happen. Now there will be an Annual National Holiday! Returning to the hotel after breakfast, and it always seemed like we were on the run before the call to attend the business at hand. Again, the long twisting, turning ascending travel through the narrow streets of Grenada. We reached the huge stadium and were gathered in a room for VIPs. There was a light refreshments prepared. Most of the participants in the ceremony were in the room getting a chance to meet and greet. We were guided to our special seats, Dr. Ron Daniels and Don Rojas, who before Prime Minister Maurice Bishop was our Director of Communications when I chaired the BUF/NBUF. They were apart of the ceremony. There were speeches by the Prime Minister Bishop’s wife and other dignitaries. There were cultural presentations and even short segment of a play that had been written capturing the day of the assassination. When I sat in the VIP section of the stadium, I remembered the first anniversary of the revolution back in March 1979. I do not think it was the same stadium. How proud and happy and pleased I was enjoying the Celebration. This ceremony had none of the joy, happiness, and feeling of accomplishment that we had 40 years before. But I was proud to have known Bishop and having been apart of the Grenadian Revolution we adopted the slogan, “Forward Ever, Backward Never!” We had learned from the Grenadian Revolution. After the ceremony it was the Wreath Laying at the site of the assassination. This was the saddest moment of all. We went forth to where it took place. It was an eerie feeling as we surveyed the surroundings. The part of the old fort that we were in were made of stone that had since crumbled to the ground. Part of the wall was torn down, windows were broken, the entire place had dilapidated, debris scattered everywhere. But the wall where Bishop and the comrades stood and was mulled down with philasaud of bullets was still there. The marks of the bullets entrance in the walls were marked off with little flags. It was a steep climb up narrow steps to where would place the wreath, the actual site where they had been staying. A heavy silence as each one move forward with a wreath and stood transfixed against the wall. In the silence, You could hear the wind seemingly playing a sad melancholy melody. I was asked to make remarks. Again, I rehearsed my friendship with Maurice Bishop and members of the movement: You can kill the dreamer, but you can’t kill the dream! You can kill the revolutionary but you can’t kill the revolution! The spirit of Maurice Bishop will live on forever. I quoted Marcus Garvey, another son of Caribbean heritage said, “look for me in the whirlwind.” We will look for Bishop in the whirlwind of revolutions across the world. We will look for Bishop where children play or study. We will look for Bishop wherever people are impoverished and look for their rights. We will look for Bishop and you’ll hear him say, “Forward Ever Backward Never.” After the remarks we moved to the actual wall. People stood lost in their own thoughts. And some reached out to touch it as if to embrace the very site. Along the wall my grandson Minister Lorenzo pointed out there were little flags in the wall where the bullet holes had gone. Some of the bullets obviously went through the bodies of the 19 persons assassinated there. Riding back to the hotel seems longer than before and surely the quietness pervaded our suv. After again a quick bite we were back on the road again to a Candlelight Vigil. Herb Boyd, columnist for the Amsterdam News and Member of the Delegation captures the Candlelight Vigil. He says, "But they may have been surpassed by the beams of the nineteen spotlights that lit up the night sky on St. George’s waterfront. A beam illuminated the sky above the hundreds gathered there, many of them hoisting their flaming candles or contributing their bright cell phones to the memory of Bishop and the fallen martyrs. The beams blended and embellished the moonlight and a blinking, circling drone that documented the scene." Again I made remarks really repeating what I already said. But this time my shouts of “Forward Ever, Backward Never” was met with a louder response. The candlelight vigil was among the masses of people therefore more emotional expressions. I felt very much at home. In fact I went among the people shaking hands and embracing. The silence was deeper than before when we returned to the hotel. October 20 - Friday We had a 9am meeting with Prime Minister. Once more up the winding roads until we reached the office of the Prime Minister. He was prompt, and his decorum bespoke strength and courage. He was surprisingly youthful looking. Dr. Ron as usual laid out IBW’s agenda. We all introduced ourselves. I brought along some of my soon to be released publication, The Passing of Giants of the Human Spirit. The Prime Minister, when he came into the room took the head seat at the table. I offered him the book that I had dedicated to Prime Minister Bishop, Carol McIntosh and the Grenadian people. He graciously came from the head of the table to where I was seated and received the volume and I was very grateful. When the meeting was over, we did a group photo. It was my wife Dr. Karen Daughtry’s birthday and it was our travel day from Grenada. It was time to leave Grenada and the memories will be with me forever. Our departure flight was scheduled for 5pm. Riding to the flight with us were Herb Boyd, and Milton Alimonta. As the big bird flew through the night I kept thinking of the influence of Grenada and all that I recorded and so much more which I have not recorded. October 21st Saturday Sister Gwen Wilson On Sat. 10/22/23 we gathered at the Alonzo Daughtry (my father) Memorial Day Care Center to remember and honor Sister Gwen Wilson who served as Chairperson of the Board of Directors for forty three years and member of the House of the Lord Church for fifty years. Rev. Dr. Karen S. Daughtry, Executive Director, conceive the idea, that given Sister Gwen many years of dedicated service she should be honored with the Multi Purpose Room be given her name. October 22nd Sunday Jersey City Sunday service On Sun. 10/22/23 we, Sheryl Mayes, Genell Leak, and members of our Church The House of the Lord in Jersey City, participated in a March and Rally for Andrew Washington. Andrew was killed by the police. He had mental challenges. The family called the medical people for help. The police came. While the family stood outside, pleading to came in and talk to Andrew, the police shot to death. Similar to the case in Englewood N.J. with Bernard Placide. The event was organized by the family on Andrew, Toni Irwin and Denise and Black Panther Party. After a long March, starting and stopping at police precincts, it ended in Lincoln Park. The family plan to continue the fight for Justice for Andrew.

President Netanyahu has declared he plans to annihilate Hamas for its attack on Israel. Firstly, let us agree that the first casualty of war is truth. The enemy is demonized. They bomb hospitals, schools, children’s playground, residential areas; they rape women and little girls and cut off the heads of babies: the enemy is a terrorist. On the other hand, my side obey all the UN rules of war. When Mr. Netanyahu says he will destroy Hamas, surely he knows that he can destroy some people, call them what you will, but he and all the people who believe as he does, will never be able to destroy the idea that drives Hamas-their own Independent State, and all that that means. I don’t want to speak for Hamas, but think everybody knows where of I speak. There will never be peace until there are two Independent States, each free to go it’s own way, mutual respect for each other, cooperating where possible. Without the two States Solution, there will continue to be war, death and destruction. And the people, Israelis and Palestinians, and each side’s loved ones and supporters; the children, babies; the structures, the creations of human genius all destroyed- death, destruction, homelessness while the leaders stay safely secure, in comfortable, even luxurious amenities while talking war death and destruction with other people’s lives. I watched with a heavy heart little children holding adults hands leaving Gaza as fast as they can, so it is with countless others. Does anybody in his/her right mind think that these children- these young people,in particular, but all people in general, will ever forget- forget that once upon time, for centuries they had land, homes now they are running for their lives never to return home again. I pray when this period of human madness is over, world leaders will insist, employing whatever means necessary, on peace, and the establishment of a two State solution! Part II Sun. 10/15/23. It is now 6:24a, I have been up most of the night, waiting for the Israeli invasion. It didn’t happen. But that doesn’t mean that the bombardment has ceased and strategic excursions into Gaza is not happening: No indeed. According to one report, 700 are children. Remember, half the two million population are children. So, unless there is peace along the way, there will be generations of wars. As these children are killed, wounded, standing alone crying, running, they know not where, we are witnessing the Hamas of the future. Remember Arafat and the PLO the Palestine Liberation Organization. We were told they were the problem. They were the terrorists. They are gone now, at least some of the people are gone and the name is gone, but the war continue! Let us continue to pray, and work and advocate for peace! Part III Sitting here, in Grenada WI, reflecting on the day’s series of events in Commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of the assassination of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop and others, I couldn’t get Gaza off my mind… Is it war plus genocide? Or just plain genocide? Or just plain old war? The graphic pictures that we see via technology, electronic and print are too horrific, indiscriminate; old men and women, boys and girls, even babies, residential areas, recently, a hospital was bombed, with each side blaming the other. Additionally, there is no way out and Israel controls the electricity and the water. The people, are without lights,heat, food, water and even shelter. The people are on the move, trying to navigate the broken, debris strewn roads while carrying babies in arms and or holding their hands. Decent, fair minded people with even a little compassion are asking, when will Israel have satisfied it’s desire for revenge? Some say Israel wants to occupy the land. Pray! Work! Advocate! For peace and solution that will be mutually beneficial to all side. SAVE THE PLANET! SAVE THE PEOPLE!

There are two major events that continuity compels me to relate: 1. Minister Clemson Brown Memorial Ceremony 2. Traveling & Thinking out loud with the People’s Pastor First, I will relate or record the memorial ceremony that happened just last Saturday, September 23, 2023. The memorial was a moving experience of joy and sadness. There were glowing praises for Minister Clemson Brown by all of the fourteen speakers. I was asked to be the moderator, of course I thought I did a good job, after all I had to negotiate all these superstars and performers. The welcome was delivered by Rev. Dr. Karen Daughtry, Pastor of the House of the Lord Church who recounted the history of the church and it being the center, the gathering place for the Black power, Pan Africanist, Nationalist movement in the 70s and 80s. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testament with comments was read by Elder Alphonso Martin Sr., Unity Church, Woodbridge, VA. Libations for Minister Clemson Brown and our ancestors, Queen Mother Yaa Asantewaa. In addition to being moderator I was asked to do a tribute which I did most of which I have already posts and newspaper articles. Among the speakers were Councilman Charles Barron and his wife, former Council member Inez Barron, Rev. Dr. Garett Johnson, Pastor of Black Liberation Church. There were African drummers and dancers followed by more speakers, Michael Graves, Co-Founder of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement; Special solo by Sis. Peggy Washington, longtime member of our church who was both activist and artist in the movement years ago; Graham Witherspoon, the Amadou Diallo foundation and Dr. Leonard Jeffries, Elder Cortez L. Stallings, Jr., Mount Lebanon Baptist Church in Brooklyn. All the way from Cobb County, Glenn Duncan Brody, Jr., Clemson Jr. Was the last speaker. Instrumentalist music was supplied by T.C. Saxman, a saxophonist. I was asked to do closing remarks. Now it was about 5:30pm and we had started at 2pm. I only thanked everyone for participating and paid special tribute to the family and I took the occasion to talk about climate change and the conference I attended last week. I knew people were weary but thought that the issue of climate change was of such importance that I should at least mention it. I invited people to register their interest in a series of workshops on climate change that I am proposing to arrange in the near future. Traveling and Thinking out Loud with the People’s Pastor Friday, 9/15/2023 Funeral of Ellen Richardson On Friday, September 15th we funeralized one of our oldest and dearest member Ellen Richardson. The funeral was in Hempstead, New York. Ellen Richardson had joined our church about fifty years ago in a very peculiar way, which spoke to the diversity of our ministry. She called our church for help with her son. We had a 24-hour prayer line at the time. She decided to attend our church service. When the service was over, the person she met was my wife, Dr. Karen S. Daughtry, now the pastor. They remained great friends from that day till the day she died although she had moved several times to different cities, but we never lost contact. There were people coming from far away like Augusta, GA and the Carolinas to attend her funeral. The rest of the day my wife and I spent reminiscing on Sis. Richardson, in fact, Deacon Richardson, I ordained her a deacon. In the evening, we decided to spend a delightful time, as much as we could, at our favorite restaurant. But the day of emotional disturbance had not ended. When I returned home, I discovered my storm door had been kicked in. Glass was shattered all over the stoop. Obviously, I was reluctant to go into the house, but when I discovered that the front door was still locked, I reasoned if someone was inside, they didn't go through the front door. So, I went into the house and no one had been inside. I called the police to investigate and make note of what had happened. They could find no force of entry. We suggested that the wasps who had setup along the storm door had angered someone to the extent that they were enraged kicked the storm door and broke the glass. The next day we had the pest control people to take care of the nest and spray all around the house. My concern was that there was other vandalism. The back window of my car had been broken by a brick thrown through it. Thus, I immediately put the two together. I had marchers in front of my home. But I’m glad to report that all seems to end well. Saturday 9/16/2023 After breakfast we spent the day on the telephone reading and writing, preparing for the big event in the evening. It was the second anniversary for Eric Garner. It was held in Staten Island, NY at the Pavilion on the Terrace. It was a beautiful place; everything was artistically arranged. I understand its owned by a Black woman. The event was sponsored by Mrs. Carr and family. MC was none other than Rev. Ben Chavers. He was the youngest of the Wilmington Ten, as they were called, and received a long sentence and finally when he was released, he continued the struggle. We have known each other since the time he was released and we have fought many battles together. Speakers included: New York Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, Manhattan District Attorney of African Ancestry, Alvin Braggs, and I made remarks. I said, Rev. Chavers counted 28 mothers and a father present. As much as I would like to, I will not start calling names and I said all of you are Superstars. I related how I came by the term as an unofficial chaplain for the New York Jets, professional football team. I asked myself the question, what makes Superstars. All the players are professionals at that level. But what makes one player super special and I came to the conclusion that not only on the football field, but in life, Superstars can perform their duties at a high level of efficiency while in pain. I related how one of my favorite players was Winston Hill who was having challenges, but played his usual effective game. So, I said to the mothers, all of you are Superstars, while you’re hurting, you’re helping. Why do superstars play hurt? I asked myself, because they know people are depending on them. In football Winston Hill knew that his teammates were depending on him and he knew that the fans/supporters were depending on him and he had to do his best regardless of the pain. And so, you mothers, while hurting is still trying to make sure that others will have to endure the pain that you’re feeling. Jesus Christ was/is the Ultimate Superstar; He was a wounded healer as you mothers are wounded healers. Mrs. Sybrina Fulton was the spokesperson for the mothers, she said, “I hope you came to celebrate. Don’t come to us with tears or feeling sorry for us, we’re here to celebrate.” And then she said something I think we should all strive for especially those who are in the helping business. She said, “we’re not supposed to act the way we feel.” Obviously, what she meant is although we are in pain, we’re not supposed to let our pain cause others to be sad and to cry.

Attica Rebellion (09.09-13.1971); Tupac Shakur (09.13.1996); World Trade Centers (09.11.2001) September is a month with painful memorable events. Let me start with the World Trade Centers. September 11, 2001 The two world trade centers and surrounding areas came crashing to the ground as two suicide planes crashed into them. I visited the site early the next morning, September 12. The current Brooklyn Borough President, Eric Adams, who was our youth leader I chaired the National Black United Front and who was then a police lieutenant, assisted me in providing transportation and credentials that allowed me to travel from Brooklyn directly to the tower area. I spent almost the whole day surveying the horrific scene. It was unbelievable! Almost impossible to comprehend that the two tallest buildings in New York were now a pile of debris. September 9-13, 1971 But more specifically for people of African Ancestry was the rebellion of inmates in Attica Maximum-Security Correctional Facility in New York. 10 officers and 33 inmates were killed. The rebellion ended with National Guards coming into the prison shooting up or spraying bullets all over the place killing inmates and officers. I visited the prison the next day, September 14th. It seems I can still smell the teargas and I see the prison with all kinds of stuff scattered about the place. As we paused by one cell, I asked the brother who was behind the bars, “How you doin’ man?” he responded enthusiastically “I’m doing alright. What don't kill me, make me strong.” In our delegation, we were accompanied by Rev. Dr. Wyatt Walker. Dr. Walker had been Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Chief of Staff. He was then employed by Gov. Nelson Rockefeller. It was Dr. Walker who arranged the visit to Attica. Significantly, two weeks before the Attica Rebellion, George Jackson, a revolutionary and author was killed in San Quentin prison in California. They said he had a gun and tried to escape. The story, as told by the officials, was rejected by the community and impartial observers who had studied the episode. September 13, 1996 But best remembered is the death of Tupac Shakur, the famous rap artist. He was killed while in a car with Suge Knight. The following Sunday I preached a sermon about Tupac at the House of the Lord Church in Brooklyn, New York. Following is the title and the sermon: Who will weep for Tupac Shakur? A sermon delivered in the House of the Lord Church, September 15, 1996. It is now 3:15 a.m. and I am driven to put to paper some thoughts about Tupac Shakur. Gone from this life forever at least in the flesh. What shall I say of this young man who lived such a flamboyant, violent, tumultuous life and who died at 25 years old on September 13, 1996? Let me speak first to his membership in our church. Tupac’s mother, Afeni, brought him and his sister to this Holy place. The three of them stood there at the altar and united with this congregation. (Also, accompanying them was Afeni’s sister, Gloria.) He was a lad of about 10 years old. When I asked him what he wanted to be he replied, “A revolutionary.” Needless to say, I was surprised; I ought not to have been. There is a saying concerning “a chip off the old block” or “the twig doesn’t fall too far from the tree.” His mother, Afeni, who was pregnant with him while incarcerated for allegedly plotting to bomb something, later found not guilty, was a revolutionary. She was a member of the Black Panther Party. A group of young black men and women, who some years ago, created enormous fear among some whites and a certain kind of blacks. Afeni was committed to making things better for the masses. She was a revolutionary. If ‘revolution’ means complete change, she wanted that. Afeni wanted a complete change for the better and she thought this could happen with the Black Panther Party. Later she was to fall on hard times, but we are not here to tell her story, we are here to remember Tupac. Tupac, the revolutionary. He said, “I want to be a revolutionary.” Maybe that explains his life. He wanted ‘change’. I know there are those who will say that he went about it the wrong way. But I am not to judge. I will leave that to God. I confess I am not good at that sort of thing. But let us remember, “we shall be judged by the judgment we render”, says the Scripture, “You that are without sin, let him cast the first stone.” “The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones?” said Mark Antony at the death of Julius Caesar. But to say that Tupac wanted to be a revolutionary - that he wanted to change things - but that he didn’t know how is not too harsh. We disagreed with how he went about it and I think that those of us who loved him, in spite of everything, told him so. And if we would be criticized for that then criticize God too for that is where we learned it. The Bible says “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son…” Those of us who loved him can accept the criticism of his method. We wanted better from his behavior and words and we told him that. He had such prodigious talent. He was so likable when he wanted to be. Tupac had such fierce determination. He went from the gutter of extreme poverty and devastating rejection to reaching the mountaintop of success. After he joined our church, he played. He laughed. He cried. He played with other children and then Afeni took him to Baltimore. She told me he did well in school. He was smart. In the performing arts school, Tupac was an exceptional student. To be continued…

Attica Rebellion (09.09-13.1971); Tupac Shakur (09.06.1996); World Trade Centers (09.11.2001) September is a month of painful memorable events. You think I’m crazy here today. How dare I speak the name of Tupac in the same breath as Malcolm and Martin. But in our quiet thoughts removed from the influence of friends and foes, surely we will remember that rebellion takes many forms. Some construction, some destructive. Surely we will remember that sometimes suicide is but a rebellion. Is there anyone here who would argue that Tupac had no reason to rebel and that the society had given him the equal opportunity - a level of the plain field; a secure and protected and provided for childhood; a supportive environment without racism? Is there anyone who will make that argument? Why? From the very beginning, even when he was in his mother’s womb he was unjustly jailed for his mother was unjustly jailed. Put away on trumped-up charges of trying to bomb something. Who knows what trauma that caused him. Perhaps, even there in his mother’s womb, he decided to rebel. If anyone should have been put in jail at the time, it should have been J. Edgar Hoover, head of the FBI, who created a reign of terror that maimed, mistreated, and murdered countless brothers and sisters who were struggling for justice, and equality. Ironically for justice and equality, trying to make America what it claimed to be “The Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.” Had America listened and not been carried away by Hoover and other racists, America would be a better place today. And you know this is the time, 25 years ago, that the Attica uprising and slaughter occur and I keep getting a feeling that there is a connection, a link between the rebellion which took place in Attica and the death of Tupac Shakur. Black men being killed, some by their own hands, some by the hands of others, and black men being killed in a rebellion. Who will weep for Tupac Shakur? I will weep for Tupac Shakur and I will weep for all the rebels - some we like, some we don’t. I will weep for Malcolm and Martin. Yes, and I will weep for society too, for all of us. And if we can’t weep for Tupac, let us weep for ourselves - for our society, for what we are; that we have not prepared a better society for all of our children. Let us weep for ourselves until our tears turn into indignation. Let us weep until our indignation turns into determination. Let us weep until our determination turns into action. Let us weep until our action moves us to build a better society where all our children and all of us and generations to come can enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And the “Tupac Shakur”s will need to rebel no more and can turn their genius into things that are beautiful, that are lovely, that are good, and to love and celebrate for life - all life; black life and white life; male life and female life; young life and old life. “‘tis a consummation devoutly to be wished.” Oh Lord, speed the day that it might be ever so. I would like to conclude this article with a profoundly unforgettable emotional experience that I had with Tupac’s mother and family. What I’m going to do is quote directly from a booklet I wrote to commemorate her transition. The book is entitled “Remembering Afeni Shakur: Our Own Black Shining Princess”. In chapter two of the book, I wrote, “Afeni was a very caring, sensitive, and generous person.” Councilman Charles Barron who was, at the time, the Chief of Staff of the African People’s Christian Organization and my Chief of Staff during my presidency at the National Black United Front, who was a very close friend of Afeni. He wrote, “Thank you, Afeni, for being a beautiful, caring, black panther who fed hungry children breakfast and who gave out free shoes and clothing to needy black families. (I’ve already told you that Afeni joined our church bringing Tupac, Sekyiwa, and her sister Gloria, along with her.) I know this for a fact she was not only generous to my church and family. There were occasions when she asked me to take disabled grants from certain individuals and organizations. In addition to the money, she gave in various ways. After Tupac’s death and the word became known that Tupac had been a member of our church and that I was his pastor, and had spent the last months with him, I became in demand by youth groups. As I have stated, Tupac and I had never traveled together after his incarceration as I suggested we do. The money that Afeni gave us allowed me to travel and speak to groups. I felt that Tupac was with me.” In addition, it was May 30th, 2001, I will never forget the occasion, I made my biweekly stops by Afeni’s house in Atlanta, Georgia. She was in good spirits, she led me into the dining room. I wrote what happened next in my book Dear Tupac: Letters to A Son. “Your mother gave me a very pleasant surprise. She indicated that she was going to give my wife and I your (Tupac’s) dining room set. She said she thought long about it and added to the conclusion that it would be best situated in our home in Augusta, Georgia. (Your mother, Afeni, and Aunt Gloria had made several visits to our home in Augusta, Georgia.) Your mom said when she had mentioned this (giving us the dining room set) to the family, everyone was ecstatic and thought that it was the right place for it to be. She also said that it was the first major piece that you owned that she had been able to part with. Afeni had it professionally moved from Atlanta - all wrapped up and neatly placed in our home in Augusta. It is interesting and amusing that when the moving people had placed the furniture, one of them said ‘I saw Tupac all over the house where we picked up the furniture - was that Tupac’s house?’ My wife explained that it was Tupac’s mother’s house, and his mother was giving the furniture to us. My wife, Dr. Karen Smith Daughtry, openly mused about changing the color scheme of the dining room chairs. The movers of another nationality said, ‘No, leave it alone. It is what Tupac chose!’ It looks beautiful. It seemed perfect for our house. Moreover, I know that this piece of furniture that you picked out and to contemplate your sitting at the dining room table eating and writing, too. Maybe more writing than eating is strongly exhilarating…’ I take great pride in showing the dining room set to everyone who comes into my house. I use the occasion to talk about Tupac and Afeni, the Black Panthers, and the Liberation Movement. People are usually surprised to know that Tupac had purchased the dining room set. I would explain that he had a public persona that didn’t always agree with his private life. The many marvelous things that he did were seldom if ever mentioned in most of the portrayals of his life. Well, 16 years, the furniture still sits where it was originally placed. It is a perpetual reminder of a beautiful, generous, deeply religious, and totally committed sister, and her talented son. To be continued…

Attica Rebellion (09.09-13.1971); Tupac Shakur (09.06.1996); World Trade Centers (09.11.2001) September is a month of painful memorable events. In the same book I wrote, “Then one morning at 1:30 AM, my wife called me into the dining room. There was excitement in her voice. She wanted to show me the china that she had placed in the cabinet. She had been up all night, shining, polishing, and arranging the furniture. The china, all of it was gold-tainted and it was absolutely gorgeous. When she looked at the bottom of each piece, what she saw blew her mind, and mine, too. Each piece appeared to have been custom-made and the price tag was still attached. It was startling what each piece cost, and there was a complete set of eight. We stood around the table, marveling at each piece. Even more, fascinated now that we knew the price. When we totaled the price tags, the cost was astronomical. There was another consideration for me that was equally important. I’m not sure how much if at all, Tupac used these pieces, but the sizable investment suggested he had something in mind. A dining room set brings to mind family sitting together, eating, laughing, conversing, and having a good time - even if only during the holidays. I felt certain that Tupac must have had family in mind when he purchased the dining room set, especially knowing that he and his mother, sister, and entire family were very close.” Afeni gave me another priceless gift - an impressive collection of 14-CD with a large record entitled ‘From My Mind 2 the Depths of My Soul’. They were placed inside a black-emerald frame with the words, ‘Presented to Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry to commemorate RIAA-Certified combined sales of more than 35 million copies of the Amaru Entertainment Gold and Platinum album, compact discs, and cassettes.’ The CD Collection included: 2Pacalypse Now, Strictly 4 My N.I.G.G.A.Z, Me Against the World, All Eyes on Me, Thug Life, Wild Wild West: Gang-Related, Gridlocked, Makzely: The Don Killuminati, Above the Rim, Are You Still Down (Remember Me)? Until The End of Time, The Rose That Grew From Concrete, Greatest Hits, and Still, I Rise. And still, there was another gift. Afeni wrote the introduction to my book, ‘Dear Tupac, Letters To A Son.’ In her own words, she expressed the anguish of losing her son, gratitude for the support of family and friends, deep religious faith, and the mutual admiration that Tupac and I had for each other. The following is her introduction: ‘In this life, no mother expects to outlive her children, yet fate sometimes deals us with this painful blow. With each anniversary of my son’s death, the void in my heart is intensified when I reflect upon the enormity of what Tupac accomplished in so few years and the contributions he would have made, had he lived. When the pain of loss overwhelms me, I look within and seek solace in prayer and comfort from the love of family and friends. During our sojourn on this planet, we meet people and develop relationships. Some acquaintances are fleeting, others for a time, some forever. More than 30 years ago accompanied by my sister Gloria, with Tupac and Sekyiwa in tow, we joined the House of the Lord Church pastored by the Reverend Dr. Herbert Daughtry. He entered my life and has become a ‘rock in a weary land' for me and for my family. The Pastor and I have a wonderful relationship, but the bond that developed between him and Tupac can only be called remarkable. Drawing upon a spiritual bond of mutual love and respect, Pastor Daughtry pays homage to Tupac in a candid dialogue remembering past conversations they had together. Each letter evolves into a broader picture of a kind, sensitive, and loving young man. That young man is the son I knew and would like to share with you.’ But the greatest gifts to all of us were her love and her son - Tupac Amaru Shakur.’ So, when September rolls around, most specifically September 13, I think of the aforementioned events. Particularly I remember Tupac. I think often of him, not only during September, but during days whenever I hear rap or pass the Bellevue Hospital driving along the FDR Highway, and sometimes from out of nowhere, he comes to my mind. I wonder why he was so set in his conviction that he wasn’t going to live long but with his mother, I wonder what he would’ve accomplished had he lived longer, say around 15 to 25 years. Especially do I think of him when I’m speaking to young people. I have used quotes from our conversations and his records more times than I can remember. At the top of the list of quotes is the reference to how he achieved his vision. Do you remember I told you when he wanted to achieve anything, he would find a picture and put it on the wall over his bed? He would stare at the picture on the wall daily. He would not sleep in the bed until he accomplished what he put on the wall. That reference always drew applause. I will continue to think of him and share the memory until the end of my days. No, we never did get a chance to rap together in the flesh but in the spirit, we have together countless times as I have addressed crowds large and small. And I see the big goofy smile when I first mention to him the idea of our traveling together. Him rapping first and then letting me rap.

Attica Rebellion (09.09-13.1971); Tupac Shakur (09.06.1996); World Trade Centers (09.11.2001) September is a month with painful memorable events. I felt particularly elated on one visit when a decision had to be made on which one of his records should be released. He asked me my opinion. He described what the records were about. I then gave him my opinion. That is the decision he made. It was not all serious. It was not all complaints and soberness. We had some light moments. Of course, you couldn’t be around Tupac too long without laughter and fun times. His departure from the hospital after I prayed for him, we really got a big laugh out of that. I would say, “Do you realize that 30 minutes after I prayed for you, you came back from the jaws of death. You are special. God has a special work for you to do. When you are out, you better do the right thing.” He would laugh and say, “Yeah, I know, I know.” When I would say, “You’re special. Do you hear me? God has given you special talents, watched over you, raised you up, you better do the right thing!” He mentioned this cousin who was a preacher who always told him the same thing. Maybe, if there is any criticism - maybe, maybe, what appears to some of us to be this confused, complex behavior, maybe, maybe it all stemmed from his fleeing from God. His fighting, his struggling was hit bottom, not against society, surely, that too. But at the bottom, he was running away from God. Like Jonah of the Bible, he ran away from God. He created trouble and problems on the ship from which he tried to escape. The people on the ship decided to throw him into the sea where a big fish was there to swallow him up and once he confessed, and agreed to do God’s will, the fish spit him up on shore. And Jonah did what God wanted him to do. Tupac ran away. He was thrown overboard but there was no big fish to swallow him up and spit him onshore. Or maybe another way of saying, it is when he was swallowed up by the jail system and spit back out on the streets, unlike Jonah, he… well. So, to return to the prayer. I would say to him, “There are three special prayers the Lord answered when I prayed. One was you; praying you off the deathbed so that in thirty minutes you could get up and leave.” And there was another prayer that had to do with the Gulf War. I told him how I was invited to Washington to pray in the US House of Representatives. Of course, I prayed that God would end the war in the Gulf. On my way back home that evening while riding in the car, I heard that President Bush had stopped the war. When I arrived home, I called back to Washington and told the people there, “Next time you have a war, or some big problem, don’t take so long to call me!” And then I would tell him how I prayed at the Democratic National Committee meeting after the 1992 Democratic Convention, and Clinton and Gore were elected. We would have a big laugh. Then I would say, “If you ever have a big problem - don’t bother me with little stuff - but if you ever have a big problem, let me know. Send for me.” Alas, he had a big problem but he didn’t send to me. I regret I was not there. Maybe it would have been useless - maybe he knew it. I continued to visit him even upstate at Clinton Correctional Facility. He was married there. We continued to make plans about doing good things. He had refined his Atlanta plans somewhat. It was the last time I saw him. Now he is gone - gone forever - at least in the flesh. But in some ways, he will never be finally gone. His music will always be with us and the factors and forces which shaped him and drove him will be around for a long time. Yes, he’s gone - and some will say, “Good riddance.” Some will laugh and some will cry. Some will ask, “Who will weep for Tupac Shakur?” and to that crowd and to the world I will say “I will weep for Tupac Shakur.” I will weep for the young man I knew. I will weep for Tupac and for all of the rap artists, for the good and the bad; for all of them and for us who are being persuaded and programmed by forces which some of us only dimly understand, and some of us understand not at all. I will weep for Tupac for he is but the reflection of the larger society. On the one side, he is the victim of racist forces which wreaked havoc upon his ancestors and still continue to wreak havoc upon people of African ancestry, and on the other side glorifies the sex and violence for which it condemns him. Tupac understood this and he fought and organized, twisted and squirmed, tossed and turned as he realized that he reflected the very society that he hated. I will weep for Tupac. Yes, and I will weep for all young black males especially those who are both the victims and the victimizers of this violent and hypocritical, materialistic, racist society. And I will weep for the parents, especially the mother. For always there are the mothers which in itself is instructive. I will weep for the mothers of these slain youths and the mothers of the youth that did the slaying. Yes, I will weep for Afeni who has known bitter disappointment and now another dream, her son. Her only son is dashed upon the rocks. I will weep for Tupac Shakur. For all that he was and for all that he could have been. I will weep for all black youth whose very survival is at stake - all that diseases don’t get, the drugs get. All that the drugs don’t get, violence gets - violence at their own hands and violence by the society, especially the police and racist murderers. And all that the violence doesn’t get, penitentiaries don’t get, the quite silent slow killers get; the miseducation, the joblessness, the denial of goods and services, the dilapidated houses and filthy streets. I will weep for them all. I will weep for Yusuf Hawkins. I will weep for Randy Evans. I will weep for Jay Parker. I will weep for Arthur Miller; I will weep for Tupac. He is our son. He is our child and his rebellion was just as real and against the same forces that caused the rebellion although of a different kind, of Malcolm and Martin. To be continued…