Origin Date: January 24, 2024
Revision Date: January 25, 2024
Greetings, Dear POB! Subscribers and “aprilisms” Subscribers,
The close of 2023 and the opening of 2024 found us mourning. In the past 30 days, the transitions of Ralph K. Poynter, John Flateau, Sekou Odinga, and Viola Plummer have cut us deeply as a community of advocates, activists, organizers, and freedom-loving people. My heart aches for the families and loved ones who are feeling this the deepest. My prayers are in motion.
. . . . . .
Some years ago, my dear uncle, Rev. Sylvester Silver, eulogized a blood family member. Cloaked in grief, he shared a powerful insight. I’m paraphrasing him here: We don’t lose people when they die; we suffer no loss. We don’t disconnect from them, and they don’t disconnect from us when they shed their physical bodies and transition back to the heavenly realm. We remain connected to them for eternity.
If we treasure these giants — Poynter, Flateau, Odinga, and Plummer — and continue organizing and advocating at our premium best, then we have plenty of victories to look forward to.
So, I’m not contemplating loss this season. I’m contemplating all the parts of these giants that are honorable, selflessly sacrificial, and “for the people.” I’m wholly rejuvenated by the light they gave and the love they demonstrated. Our community is wired to their wisdom, and may that never change.
Giving Thanks!
- Ralph K. Poynter (March 21, 1934 – December 25, 2023)
- John Flateau (February 24, 1950 – December 30, 2023)
- Sekou Odinga (June 7, 1944 – January 12, 2024)
- Viola Plummer (February 16, 1937 – January 15, 2024)
To learn more about these giants, click their names: Ralph K. Poynter, Dr. John Louis Flateau, Chairwoman Viola Plummer, and Baba Sekou Odinga.
~ April