New Orleans remembering Nayo

Date: Wed, 23 Jan 2008 11:46:19 -0500
Subject: [altroots] New Orleans remembering Nayo

A substantial group of ROOTers gathered in New Orleans last night, at the home of Mat Schwarzman and Mimi Zarsky, to remember Nayo. John and Bertha O'Neal, Kathy Randels, Bruce France, Nick Slie, Ashley Sparks, Kathie deNobriga, MK Wegmann and myself offered stories, a few songs, many laughs and some tears to commemorate the passing of a woman who had a profound effect on us all. John told of how Nayo moved to New Orleans ­ unexpectedly, into his apartment, with four children in tow. Nick remembered asking Nayo her age and being dressed down vehemently, and feeling like it was sort of an honor to get that kind of a talking-to. We laughed long and hard about Nayo and Andrea Assaf marching on the ExComm at the first ROOTS meeting at Lutheridge, leading a group of people with post-it notes on their heads ("we marched on ourselves!). Kathy noted that Nayo's passing means that we all have to speak up more, since she's no longer here to do it for us.

Many other remembrances passed around the room, and it was a time to honor other ROOTers who have left us as well ­ Adora Dupree, Kenneth Raphael, Ronnog Seaberg, and Nayo's son, Mekye Malcolm. Much praise was given for the foresight of honoring Nayo on the opening night of the 2007 ROOTS meeting. "Give me the roses while I live," as the old song says.

She was a force, Mama Nayo. I know I'm a better human for having known her.

Peace and much love.
Lisa