I N P A S S I N G
In Loving Memory of Yictove (Eugene Melvin Turk) February 28, 1946 – July 29, 2007 Written by daughter, Chiemyah Lunn Edited by friend, Sandra L. West Eugene Melvin Turk, born February 28, 1946 in New Orleans, Louisiana and died July 29, 2007 in Newark, New Jersey, was known to most as “Yictove.” He is survived by his daughter Chiemyah Lunn; and his four siblings Erna Blazio, Ann Lecompte, Consuello Elizabeth Battin, and John Carl Turk. He is preceded in death by his loving parents Eugene and Malvina Turk. Yictove cherished life and embraced every moment, and he leaves many fond memories. He was a gentle, loving man and possessed many great qualities. He was a loving father; a wonderful and caring brother to his three sisters and brother, and a dedicated friend to many. I was blessed to have been given away by my dad at my wedding on June 9, 2007 in Santa Monica, California to Philip, Nicholas and Christian Lunn, which brought him great joy and two new grandsons. My dad was a brilliant poet, artist and chef. He published two books of poetry—D.J. Soliloquy was one title and Blue Print was another —and he was working on his third. He also had a CD, titled My Life, My Story. He was very dedicated to the artistry of writing and creating music. In his life he mentored a host of students at high schools throughout New Jersey, including East Orange High School, and taught creative writing through the local libraries such as East Orange Public Library. He touched many with his optimism and creativity. He believed that everyone had the same potential to express himself or herself creatively as well. He spoke and taught Hebrew, living a very spiritual life as an Israelite. From his spiritual life, he elected his name Yictove, which means “He will write.” He loved to travel all over he world. Some of the places he loved most were Jamaica, Venice, California, and Amsterdam. He had an extensive collection of music and enjoyed unique sounds and the energy of multicultural music. Dad, I admire the way you lived; such spirit and conviction! You inspired me. You made me think, you made me laugh, you made me proud that you were the Father in my life. © Printed with permission from the online journal Chickenbones: A Journal for Literary & Artistic African-American Themes. To enjoy the tribute to Yictove visit: www.nathanielturner.com/yictoveobituary.htm. 8
african Voices
Jamming By Yictove I’ll be jammin on the board tonight Jammin until the daylight Jammin in a calculated dream supervising a personal scheme in florescent light. I’ll be jammin on my board tonight. Local DJ him say, “I don’t want strictly lyrics to play.” I’ll be jammin on my board tonight. A lady in the balcony she’s screamin, “Throw a sweet kiss to me” while I’m jammin on my board tonight. Celebrate each and every day. Joyous words you can hear me say-Jammin on my board tonight. Began jammin at a tender age. They put my picture upon the fruit page. Share the same philosophy, get up and come with me. You put the jam in overdrive just enough to keep the jam alive. . If I ever go to France, I’ll step up to the mike and make the people dance If I ever got to Hong Kong I’ll make the people chant along. Jammin on my board tonight. Jammin through sweet morning light Jammin on your stereo only because you want a little more. Called my baby on the phone. She said she was jammin in the Tropic Zone. Jammin on my board tonight. Jammin cause it feels just right. Jammin on my board tonight.