By Any Means Necessary
13
I don’t suggest to know all of your trials and tribulations, but I do know that I thank the Cuban government and people whose existence represents true allies of the oppressed, as their role has been clear. May they continue to be victorious. I want to thank the New Afrikan, and the true internationalists, for providing you with limited resources that assisted in your quality of life while you were in exile, for that allowed you to accomplish the many important historic events. Such a “BEAUTIFUL ONE,” the code between us. I’ve used it to address our people in light of your lesson that we are all beautiful. “If we never give up” on each other, knowing that it won’t be and, most times, it ain’t cute. It would require selfheal-ing. We would need a Red Cross to use as you taught the people of Cuba, for what acupuncture has done for us here, it would require as a movement that we never abandon our people. Not one. We can be judgmental, but we cannot leave our own on a corner of Oblivion. Nehanda, the freedom we searched for is further than we initially ideally believed, but in pursuit we found our core. We learned to believe not only in ideology, but in the soul of our people. Willingness to take and make sacrifices for that reason. You, my dear sister, have traveled in exile as the sole articulator of our dream down the road filled with optimism. “Never give up.” Awaiting signs of our people awakening. Not withstanding self-criticism. I love you, of course. The FBI and Inter-pol hunted us all over the world. You were never bitter, but brave and audacious. I know you were motivat-ed by the demonstration of our peoples’ love. Nehanda, your journey taught us that our exiles is not a casual relationship. We come from the mud, through the water and back to the mud. We don’t forget Geronimo jiJaga Pratt, Michael Cetayowa Tabor, Don D.C. Cox, and many more. They all belong to us Your transition sister, surely Allah has seen your display of love and selflessness. You will be in a place of love and we hope you will be rewarded. I’ll pray every day for your reward in paradise. My love, my sister, your happiness was infectious, so my pain and sadness seems unjustifiable in reflection of your essence. As I remember the passing of my grandmother, you were there for me. You were also there for me during my time of grief over our comrade Mtayari, and of course, Lumumba. You held me down as Anita Baker’s soulful voice sung “Sometimes”, which was always on time for “Us.” You smothered my pain with your love. I love you so much. I must teach of your lessons and sacrifices. Do not go gentle into the night, but keep the light on so we can see it and find that light, that love. BEAUTIFUL ONE. I am sure your buddies, comrades, and friends: Mtayari, Kweusi, Shaheem, Abdul, Tupac, Yes, Fulani, Afeni, Ed Brown, Yakhiziwe, Chokwe, and so many more who too are waiting and watching for the Love. You never gave up Hope. You never gave up Understanding. You never gave up on your people. What more must we do to confirm our dignity as a people? As you (And as Donny Hathaway sung) we too have “A Sack Full of Dreams." You rejected options to ensure your true convictions, respect of your conviction defining friendship, love, and ideology. Love is not just an idea, it is real. Vanesa, Hakima, I know your burdens are heavy, but know she was proud of you, and the love you surrounded her with was fuel for her soul. The sacrifices you made were tremendous. Was it worth it? History will teach its essence and value. Until then, we honor and celebrate her life’s journey. FOREVER THANKFUL. FORGIVE MY FAILURES. YOU OF ALL PEOPLE KNOW OUR INTENT. SORRY FOR NOT GETTING FREE TO ASSIST YOU. I LOVE AND LOVED YOU. NEHANDA, BEAUTIFUL ONE. I WILL BE LOVING YOU ALWAYS. SEE YOU IN THE NEXT LIFE, OR I’LL MEET YOU, INSHA ALLAH, IN PARADISE. WE CELEBRATE YOU AND WILL DANCE TO YOUR SPIRIT. Against all odds we endure. With love in our heart. Dr. Mutulu Shakur