Lu Vason, Producer and Promoter Rememberance Program

True love is a very rare gift, and I know you are the love of my life. Our journey together was amazing with many adventures, starting with the day we met.

On January 7, 1985, when I was at the lowest point in my life after losing my mother, God introduced you to me, though the antics of your friend, Moses Brewer. I laugh because I still remember when Moses introduced himself and then asked, “Don’t you know Lu Vason?” I responded, “What is a Lu Vason?” Moses was shocked and proceeded to educate me all about you. What he didn’t tell me was that you were a ladies man. Needless to say, that did not last long!

Early in our relationship, you introduced me to some of your closest friends. They were extremely friendly but made it clear they thought I wouldn’t be with you for very long. For instance, September Brown said to me, “Girl, you will not last more than 30 days!” while sweet Glenda Barry said to you, “Do I need to remember her name?” Eugene Dewitt even asked me, “Honey, do you know what you are getting yourself into?” Those comments were enough for me to ask myself, “What have I gotten myself into?” I tried to walk away but your charm and incredible smile wouldn’t allow me, and over time we became inseparable. According to the grandkids, “you put the Lucious on me!”

We often laughed at how opposite we were. Back then I was quiet and shy but organized, while you were larger than life and surrounded by stacks of paper with your creative notes on fifty million little pieces of paper. I was always amazed that you knew where everything was and more surprised at how annoyed you got after I moved your stacks around. Over the years we learned to adapt to each other. We learned to compromise, but we still drove each other crazy. Our love became stronger than anything and everything.

I am so thankful for all you taught me and the many experiences you introduced to me. I knew nothing about a rodeo or any of the details that went into making an event successful. You gently taught me, but would run out of patience when I did not have the same enthusiasm as you. Boy, did I learn quickly about your passion and commitment to anything you did! It was quite enlightening to learn what made you tick and why.

At times, I thought your blood was black because you never had any understanding why people didn’t know Black history. Everything was black. I will never forget when you sent me black roses! I thought it was some kind of prank at first, but when I got the second delivery of black roses, I was over it. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings, but I knew I had to let you know that I was not a fan of the black roses before I got another delivery. You took it better than I thought.

What an incredible life you gave me. We traveled to many places and did a lot of silly and fun things. I remember our experiences in Japan, Hawaii, Korea, Mexico, Bermuda, St. Thomas, New York, California and every other state with the exception of the four we never got to. I remember our trip to Houston, when we went shopping at the Houston Galleria.

You decided to buy two suits at what I considered were ridiculous prices. I was well aware that you were trying to impress me. In my mind, I was thinking about how to get you to value money or more appropriately, manage it. Well, it took a lot of fussing to make sure we wouldn’t end up ‘in the poor house!”

I often heard you tell your friends how much you appreciated me and it confirmed what I felt in my heart. You didn’t have any insecurities or questions about who you were or allowing me to be your helper. You were never afraid of anything and always had a steely determination to be successful no matter what. You were a creative spirit and would never let anyone discourage you.

That being said, what man would plan a wedding in another country, fly my family and friends in and never tell me anything about it?

Yes, it was bold, but a move that made me love you even more. I was proud to become your wife and share every part of your life. I love your kids as if they are mine. I loved the fact that so many others loved and respected us enough to call us Mom and Dad and felt love and safety in our home.

The last eighteen months were a true testament of our love and commitment. I was sad that you were not feeling well. But we took comfort in knowing we were there for each other in sickness and health because love never fails. We were able to strengthen our already strong bond and share our innermost thoughts with each other. Thank you for staying as long as you did. Thank you for loving, teaching, guiding and trusting me with your heart. You demonstrated your trust, commitment and confidence in me by having me take the lead in all of your businesses, especially the rodeo. You taught me so much and I will truly miss you. Our hearts will always be connected and I will work hard to sustain your legacy.

I love you and am very glad you are in a peaceful place. Don’t think you have escaped me because I will be talking to you daily and maybe even fussing with you at times.

My heart is always yours. Love you forever.

Valeria

REMEMBRANCE OF YOU I met Lu as his cardiologist. Knowing Lu was one of the most enriching relationships of my life. Lu brought so much light to life. His laugh was equally contagious and his smile was infectious. Patients like Lu remind us why we go into medicine. My only regret is that I did not know him longer. This earth needs more people like Lu. When I last saw Lu I told him that thirty years from now I would remember him for he is now a part of my heart. All my love to Lu and the family.

Lucy Esberg, MD Monday, May 18th, I reached for the phone several times to checkin with you as part of our routine. You are not there but I know that you are smiling down on me as I wipe my tears away.

Lu was a great friend and mentor. I valued his drive and determination. He possessed a natural ability of unleashing the personal power with those who interacted with him. Lu modeled this numerous times when he challenged others, including myself, to try something different and failure was not an option. This led to the birth of Ballet for Kidz Sake and OperaJazz for Kidz Sake. You gave me the bandwidth to forge forward to make these programs happen allowing over 2100 local kids exposure to the arts. I will miss our lively debates and how we would ALWAYS end on common ground working to do things to make life better for those we encounter. I cry for purely selfish reasons. You are no longer on this earth so we can have our frequent conversations. However, each day I will look to heaven to check in on you because I know you are looking down on me expecting great things. You have enhanced and impacted my life and I am truly grateful for the amount of time I had with you on this earth.

Ken Johnson Lu Vason Presents Business Development Director A Solid Friendship Lu Vason exceeded the dictionary’s definition of a friend. Although he was many things to others, to us he was our brother and role model. Lu loved us and we loved him as though we were of the same blood. He gave us a feeling of security and let us know without words, that our bond was protected. He exemplified success, honesty, loyalty, and professionalism that inspired us to emulate.

There have been times in our lives when we needed a listening ear and sincere advice.

We knew that Lu was that guy who would do both. If we ever second-guessed our inner strength, felt alone, or questioned our choices -- a long talk with Lu left us laughing and our spirits lifted.

We will miss those long conversations, his funny laugh, and unique smile. His smile would light up a room and his laugh came from the depths of his heart.

I can only imagine how beautiful it must be to close your eyes and instead of awakening in our world, Jesus’ loving arms welcomed Lu into His. Lu is at peace. He is free. The true Comforter took him home with Him. We love you, Lu. We will miss you but we will always remember you.

Gerald and Glynis Albright

Lu Vason was an experimentalist and an example of one who lived with the belief that whatever the mind can conceive, and believe, the mind can achieve. He was the epitome of creativity – always thinking and creating outside the box. He was truly an innovator and never known to give up. Producing a rodeo for Black cowboys that traveled throughout the United States was a testament of his character and commitment to his culture. Lu Vason touched many lives, including mine, as a mentor and special friend. He had a way of making you feel special with regular greetings of “What’s up Little Girl?” And with that big old smile, “You got to be kidding,” was a regular term of excitement – followed with a very compelling and infectious laugh like only Lu could bellow out. His kindness, generosity, understanding and business savvy will always be reminiscent of Big Man, SugaBear, LuLu. Yes, the world will miss Lu Vason, but the world will never forget Lu Vason.

Rosalind “Bee” Harris Publisher, Denver Urban Spectrum When you think about Lu Vason, there are many adjectives that come to mind.

He could be described as a promoter, mentor, visionary, creative thinker, trailblazer, surrogate parent, advisor and the list goes on. But most of all, we knew him as a true friend. Lu showed us that being a friend wasn’t a big thing but it was a collection of a million small things. Even though he could be a domineering figure and at times larger than life, he paid attention to the intimate details of your life to make sure you were being taken care of and covered. God didn’t have to break the mold when he made Lu, He never finished casting it.

We love you Lu! Angela and Ken Gilkey My dear, sweet Lu………..a wonderful friend, protector and a magnificent human being! The sound of your voice and laugh will be forever etched in my heart and soul. Thank you for your love and patience and for helping me discern what is truly important in this life. God bless you for providing incredible support and encouragement. I am grateful to you for your unwavering kindness and your listening ear. I will treasure all of the times that we spent together especially our marathon lunches! Valeria, thank you for allowing me to become a part of your wonderful family and share these precious moments with Lu. Lu, your indomitable spirit will live on……I love you!

With Sincere Gratitude, Faye Wilson Tate He was many things to many of the people gathered here. To me, he was that young man that I met and mentored 50 years ago in Berkley/Oakland, California. Early on it became clear that he had a regard for knowledge and devotion to purposeful achievement.

Together we became devoted to each other - no matter the circumstances of our lives.

The written word should be deliberate and truthful. So let it be known that Lu Vason was a many faceted man that developed into one of the finest we’ve had to offer to the race and the world. I know he loved me. Be it known: I loved him.

Louis Freeman Founder of Hue-man Bookstore

“Lu’s View” Who ever knew how he sees life Too quick to judge uncharted intentions Constantly peering through private curtains Giving glimpses no one would see Failing to recognize how awesome he is A man true to self and establishing dignity.

He needs no confirmation from those who think they knew This man made by God, simple and true I’m honored by how he stands on he own, to fulfill his Intentions, no opinions he condones.

He lives with the mindset he’s got nothing to prove His eyes see success and growth through his view.

Renee Penick NEVER CAN SAY GOODBYE TO LU I can never say goodbye, at least not to my brother-friend Lu. Lu will always be bigger than life in my heart. How I will miss that large smile, hearty laugh and his teddy bear hugs. Lu wore many hats before his Stetson, mapping out his career moves, always using his best assets - his charisma and smarts. His friendship meant the world to me. He opened up his arms to embrace my children, always generous and thoughtful. He made sure to touch base whenever the Bill Pickett Rodeo came to Washington, DC. There would always be tickets for me, my son Erik and friends. I looked forward to seeing him, making sure he took care of his health but most of all to hear him call me by the nickname he gave me, “Lips,” which always put a smile on my face. I will cherish even more the holiday photos I kept of him with his lovely wife, Valeria. Lu Vason, you will always be unforgettable and irreplaceable.

Affectionately and with a heavy heart, Leola “Roscoe” Higgs Dellums I first noticed there was something special about Lu over fifty years ago when he had a small beauty shop and office on Telegraph Ave. in Oakland, CA. My good friend Beatrice Davis- McIntosh managed his beauty shop and I worked with Lu in his office as he worked his magic promoting local talent like The Whispers, The Natural Four, Jesse James, Freddie Hughes and others. When he moved to Denver the magic continued as he worked with Barry Fey, Eugene Dewitt, Linda MotleyLucente and others promoting concerts all over the country for Parliament Funkadelic, Prince, Bobby Womack, George Benson and many other musical greats. I then watched as he, with Valeria by his side, worked their magic promoting the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo all over the country, introducing all of us to amazing black cowboys and cowgirls. I’ve watched in awe as he worked his magic all of these years and I am convinced Lu never met a stranger. I also recognize I love him as much today as I did over fifty years ago. Rest in Peace, Lu. Joyce Scott Reynolds

Friday, May 22, 2015 - 11:39am Shorter Community AME Church 3100 Richard Allen Court t Denver, Colorado 80205 Reverend Dr. Timothy E. Tyler, Pastor Elder Corey Vason, Officiating Minister--Acts Full Gospel COGIC, Oakland, CA Evangelist Sherry Vason-Lea, Eulogist –Love Life COGIC, Vallejo, CA

Prelude..............................................................................................................................

Processional................................................................................................. Nathaniel Black “Never Would Have Made It“ Lu and Valeria Vason’s final walk together “Last Train Home” Musical Tribute.......................................................... Minister Lori Washington & Nathaniel Black “Take Me to the King” Prayer of Comfort...................................................................................... Pastor Larry Washington Consolation Christian Church God’s Word of Guidance...............................................................................Bishop Clyde R. Nichols Old Testament Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 New Testament I John 4:11-16 Musical Tribute..........................................................................................................Mary Louise Lee “My Tribute” Acknowledgements, Condolences, Resolutions.............................. Wil Alston, Civil Technology, Inc. Ms, Ronnie Franks, Atlanta BPIR Coordinator Musical Tribute......................................................................... Howard Johnson, Singer/Songwriter “I Won’t Complain” Obituary............................................................................................................. Instrument Speaks To be Read Silently Special Tribute.............................................................Gerald Albright, Renowned Jazz Musician “In the Garden” Words of Expression The Honorable Michael B. Hancock.....................................Mayor of City/County of Denver Acynthia Villery..................................................... Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Secretary Les Franklin........................................................................... Shaka Franklin Foundation Robert “Bob” Willis......................................................................University of Denver Jeff Douval............................................................... Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Oakland Co-Coordinator Jesse “Slugger” Guillory.............................. Former General Manager, BPIR Pam Grier................................................................... Actress/Director Glynn Turman............................. Actor/Writer/Director/Producer

Video Reflection..........................................................The Life of Lu Vason Musical Tribute......................................................Minister Lori Washington “Wind Beneath My Wings” Eulogy.............................................................Evangelist Sherry Vason-Lea United States Army Salute of Honor Viewing................................................................. Pipkin Braswell Directors Committal/Prayer/Benediction........................................Elder Corey Vason Recessional.........................................................................Shirley Murdock “Celebrate My Life” Active Pallbearers Tory Johnson t Jesse “Slugger” Guillory t Eddie Bryd Glenn Jackson t Bobby Harrison t Deon Osborne Honorary Pallbearers Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Sedgwick Haynes t Alfred Ousley t John “JD”Decluette Clarence Gipson t Andre McClain t Lynn Hart Carolyn Carter t Stephanie Haynes Honorary Pallbearers Nelson Ball t Odell Barry t Moses Brewer Les Franklin t Rae Taylor t James Wheeler t Robert “Bob” Willis Eugene DeWitt t Gary Pitts t Valencia “Faye” Wilson Tate Jody Gilbert t Michael A. Hancock Giselle McFarland t Peggy Wortham Private Cremation Denver, Colorado

Expression of Gratitude Your kind and thoughtful expression of sympathy is deeply appreciated.

Words cannot express how much we appreciate the way you have reached out to us during this huge loss of our beloved Lu. Tears were replaced with your smiles, hugs and your warm expressions which lightened our hearts.

The many cards, emails, phone calls, text messages, Facebook post, care packages, etc… touched our hearts and reassured each of us how powerful love is.

The family of Lu Vason

Lucious “Lu” Augustas Vason was born on April 6, 1939 in New Orleans, Louisiana to his parents Lucious A. Vason, Sr. and Dolly Lucas Vason.

Raised in Berkeley, California, he graduated from Berkeley High School and enrolled at Contra Costas College in Richmond, California. He left college to join the Army where his tour took him to Germany. When he returned to California, he started a career as a fashion model in print advertising for different companies. His ads appeared in various newspapers and magazines; e.g., Newsweek and Time Magazine. Vason was one of few African American models in the San Francisco Bay area at that time. He also became an extra in the movie industry with one of his most notable parts being a stand-in for Sidney Poitier in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.”

While modeling, he decided to pursue a career as a hairstylist.

He attended Alameda Beauty College and Charms in Alameda, California and became a stylist for various beauty pageants in the San Francisco Bay area. He created hair styles for celebrities like Vonetta McGee, Margaret Avery, Marilyn McCoo and Florence LaRue of the 5th Dimension. He was also the hairstylist for Patricia Harris, the first female Black Ambassador for the United States under President Kennedy, and singer/ actress Lena Horne.

Hair styling propelled Lu to begin writing newspaper articles for a small African American newspaper, the Berkeley Post.

After interviewing a member from the music group Delites, he was offered an opportunity to enter the entertainment world by becoming their manager. Vason moved on to various

management positions with the Whispers, Natural Four, and the Pointers of Pair who later became the Pointer Sisters.

From management, he gradually crossed over to promotions by becoming the lead booking agent for various artists in the Bay area and later became a concert promoter. He partnered with a friend in Denver to promote the P-Funk Tour across the United States. The P-Funk Tour and this friendship led him to settle in Denver permanently where he began working with the renowned promoter, Barry Fey. This chapter in his life led him to promote shows with some of the greatest stars in music, including Prince, Diana Ross, Earth Wind & Fire, Michael Jackson and The O’Jays.

In July 1977, he attended Cheyenne Frontier Days, the Granddaddy of Rodeos, with his assistant, Linda Motley. Vason felt the experience was exciting but lacked Black cowboys and cowgirls. His vision to start his own African American Rodeo circuit was realized in 1984 when he founded the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo. The Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo is the only African American touring rodeo in the United States and throughout the world. The rodeo has traveled to more than 33 cities across the United States and has drawn local and international media attention.

Now in its 31st year, the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo has touched hundreds of thousands of people—young, old, black and white—all over the world as they share the story of the African American cowboy and cowgirl. In truth, Lu knew that even if the history books never write the story, television never does a documentary, or the movie studios never produce a blockbuster on the big screen, the story of the Black cowboy and cowgirl will have been written in the minds and hearts

of those who have visited or participated in a Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo.

In addition to the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, Lu had his own entertainment company, Lu Vason Presents and continued to book concerts, plays and other forms of cultural activities for the community. Lu’s vision to create a jazz festival in the Denver community became a reality in 2013, when he produced the 1st Annual Denver Jazz Fest, featuring Kenny Latimore, Tower of Power, Hiroshima, Brian Culbertson and other jazz groups. In February 2015, Lu introduced Colorado to “OperaJazz,” a fusion of opera and jazz featuring internationally acclaimed mezzo soprano Angela Brown.

Lu never allowed barriers to hold him back and has been recognized by various cities and organizations from coast to

coast for his contributions to society. He has received such awards as the BM&T APEX Award for Distinguished Service, the 2005-2006 African American Voice Citizen of the Year Award, 2010 Urban Spectrum African Americans Who Make a Difference Award and the Do It Yourself Award. In 2010, Lu was inducted into the Blacks in Colorado Hall of Fame and in 2011, received the MLK Responsibility Award. In 2015, he was awarded the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Lifetime Achievement Award.

Lu was a pioneer and visionary. He believed that each of us has an obligation to our brothers, sisters and especially the children to expose and educate them about African American accomplishments, no matter the industry or activity.

Lu created Soul Strollin’ – the magazine for black tourists and Denver newcomers. The magazine provided information about where to go to purchase hair products, soul food, entertainment, and places to stay in Denver’s historic “Five Points.” Lu’s commitment to serving the black community was unmatched. When he produced the Miss Black World Pageant, Lu required that contestants be judged not only on their appearance, but also on their level of black consciousness and commitment to serve their community.

Lu was a strong advocate for black-owned businesses by utilizing them as ticket venues, limousine companies, and

always taking the performers to the black-owned restaurants and radio stations. He prioritized recycling the black dollar and played an important role in helping the black community of Denver thrive.

Lu Vason departed this life to the Lord’s embrace on May 17, 2015, in Aurora, Colorado. Those left to cherish Lu’s memory and mourn his loss include his loving and devoted wife, Valeria Howard Vason of Centennial, Colorado; his sons, Elder Corey (Sheri) Vason of Seattle, Washington and Ralph (Rena) Young, Lithonia, Georgia; five daughters, Evangelist Sherry (Cedric) Lea of Martinez, California, Brianna (Teron) Coleman of Los Angeles, California, Lashell “Yetunda” Roy of Washington, DC, Karese Young of Oakland, California, Shelly Robinson of Antioch, California; one sister, Irma Jean Vason Morrison of Pensacola, Florida; 15 grandchildren: Kylan and Lelanie Roy, Shekina, Latress and Cameron Suddeth, Breianna, Ariel, Nia and Jalen Vason, Coy Young, Ryan, Nicolas and India Young, 5 greatgrandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, surrogate children and many friends.

Lu, our brother and our friend, While God said it is time for you to come and rest, selfishly, Odell and I were not quite ready for you to leave us yet—and so abruptly--even though you tried to prepare us for this time over a year ago. In December 2013, we all left you in the hospital one evening, and I shed my tears then, because I knew I would not see you again on this side. However, you stayed with us over a year, against all medical odds, which gave you the opportunity to achieve more. It gave us the opportunity to build more dreams and memories together. We all became complacent living the blessed and wonderful life together.

We forgot that you were preparing us for the day we’d have to continue to live, as you wanted us to do, without you.

We will continue to live with Valeria, wrapped in the memories of all the adventures we had together—with all of the friends and family that surrounded you (you and I for over 4 decades). The words that will always remain a special part of our lives and hearts was you and I sharing what I thought was just between the two of us, “do I have to remember this woman’s name?” Thirty years later we know the answer. This one was true and here to stay.

Our brother and our friend, thanks for the memories- surprise wedding, Virgin Islands, Boston, Cape Code, bed and breakfast, Las Vegas, Rose Bowls, Super Bowls, rodeos, Martha’s Vineyard, Puerto Vallarta, 70 lunch group, etc. You prepared us well!

Glenda & Odell Barry Dear “Cowboy” Lu, Friends are the fruitcake of life--some nutty, some soaked in alcohol, some sweet--but mix them together and they’re our friends!

You were my true friend and I know you are finally happy like you once were. Sure, I’ll miss our Christmas Eve fellowship & annual trip to the mall to shop for our wives and our marathon evenings laughing and joking about everything under the sun. And I’ll miss you always letting me tell my jokes over & over again with you laughing as loud as when you heard it the first time!

What I loved about you was your big heart! I know what you wanted-children with no parents to be adopted (many kids called you dad), shelter for the homeless, cures for those with incurable illnesses and peace & love for everyone.

You are gone but not forgotten. Say hello to BB King and Ben E. King. I know you’re already planning a great concert with them!

You were from the good to the better to the best. You were absolutely the BEST!!! I love you, my friend!

Moses Brewer What a blessing it was to have you as a dear friend for so many years. I learned so much from you. Thank you for all of your support, allowing me to emcee a lot of your shows, and always being there for advice. We could talk for hours, and a lot of times we did. There are so many things that remind me of you, I smile and think about your heartfelt laughter. You truly made a tremendous impact, and will never be forgotten.

A piece of you lives in all of our hearts.

Much love, Becky Taylor

You were my first ad sale, my first rodeo program, my first promo-handbills, my first Website and my first TV commercial. You were first to see me cry when I first became a father. Without you, my design would not have blossomed.

Lu, you embraced me like a son. We battled, we laughed and you taught me the value of being a man, husband and friend. I will never forget the opportunities you and Valeria gave to me. Lu, you open the world to me and those around us with your dedication to family and friends. You have left a legacy that will not be forgotten. I miss you so much already. I know that God is smiling and laughing with you right now.

Jody Gilbert, Kolorgraphix HELLO LU, We’ve known each other for a lot of years, beginning with our collaboration between the city of Aurora and the Bill Pickett Rodeos in Adams County. Because of your influence and the buffalo soldiers, I bought a white mustang, Blanca B. and incorporated her into the performing arts program at the Boettcher Aurora Boys and Girls Club to expose inner city youth to Black cowboys.

We did some good things together....the Universoul Circus at the mall. I brought my whole family to the circus in New Orleans later that year.

Thanks for that beautiful belt you presented to me at the rodeo in Upper Mallboro, VA. I’ll cherish it forever. Thanks also for OperaJazz. It was spectacular, and that’s coming from a southern opera singer.

You always made me feel special. Thanks for your legacy.

So you dropped your body on Sunday.

“Soul” you on the other side...

Ciao broe.....love you!

Barbara Shannon Bannister My 44 year friendship with Lu can best be summed up as the intersection of brotherhood, joy and love. This brotherhood journey began in 1970 and included putting on concerts with artists like Roberta Flack & Donnie Hathaway.

Lu taught me the music business and shared the knowledge of how life works. He showed a brotha how to celebrate each and every day on God’s earth. Thank you, Lu for the love.

Landri Taylor Dearest Uncle Lu, I am taking this moment to thank my Heavenly Father for your presence in my life. You have always provided me with your steadfast love and support. Sometimes your words of encouragement and belief in me are what have pulled me through some of my hardest times.

I thank you for always being my friend and I will always cherish our talks. I love you, Uncle Lu and you will truly be missed. Love always and forever, your neicey.

Tracy Nelson

Over the past 20 years working with Lu, he became a, mentor, father and trusted friend that I could talk to about anything. We laughed hard, debated hard and always discussed our black history. I will miss that smile. laugh and him calling me “little girl” . and will cherish our time together always. He taught me so much about being proud to be Black in America and to embrace our culture. Because of him being in my life, I will honor him always by continuing to promote, uplift,and create new ventures to tell stories and project positive images of black people for the rest of my life.

Loving & Remembering You Always, Margo Wade-LaDrew Your Little Girl & BPIR Daughter Lu was a true survivor. He didn’t get stuck on things if they didn’t work out. He would move on to the next opportunity and would give it his all. His willingness to share ideas and mentor others was just one of his many wonderful traits. What I will miss most is his infectious laugh. His laugh was like no other. It truly could make a cloudy day sunny.

Cynthia Badie-Beard Lu Vason was a storyteller. He had a story about everyone he met and his stories were usually funny, but always with gentle humor. Lu was an educator. You rarely meet someone who could get more excited than Lu about learning some new historical fact or discovering a new talent and then find a unique and creative way of sharing it with others. Lu was persuasive. In a very subtle and self-effacing manner, even a crazy idea would become yours by the end of a conversation with him. Lu was mission-driven. It was his mission to elevate, to celebrate and to promote the Black experience in a thoughtful and entertaining way. Lu was a leader. In every event he organized, he involved community leaders and gave them a platform of visibility and recognition. Lu was a reflection of God’s love – in his light-up-the-world smile, in his warmth, in his soulful style, in his generosity and in his humble spirit. The world is a better place because of Lu Vason, but his bigger than life presence will be sorely missed.

Happy Haynes I met Lu Vason in 1974 at “The Warehouse,” a club he and Gene Dewitt owned. He was fresh out of Oakland and one of his closest friends was Bobby Seale of the Black Panthers. We met again when he heard that I was taking 20 children from the Five Points community to the Stock Show rodeo, and selflessly donated $100 to make sure every child received a souvenir. It made all of the difference in the world to those children, and he just did it. In the late 1970s, Linda Motely, Lu’s business partner at the time, handed me the torch to be Lu’s trusted associate. Lu was a true professional and an innovative visionary. He loved children and promoted their cultural enlightenment by exposing them to the best of blackness and truth. One of my funniest memories of Lu was when he accidentally gave my 12-hour old daughter a chitterlin’ from Daddy Bruce’s. His gracious smile, and his love and sacrifices for black people will never be forgotten. It was an honor and a privilege to be his friend and partner.

JuJu (Judy Barnes) Nkrumah