Montraze "King of the Gate" Slater by N Goodson

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free, I’m following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, to laugh, To love, to work or play. Tasks undone must stay that way

I’ve found that peace at the close of the day. If parting has left a void, Then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss, Ah, yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow

I wish for you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life’s been full, I savored much Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief, Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief. Lift up your hearts and share with me, God wants me now, He set me free.

Remembering Traze

I want to thank Montraze Slater for all the encouraging words, positivity, and love that he has given me over the years. From being all the way down with the street life to coming home from Federal Prison with a different mindset and changing my life to do better. He would always let me know how proud he was to see that and that my change was not going unnoticed. He would inform me about his plans for our youth and invite me to be apart of that. So as we Celebrate the life of Montraze next week let's also Celebrate his Mother for sharing him with all of us. This strong Black Queen raised a man with so much character, values and compassion for his people and I want to thank her for giving that to us because I know a man with such high character had to value his mother and her teachings. My condolences to his entire

It was all good just a week ago…..

He literally Went on the Road with me to Protect me…

In 2016 I endured one of the most horrible things that has ever happened to me.. I was attacked by someone I worked for and trusted.. When I got back to ATL after the incident Montraze was at the airport waiting on me! (Ready for whatever I needed and wanted to do) long story short he helped me Get all my belongings and Said “Ashima I Got you! Just chill with me until you figure this out! He never folded on me nor did he tell my business.. nobody actually knew what happened but HIM!! It took days, weeks and months for me to get back out on the road again.. it was hard because I was Paranoid and still in Shock and Embarrassed about what had happened to me.. But slowly and surely I got back to work.. And Montraze was right by my side with a look

days, weeks and months for me to get back out on the road again.. it was hard because I was Paranoid and still in Shock and Embarrassed about what had happened to me.. But slowly and surely I got back to work.. And Montraze was right by my side with a look on his face That DARED ANYONE TO SAY ANYTHING OR DO ANYTHING

INAPPROPRIATE TO ME!! He helped me get through some Hard days just by giving me tough love and laughter! (he called it training) I honestly don’t know how I could’ve got through it without him…I’m so glad I gave you your

flowers and appreciation while you was still here on earth!! MAN WE BALLED!!! I can hear you now saying “KEEP GOING!” And that exactly what I plan to do.. I LOVE YOU MY GUY

#LATEGATE

#LEGENDSNEVERDIE

#SLATERPALOOZA

- Ashima Franklin

You always laughed when I called you Montraze…I’ll never forget the first time you introduced me on stage….”Valenciagooooo”! No matter where we were you always said in a nice calm voice…EVERYTIME no matter how loud it was around: “Whats up Miss Valenciagooooo how are you?” I remember we hosted this party together……you made my Valentine’s Day that year….You really had a pure heart and a brilliant mind for the culture. If I ever made a post you Dre Day and Taye Hov were gone get a notification period…This hurt soooooo soo bad….I wish it wasn’t true…I’m going to miss you Brother.

#LateGateSlate

#LLBabyGate #LLSlate

- Valenciago Nicole

You always laughed when I called you Montraze…

This world is SO CRUEL…

Slate…A heart of gold who aimed to change the world by simply being a vessel of empowerment and love… One who had a smile that lit up a room and a mentality of strength and encouragement…

With a voice of assurance, hope and love for everyone… when he spoke…everyone listened … I am so sorry … To add to his impeccable resume … Due to announce 4.17.23 … Montraze Slater was about to spread his greatness over the airwaves of Nspire U On Air

~ Late with Slate ~ …

Featuring “Everything comes through the Gate” - A way for him to share resources for those in need and to help people make choices to steer their lives in a better direction … He just wanted to #ChekN to the masses… All he ever tried to do was help others … So selfless … So Supportive… A truly good person ~ You definitely were the best fit to inspire everyone … We had so many conversations about everything but right now… I don’t have the words at all …

I’m so sorry Slate … I do not understand… You didn’t deserve this … This is NOT FAIR!! At the end of every conversation, you would say “We locked in Bam” … Yes we are… Always & Forever

A brother and friend to so many …

Your grandmother and mother raised a King and your excellence will forever reign.

#MyGeminiBrother

#LongLiveLateGateSlate

- Amberly Bambie Harris

On Easter morning, we lost a shining star from Mobile and a legendary alumnus of Alabama A&M University. A victim of senseless violence, Montraze Khalil Akil Slater was a transformative community leader that genuinely inspired countless men and women to be anything their mind could conceive. Big brother, I am numb and have chills. No words, theology or philosophy can express this pain. You have inspired so many of us to grow, be our best, and always play our part in being a Keeper of The Gate, which means Chek-N on your community and always be there for anyone in the village in need. From Stephens Hall 2nd floor at A&M to our mothers’ opening their homes to welcome us, our friendship moved to brotherhood as we inspired one another along life’s path. I never witnessed you being judgmental toward a single soul. In fact, your

philosophy was that of offering anyone in need a little encouragement to make sure they had enough to make it through tough times. You literally gave the shirt off your back or the last piece of your bread to make sure someone else could feed themselves or their children. Slate, you used your major in Telecommunication to be an effective negotiator, social worker, orator, and community advocate for peace and reconciliation while hosting and keeping the party alive. Your knowledge of world affairs and history found many of us in deep conversation about psychology while OutKast synthesized lyrics about the 13th Floor/ Growing Old. You wanted everyone to be great and search beyond their horizon and experience more. So, when job opportunities were offered, it was you who encouraged us to take them, start families, get exposure,

and see more. We lived through you, and you lived through us. You are a once in a lifetime friend. You returned to Mobile to heal and rebuild your community, enlighten the next generation, and bring voice to the voiceless. We lost a shining star on Easter morning. As The Marathon Continues, we must find light during this pain to continue Your work to heal the village, teach the kids, and make sure all orphans and mothers are safe. Slate, you will forever be missed, but never forgotten. Hold Down and keep the gate open until we meet again.

-Ezell

a Son…

To one of the strongest women I know, Montraze’s mom Chelice, we thank you for him because without you, we would have never had the opportunity to know and love

a Brother…

My brothers and I are day, night, and in between. We were raised to be ourselves. Montraze is funny as hell but if you ever cross him and he feels disrespected you are going to hear about it! Thad has always been very nice and humble. He never really said much. He would always just look at me and Montraze speak our mind and shake his head! Then he went off and married someone who acts just like us and gave me the sister I always wanted! And I've just always been myself! And we all know that angelic person! Lol but as a whole we were raised to always look out for one another and that nothing is more important than family! Together we make up what our family like to call CHET CRAZY ASS KIDS in my Uncle Greg voice.

- Chelsea Burns

Traze, Growing up as the only child, I always wished I had a big brother. In 2009, I not only gained a big brother but also a little sister that I love so dearly. The last conversation we shared you told me how proud you were of your brother and I. I will never forget our last conversation and wish I had one more opportunity to let you know how extremely proud I am of you. The past fourteen years you have been the best big brother...EVER. Thank you for your protection, thank you for all the laughs, most importantly thank you for your love. I will always remember how mad you would get if someone else called me SIL other than Chelsea. You would be quick to say “Her name is Tiffany...she is not your sisterin-law.” Traze, your job is done here and I must say job well done. Until we see each other again, please leave the gate open.