This morning I attended another memorial service for a former colleague. I worked with this woman in my early years here on an advisory committee. We met at the airport several times waiting for the bus to return us to this little town. We shared taxis from the bus depot home since we lived a couple of blocks apart. She was a force of nature. Her scholarship studied the intersections of race, gender and work of African Canadians. Her work with rail porters and nurses provided a social history -- work that is now essential reading in the field. This research program stemmed from her advocacy and community building to reduce inequities due to race and gender. An annual lecture held on campus during African Heritage Month carries her name.
The services today covered her scholarship, advocacy, faith and personality so well. Speakers highlighted the intersections of these aspects of her life. The music highlighted these, as well. A youth African drumming group played. We sang spirituals and songs of the protest movement of the 1960s. A lovely poem by Maya Angelou spoke to the effect her passing had on those left behind. (See 'When Great Trees Fall'). It was a true celebration of life.
The song shared today was part of the services. It had been mentioned by a speaker who recalled singing it when seeing off freedom riders in the US South during the '60s. The lyrics are filled with hope. Enjoy!
We Shall Overcome -- Joan Baez
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