Remembering Nayo Watkins

[Calvin]

From Nia at Spirit House...

Beloved family and Friends,

As many of you already know Mama Nayo Barbara Watkins transitioned from this physical world to the next on Sunday, January 20th at about 4 p.m.

I met Mama Nayo when our director and my dear friend Phillip Shabazz brought me to her home and told me that this was to be my spiritual mother. I was told to sit at her feet and learn the ways of revolution and art. I was told to bring the young women to her for guidance, and I did. I sat at her feet often and I learned well. Later as a member of the SpiritHouse board Mama Nayo guided me in the ways of runnin this stuff. She taught me how to navigate through the difficulties of community organizing and how to be a humble participant in this struggle.
I had the great honor and privilege to be with Nayo, in her home, as she journeyed home, and though my heart is very heavy with the sadness of not enough time, I am also joyful to know that she controlled of her final journey and made her transition exactly as she wanted to. There was no fight or struggle to hold on. She snuck away, making sure there was no time for sad second guessing and heroic efforts. Bravo Mama Nayo for knowing that no matter how much we wanted to follow your wishes, we love you and may have fallen short. Please family lift her and her children up and rejoicing in her beauty.

I have learned in the last 3 months how to be gracious, humble and forgiving. "There ain't no time for all that foolish stuff" she said and all I could say was "yes mama." And when she said "Okay it's time to go home. Don't be sad the world is a better place." I said "I understand and am with you, what do you need."
My heart filled with a love I wasn't sure I had, now I know it is there. That was her gift to me. i will carry it always.

About 2 months ago Mama Nayo asked me to begin planning a second "How are the Children" symposium celebration and fundraiser that we had co-sponsored with the Meyke center a few years back. She reminded me that a community can only be measured by how it's children are doing and she said it was time to whip out the measuring tape and take a look. She'd known then, much better than I that her time was short, and asked that it happen in February. I told her I would try but didn't know if I could pull it off that soon. Weeks later I told her that the process had begun, I felt it could happen in the spring and I was on it. She smiled and said "Thank you baby I know you are."

The process has begun and you will soon be hearing about the development of the symposium.

For now light a candle and sing praises for the transition of a queen and celebrate, celebrate, celebrate the spirit of a revolutionary warrior.

--

Information about memorial service...

Family,
Mama Nayo's homegoing celebration will be held this Saturday January 26th at the Hayti Heritage Center. The time will probably be confirmed late today and I will let you know for sure. The family is thinking between about 12-5 for the service, grave site service, and repass, I will confirm later.

Mama Nayo gave specific request that folk wear African Attire or bright colors, she wants poetry, art, drums, dance and song.

There are so many people who loved Mama Nayo and many wishes to honor her so, there will be an alter build in the lobby of the Hayti. The family asks that you prepare an offering over the next few days and add it to the alter on your way in. If you are unable to attend and wish to contribute please let me know and we will find a way to make it happen.

Lastly we need food, and ushers for the repass. If you are able to prepare something please let me know asap. There will be many people traveling in from all over the country and the family is putting their trust in the triangle community to hold and host a repass that supports everyones grief and joy. Again I have faith that we can do that.

I will send a short email soon with a time confirmation other than that please let me know if you can contribute to the celebration of a queen.

Love and Light
Nia

"You already know all you need to know... It's in your bones."
-Mama Nayo Barbara Malcolm Watkins

Another great bio of Nayo, her art, and her work: http://www.communityarts.net/readingroom/archivefiles/2003/04/nayo_...

[Omisade Burney-Scott]

Here is some additional information for those who would like to make a contribution to the memory of Mama Nayo Barbara M. Watkins

From Leah Wise of the Rural Economic Justice Network

The family has established a memorial fund in her honor. Please consider making a donation to:
The Nayo Barbara M. Watkins Memorial Fund
c/o The Triangle Community fund
324 Blackwell St., Ste 1220
Durham, NC 27701

Contributions can also be made with a credit card on the website: www.trianglecf.org

Nayo was an elder and stateswoman of the Southern Movement, who was known for blending liberation politics with cultural arts and bringing truth and light to those she encountered. In recent years, REJN worked with her on the Southeast Social Forum and the US Social Forum, and she was a member of the planning team of our African American Women's Sustainability project. She also was the former wife of REJN Board member, Hollis Watkins. While she had anchored herself most in Mississippi and North Carolina, Nayo graced communities across the region with her good works, energy and spirit

[Calvin]

Message from Nia Wilson of Spirithouse (sorry if you are receiving this more than once).....

Dear all,
First thank you all for quick responses and suggestions for spaces for mama Nayo's home going. The plans are pretty much set though there are a few more detail and time confirmations that I will send out later today or early tomorrow.

Friday evening:
there will be a viewing at Burthey funeral home 1510 Fayetteville st Durham.
I believe the viewing begins at 7 pm. (I will confirm with the family)

Saturday afternoon:
The service will also be held at Burthey at 3PM and Mama Nayo will be laid to rest immediately afterwards at Beechwood Cemetery 3300 fayetteville st. in Durham.
At 5:00 we will have a celebration in honor of Nayo Barbara Malcolm Watkins in the Goodson Chapel at the Duke Divinity school (thank you Maureen Cullins). This is the place to share your poems, dance, art and song as we lift Nayo's spirit up and cradle her grieving children in our love. Nayo's daughter told me this evening that this is where they will need us, as they will have just buried their mom. Nayo requested a colorful artistic celebration honoring her beautiful spirit. I believe we will do that.

Things to consider:
The space at Burthey funeral home is limited, so the family request that friends use discretion regarding the need to attend the service. They trust that each individual knows what is best for them, and will make decisions accordingly.
One suggestion is that folks pay their respects at the viewing on Friday evening and then join in the celebration on Saturday afternoon. Again you are asked to use your own discretion regarding what is best for you.
If you would like to share a poem or song or comforting words at the celebration please let me know so that we can begin coordinating. This will also be the place to contribute to the community alter.
If you plan to cook something please let me know so that I can pass your name on to the people who are handling the food.

I will send 1 final email with time confirmations and parking details very soon. Please forward this email to anyone who I may have missed.
Thank you

Omisade Burney wrote:
Peace all~

I just received information from Leah Wise that Mama Nayo's family has established a memorial fund in her honor. I have included the information below.

If you any questions regarding your contribution, please connect with Bev Francis at the Triangle Community Foundation ( [e-mail]).

The Nayo Barbara M. Watkins Memorial Fund
c/o The Triangle Community fund
324 Blackwell St., Ste 1220
Durham, NC 27701

Contributions can also be made with a credit card on the website: www.trianglecf.org

[Calvin]

This is the press release from the family.-Attached.

[Alan McGregor]

Nayo was a mentor who demonstrated how life, art and striving for justice can be blended with deep spirit to spread hope far and wide. Thank you Nayo. You left us with so much.

Alan