Steve Cokely's Home Going

As I greeted an elderly couple out front on the sidewalk, I could hear the beating of the drums. I gestured for them to follow me to join the family who’d already gathered to escort our beloved teacher, “The Minister of Information”, Steve Cokely home. Upon entering the room the combined energy of our brothers and sisters depicted the Second Line ushering his body to its final resting place. As his soul ascends ... his legacy begins, providing future generations a platform, a foundation on which to stand. The bedrock to grow from and nurture so that WE Can…

Sister Thelma began libations calling on our first ever ancestor extending on to those yet to be born. Furthering our brother through his transition afforded his place among those who have come before us. Her voice pierced with certitude and adoration, averring the ancestor in us all.

Rev. Meri Ka Ra flicked the switch on what is necessary to bring the community together, for doors to open - as needed support - is essential. Brother Abeid sang Steve’s “Anthem”, “I Love My People”! Bringing our family to its feet with his vibration, he initiated the blood flow, grounded the physical and embodied the natural wealth of our existence. As Brutha’s presented the Cokely Family with our Flag one stated, “To Not Remember Him Would Stop The Flow of Other Steve Cokely’s!” His words, this truth… were continuously reiterated throughout the night. 

Steve Cokely (Left) and Sabir Majeed (Right) of Photo Synthesis

Leimert Park 1993, Photographer Malcolm Ali 

Loved ones lined up to share their heart filled stories. The first, a sistah proclaiming he made his transition on 4/11 (“4 1 1”), “He was ALL about information!” Followed by others urging us all to, take our rightful places. Stick to his legacy. Support the Cokely Family as Brutha Steve Cokely has supported his community. Words of endearment came from his heart through their mouths, “keep trying and we will make it.” Expressions of his character illustrated his earthy nature and steadfast disposition. Utterance of his selfless dedication, his way of calling out liars, how he “made sense of everything,” composed a thesis leaving no room to assume just who Brutha Steve Cokely IS. “Radicals meet Radicals”, compelled another as he assured all that came before him spoke the truth about Brutha Steve.

Reverend Meri said it best, Brutha Steve’s appointed duty was to enlighten! Others described him as a master planner, very detailed in all he did. As one of the most influential he not only had Academic but Common sense as well. Cultivating bonds for which words need not be spoken, this National Treasure was lent to us for a purpose. His service to our community will continue to pay the price for the space he occupied. “I Will Never Stop Because of Steve Cokely!” These words, true to so many hearts say, “The Struggle Continues!” With every challenge we become more spiritually powerful. Our consciousness conjoined with lack of connection defeats this agenda.

Unfortunately, many of our teachers “put into the community without putting into themselves.” If OUR community is going to grow we must aid those tilling the soil. Our state of consciousness means nothing if we are unable to move as a unit, such conflicting acts negates the agenda forcing us to serve another’s purpose.