11/25/2025
While reflecting on the losses of Jamil ElAmin and Jimmy Cliff, I heard about the loss of our elder Sister and Comrade Mama Roberta McLeod. Our heart goes out to her beautiful and loving family. Here are some memories when Mass Emphasis organized a tribute in her honor, after she retired from Blackburn Center, where she served as a bridge between Howard and the Movement for over four decades. When we did our Kwame Ture Colin Powell play, she called from her hospital bed to wish us luck, snd guaranteed her staff will make sure the program wasn’t interfered with by anyone. She called the next day after we honored her with a double header, The Sisters Who Fought With Their Pens and Guerrillas Mothers and Wives our only adult play, and cried about not knowing if she was deserving on how powerful the children were. Before retiring she called and reserved spaces for us in the digital auditorium in Blackburn Center. I can’t believe one week after our Kwame Ture Children’s Tribute, the great woman who opened this door has left for a better place. I admired and adored her like thousands, who had the privilege of engaging her. Long Live Roberta McLeod and the African Fighting Spirit she displayed at HU.
