La Vonda Lives...

[Ikhide]

Dear Family & Friends,

If you are reading this, I have successfully made my transition to be with my Heavenly Father. I have Lived, Laughed, and Loved. I have shared most of my life experiences & lessons with everyone I know with the intention to help those without a voice. I am overjoyed that I was able to touch as many lives as I have.Believe me when I tell you that I suffer no more, and I am in a much better place. My ancestors and I have a LOT of catching up to do...

Always remember, life is what you make it. Make it your best...you only live once.

I love you all forever,

 

La Vonda R. Staples

 

- Ikhide

 

Stalk my blog at http://www.xokigbo.com/

Follow me on Twitter: @ikhide

Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ikhide

[Abidogun, Jamaine M]

Dear Ikhide,

 

Thank you for delivering this message from our sister La Vonda.  Peace is hers.

 

-Jamaine

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[Adeshina Afolayan]

Oh dear Lord!  Oh God! 

Sent from Samsung Mobile

[Nurudeen Saliu]

May She Rest in Eternal Peace!

 

From: usaafric...@googlegroups.com [mailto:usaafric...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Ikhide
Sent: 24 January 2014 18:17
To: Toyin Falola
Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

 

Dear Family & Friends,

--

[Ayo Obe]

May dear La Vonda now rest in peace.  How like her to think in advance, of sending these words of comfort and encouragement.  She will be missed on this forum,

Ayo

I invite you to follow me on Twitter @naijama

[FJKolapo]

La Vonda R. Staples,
Warrior woman who puts death in its place.
the amazon said to let death come; "it'll see that of fear I am shorn"
"Can the eternal threatening face of a sagging sky
"Whip the farmer off planting of his corn and stocking his barn?
"Hold off, death, I've an errand for my daughter first to run.
"Death you cant harm me;
"Death you cant kill me,
"Death, you can't force me!
"This only I grant; when the worker's work is done
"And home and to rest she must need return
"And out of wear-to-work clothing she steps
"Death you are but the lady of the bedchamber
"The rasping servile hands that my work cloth must take and put away
For, see, resplendently attired, I must be off into the splendor of my royal tour."

May La Vonda's soul rest in peace/kolapo

----- Original Message -----

From: "Ikhide" <xok...@yahoo.com>
To: "Toyin Falola" <USAAfric...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2014 1:17:15 PM
Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

[blargeo...@gmail.com]

I cannot begin to explain my feelings. I am covered with goose pimples and I mourn sister Lavonda as much as any close family member.

She is family. Not with the way she has shared her last days and with courage too.

The rain is falling here in ikeja, and my tears too. No preparation can fortify one against this loss.

Rest in peace Sister Staples. Rest, rest, rest rest rest rest rest in peace!

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

---

From: Ikhide <xok...@yahoo.com>

Sender: usaafric...@googlegroups.com

Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 10:17:15 -0800 (PST)

To: Toyin Falola<USAAfric...@googlegroups.com>

ReplyTo: usaafric...@googlegroups.com

Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

[Tunji azeez]

What a woman! One of the finest I've had the honour of knowing. May she find eternal bliss. She will live on fondly in out hearts.
TA

---

From: Adeshina Afolayan
Sent: ‎24/‎01/‎2014 19:44
To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

Oh dear Lord!  Oh God! 

Sent from Samsung Mobile

-------- Original message --------
From: Ikhide <xok...@yahoo.com>
Date:
To: Toyin Falola <USAAfric...@googlegroups.com>

[Michael Afolayan]

Very true, our sister and friend, LaVonda, is gone. I just finished talking to the husband. She passed away at 4 am - now I know why I was sleepless all night. I (or my wife) will be at the funeral on Tuesday and will be sure to let her folks know her place in the hearts of members of this community. Her soul is resting in peace!

Michael O. Afolayan

[Akurang-Parry, Kwabena]

This is a sad day. May her great soul be with her Maker. I am very sad and in place I didn't want my mind to revist. You shared your illness with us all. You were a courageous woman. We shall miss the incandescent beauty of your prose. La Vonda Rest in Peace.

 

Kwabena.

 

Kwabena Akurang-Parry, Ph. D.

(Professor of African Studies & World History)

Dept of History/Philosophy

Shippensburg University

Shippensburg, PA 17257

USA

 

Phone 717 477 1286

Fax       7171 477 4062

---

From: usaafric...@googlegroups.com [usaafric...@googlegroups.com] on behalf of Ikhide [xok...@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2014 1:17 PM
To: Toyin Falola

Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

[Nkolika Ebele]

I am still in shock, because somehow I have been entertaining the hope that she will pull through this experience. May her soul experience lots of joyful activities in the service of the Lord in the abode of the Blessed.  Amen.

Nkolika

From: "blargeo...@gmail.com" <blargeo...@gmail.com>
To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Sent:
Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

I cannot begin to explain my feelings. I am covered with goose pimples and I mourn sister Lavonda as much as any close family member.

She is family. Not with the way she has shared her last days and with courage too.

The rain is falling here in ikeja, and my tears too. No preparation can fortify one against this loss.

Rest in peace Sister Staples. Rest, rest, rest rest rest rest rest in peace!

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

[Olukayode Soremekun]

You express my feelings exactly. Oh what a woman!

All the while she shared her journey through her trial she vividly and forcefully brought back the memory of my late wife and the battles we fought.

I am not ashamed to state that I shed tears at this passing of a wonderful, courageous and blessed woman who most probably impacted most by taking us into the inner recesses of her mind. She was a very loving soul.

May her soul rest in peace. And pray that God grants the family peace at this period of huge loss. Amen.

Sbaba

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.

-----Original Message-----
From: blargeo...@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 22:46:43
To: <usaafric...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

I cannot begin to explain my feelings. I am covered with goose pimples and I mourn sister Lavonda as much as any close family member.

She is family. Not with the way she has shared her last days and with courage too.

The rain is falling here in ikeja, and my tears too. No preparation can fortify one against this loss.

Rest in peace Sister Staples. Rest, rest, rest rest rest rest rest in peace!

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
From: Ikhide <xok...@yahoo.com>
Sender: usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 10:17:15 -0800 (PST)
To: Toyin Falola<USAAfric...@googlegroups.com>
ReplyTo: usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

Dear Family & Friends,

If you are reading this, I have successfully made my transition to be with my Heavenly Father. I have Lived, Laughed, and Loved. I have shared most of my life experiences & lessons with everyone I know with the intention to help those without a voice. I am overjoyed that I was able to touch as many lives as I have.Believe me when I tell you that I suffer no more, and I am in a much better place. My ancestors and I have a LOT of catching up to do...

Always remember, life is what you make it. Make it your best...you only live once.

I love you all forever,
 
La Vonda R. Staples

 
- Ikhide
 
Stalk my blog at http://www.xokigbo.com/
Follow me on Twitter: @ikhide

Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ikhide <http://www.facebook.com/ikhide>

[Akurang-Parry, Kwabena]

Oga Michael:

 

Please, if you do go to her funeral do convey some of what we are saying about her to the family. Thanks.

 

Kwabena.

 

---

From: usaafric...@googlegroups.com [usaafric...@googlegroups.com] on behalf of Michael Afolayan [mafo...@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, January 24, 2014 6:43 PM
To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

[abio...@yahoo.com]

Rest in peace sister Lavonda, a woman of great courage, you came,saw and conquered. My heart bleeds for your loss .. I admire your unusual boldness. You will surely be missed! Sleep in heavenly peace.
Abiola Akiyode

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

---

From: Michael Afolayan <mafo...@yahoo.com>

Sender: usaafric...@googlegroups.com

Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 15:43:22 -0800 (PST)

To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com<usaafric...@googlegroups.com>

ReplyTo: usaafric...@googlegroups.com

Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

[Emeagwali, Gloria (History)]

So sad. May her soul rest in peace.



Professor Gloria Emeagwali
Prof. of History & African Studies


________________________________
From: usaafric...@googlegroups.com [usaafric...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Michael Afolayan [mafo...@yahoo.com]

Sent: Friday, January 24, 2014 6:43 PM
To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com

Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

Very true, our sister and friend, LaVonda, is gone. I just finished talking to the husband. She passed away at 4 am - now I know why I was sleepless all night. I (or my wife) will be at the funeral on Tuesday and will be sure to let her folks know her place in the hearts of members of this community. Her soul is resting in peace!

Michael O. Afolayan



On Friday, January 24, 2014 4:46 PM, "blargeo...@gmail.com" <blargeo...@gmail.com> wrote:
I cannot begin to explain my feelings. I am covered with goose pimples and I mourn sister Lavonda as much as any close family member.

She is family. Not with the way she has shared her last days and with courage too.

The rain is falling here in ikeja, and my tears too. No preparation can fortify one against this loss.

Rest in peace Sister Staples. Rest, rest, rest rest rest rest rest in peace!

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
________________________________
From: Ikhide <xok...@yahoo.com>
Sender: usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 10:17:15 -0800 (PST)
To: Toyin Falola<USAAfric...@googlegroups.com>
ReplyTo: usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

Dear Family & Friends,

If you are reading this, I have successfully made my transition to be with my Heavenly Father. I have Lived, Laughed, and Loved. I have shared most of my life experiences & lessons with everyone I know with the intention to help those without a voice. I am overjoyed that I was able to touch as many lives as I have.Believe me when I tell you that I suffer no more, and I am in a much better place. My ancestors and I have a LOT of catching up to do...

Always remember, life is what you make it. Make it your best...you only live once.

I love you all forever,

La Vonda R. Staples

- Ikhide

Stalk my blog at http://www.xokigbo.com/
Follow me on Twitter: @ikhide

Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ikhide<http://www.facebook.com/ikhide>

[Abubakar Momoh]

Ikhide,
I thank you for sharing and circulating this very touching immortal words from that loving, deeply humane and joyful sister La Vonda Staples-a lady I only met through her postings on this listserve. In her stories, and in going extremely private and personal, there is something she wanted us to learn-how to love, how to care, how to live a good life, and how to be a happy family. I have taken all these lessons away, they will continue to guide my attitude and relationship with humanity.
I urge her children to feel proud and honoured , and take solace in the fact that they had  a mother who was extremely knowledgeable, who believed in a bigger family beyond the extended family, who believed in values  with  universalising essence, not bound by time, culture or space. A mother with trans-historical mission and who in her life, a minute, amounted to so much, that should be valued. And who also felt and knew that through her lived experience, our received orthodoxies can easily be questioned: lets not all take life too hard, let us not be tenacious, because any little spin can be a game-changer in our entire life, and it makes all the difference between life and death-the transition to beyond.
I truly grief here at a workshop in Johannesburg, feeling my heart skip several times, yet the tears refused to roll down. I cannot explain why.
Rest well my sister until we meet, some day.....
Abu

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[Mobolaji Aluko]

My People:

What a way to live and die - and virtually write your own epitaph: "I left my own way"!

May Sister La Vonda Staples gentle soul live in perfect peace. Secretly, I thought that she would pull through - but on the long run, we all must leave.

And there we will meet Him...

Bolaji Aluko

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[emeka...@yahoo.com]

La vonda the great amazon. May her soul rest in peace.

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

---

From: Nkolika Ebele <nkol...@yahoo.com>

Sender: usaafric...@googlegroups.com

Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 15:41:33 -0800 (PST)

To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com<usaafric...@googlegroups.com>

ReplyTo: usaafric...@googlegroups.com

[kenneth harrow]

michael
 i had the same experience last night! and i wanted to email, but there was no way to get an answer.
ken

-- 
kenneth w. harrow 
faculty excellence advocate
professor of english
michigan state university
department of english
619 red cedar road
room C-614 wells hall
east lansing, mi 48824
ph. 517 803 8839
har...@msu.edu

[MsJo...@aol.com]

I am speechless. What courage and insight in one soul. In deed, the morale of her life lives.

 

MsJoe

 

In a message dated 1/25/2014 8:29:11 A.M. Eastern Standard Time, amomo...@yahoo.com writes:

Ikhide,
I thank you for sharing and circulating this very touching immortal words from that loving, deeply humane and joyful sister La Vonda Staples-a lady I only met through her postings on this listserve. In her stories, and in going extremely private and personal, there is something she wanted us to learn-how to love, how to care, how to live a good life, and how to be a happy family. I have taken all these lessons away, they will continue to guide my attitude and relationship with humanity.
I urge her children to feel proud and honoured , and take solace in the fact that they had  a mother who was extremely knowledgeable, who believed in a bigger family beyond the extended family, who believed in values  with  universalising essence, not bound by time, culture or space. A mother with trans-historical mission and who in her life, a minute, amounted to so much, that should be valued. And who also felt and knew that through her lived experience, our received orthodoxies can easily be questioned: lets not all take life too hard, let us not be tenacious, because any little spin can be a game-changer in our entire life, and it makes all the difference between life and death-the transition to beyond.
I truly grief here at a workshop in Johannesburg, feeling my heart skip several times, yet the tears refused to roll down. I cannot explain why.
Rest well my sister until we meet, some day.....
Abu

On Saturday, 25 January 2014, 2:52, Olukayode Soremekun <nike...@hotmail.com> wrote:

You express my feelings exactly. Oh what a woman!

All the while she shared her journey through her trial she vividly and forcefully brought back the memory of my late wife and the battles we fought.

I am not ashamed to state that I shed tears at this passing of a wonderful, courageous and blessed woman who most probably impacted most by taking us into the inner recesses of her mind. She was a very loving soul.

May her soul rest in peace. And pray that God grants the family peace at this period of huge loss. Amen.

Sbaba

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless handheld from Glo Mobile.

-----Original Message-----
From: blargeo...@gmail.com
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 22:46:43
To: <usaafric...@googlegroups.com>

Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

I cannot begin to explain my feelings. I am covered with goose pimples and I mourn sister Lavonda as much as any close family member.

She is family. Not with the way she has shared her last days and with courage too.

The rain is falling here in ikeja, and my tears too. No preparation can fortify one against this loss.

Rest in peace Sister Staples. Rest, rest, rest rest rest rest rest in peace!


Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

From:  Ikhide <xok...@yahoo.com>
Sender:  usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 10:17:15 -0800 (PST)
To: Toyin Falola<USAAfric...@googlegroups.com>
ReplyTo:  usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...



Dear Family & Friends,

If you are reading this, I have successfully made my transition to be with my Heavenly Father. I have Lived, Laughed, and Loved. I have shared most of my life experiences & lessons with everyone I know with the intention to help those without a voice. I am overjoyed that I was able to touch as many lives as I have.Believe me when I tell you that I suffer no more, and I am in a much better place. My ancestors and I have a LOT of catching up to do...

Always remember, life is what you make it. Make it your best...you only live once.

I love you all forever,
 
La Vonda R. Staples

 
- Ikhide
 
Stalk my blog at http://www.xokigbo.com/
Follow me on Twitter: @ikhide

Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ikhide <http://www.facebook.com/ikhide>

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[Pablo]

What to say my sister? Your words, like your spirit,  are bravely and wonderfully courageous

Sent from my grandfather's typewriter

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[Pablo]

What to say my sister? Your words, like your spirit,  are bravely and wonderfully courageous. You are with all of us, and we with you.

One love,

Pablo

Sent from my grandfather's typewriter

[danoye oguntola]

My People, I really felt for the family of Lavonda. I got to know her on this list serve and have on several occasions been drawn to her style of candid writings. I have been forced since July 2013 to think about death all over again. The episode of Lavonda has been very instructive in my thinking about the inevitability of death. One of many questions that agitated(and still stand as a puzzle to) my mind is, how do I want to die? I think the Lavonda example is not a bad option. She seem to "settle everything" before she passed on. She even wrote and epitaph for herself. What a great woman? What a way to live........... May her soul rest in peace with the ancestors

Laguda 

[Assensoh, Akwasi B.]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Sir Toyin and Professor Emegwali (Sister Gloria), who prompted several of us to make "almighty dollar" donations to Sister La Vonda, after which she communicated privately with some of us. I feel liberated that, as Jesus asked us to do, I loved a fellow human being!

I will forever be grateful to Professor Emeagwali, who "threw the first stone" by suggesting that she was ready to make a donation, and it became wise to give between $50 and $100. It was not even how much we gave individually, but just knowing that a sister was in need, and we helped.

Who knows: Sister La Vonda may be Heaven's Gatekeeper-in-Chief, and she will let us in, no matter our "heinous" sins! I know she is in heaven because she has signaled in her last Testament below that there is no more suffering! However, we are suffering now because, like an old song, "Tears are on my pillow" right now! Just knowing that -- like Shelley's "Death the Leveller" poem -- death has placed its icy hands on her brings out tons of tears, just as I am writing right now; I even mis-spelled "is" because I could not see clearly!!

Rest in perfect peace, Sister La Vonda, until we meet again! Sir Toyin, many thanks for sending our "almighty dollar" donations to her promptly. Yvette and I feel liberated and happy to do more in future for another sister or brother in financial distress or need with no hesittaion!

A.B. Assensoh, Eugene, Oregon

________________________________________
From: usaafric...@googlegroups.com [usaafric...@googlegroups.com] on behalf of Emeagwali, Gloria (History) [emea...@mail.ccsu.edu]
Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2014 8:23 AM
To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

[Amatoritsero Ede]

Folks,

Words are superfluous. I have had both private and public conversations with this courageous and wonderful woman. She was an embodiment of that figure which Maya Angelou describes as a phenomenal woman. May her soul  rest in the bossom of the ancestors.

Amatoritsero

[Ayoola Tokunbo]

Sister La Vonda be in peace and God bless you.
Tokunbo
 

---

From: Jamaine...@MissouriState.edu
To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 12:30:59 -0600
Subject: RE: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

[Emeagwali, Gloria (History)]

http://web.ccsu.edu/afstudy/upd18.html#Reflections_on_Rap_and_Senegal

In this issue of Africa Update, Lavonda Staples reflected on Rap,
giving deep insights into its origins.





Professor Gloria Emeagwali
africahistory.net
vimeo.com/user5946750/videos
Documentaries on Africa and the African Diaspora
www.ccsu.edu/afstudy/archive.html<http://www.ccsu.edu/afstudy/archive.html>
Africa Update
________________________________
From: usaafric...@googlegroups.com [usaafric...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of danoye oguntola [danoyeo...@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2014 9:21 AM
To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

My People, I really felt for the family of Lavonda. I got to know her on this list serve and have on several occasions been drawn to her style of candid writings. I have been forced since July 2013 to think about death all over again. The episode of Lavonda has been very instructive in my thinking about the inevitability of death. One of many questions that agitated(and still stand as a puzzle to) my mind is, how do I want to die? I think the Lavonda example is not a bad option. She seem to "settle everything" before she passed on. She even wrote and epitaph for herself. What a great woman? What a way to live........... May her soul rest in peace with the ancestors
Laguda


On Saturday, January 25, 2014 2:29 PM, Mobolaji Aluko <alu...@gmail.com> wrote:

My People:

What a way to live and die - and virtually write your own epitaph: "I left my own way"!

May Sister La Vonda Staples gentle soul live in perfect peace. Secretly, I thought that she would pull through - but on the long run, we all must leave.

And there we will meet Him...


Bolaji Aluko

On Fri, Jan 24, 2014 at 1:17 PM, Ikhide <xok...@yahoo.com<https://webmail.ccsu.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx>> wrote:
Dear Family & Friends,

If you are reading this, I have successfully made my transition to be with my Heavenly Father. I have Lived, Laughed, and Loved. I have shared most of my life experiences & lessons with everyone I know with the intention to help those without a voice. I am overjoyed that I was able to touch as many lives as I have.Believe me when I tell you that I suffer no more, and I am in a much better place. My ancestors and I have a LOT of catching up to do...

Always remember, life is what you make it. Make it your best...you only live once.

I love you all forever,

La Vonda R. Staples

- Ikhide

Stalk my blog at http://www.xokigbo.com/<https://webmail.ccsu.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx>

Follow me on Twitter: @ikhide

Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ikhide<https://webmail.ccsu.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx>

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[Uyilawa Usuanlele]

May her soul rest in peace. Amen.

Uyi

---

Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 10:17:15 -0800
From: xok...@yahoo.com
Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...
To: USAAfric...@googlegroups.com

Dear Family & Friends,

If you are reading this, I have successfully made my transition to be with my Heavenly Father. I have Lived, Laughed, and Loved. I have shared most of my life experiences & lessons with everyone I know with the intention to help those without a voice. I am overjoyed that I was able to touch as many lives as I have.Believe me when I tell you that I suffer no more, and I am in a much better place. My ancestors and I have a LOT of catching up to do...

Always remember, life is what you make it. Make it your best...you only live once.

I love you all forever,

 

La Vonda R. Staples

 

- Ikhide

 

Stalk my blog at http://www.xokigbo.com/

Follow me on Twitter: @ikhide

Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ikhide

[Oyeronke Oyewumi]

La Vonda taught us many lessons about how to live, love and laugh. But the most poignant lesson of all, for many of us, especially right now  is that she taught about how to die--how to depart with grace and dignity. 

May she rest easy in the company of The Ancestors. Ase!!

La Vonda sun re o.

'Ronke Oyewumi

On Fri, Jan 24, 2014 at 1:17 PM, Ikhide <xok...@yahoo.com> wrote:

Dear Family & Friends,

If you are reading this, I have successfully made my transition to be with my Heavenly Father. I have Lived, Laughed, and Loved. I have shared most of my life experiences & lessons with everyone I know with the intention to help those without a voice. I am overjoyed that I was able to touch as many lives as I have.Believe me when I tell you that I suffer no more, and I am in a much better place. My ancestors and I have a LOT of catching up to do...

Always remember, life is what you make it. Make it your best...you only live once.

I love you all forever,

 

La Vonda R. Staples

 

- Ikhide

 

Stalk my blog at http://www.xokigbo.com/

Follow me on Twitter: @ikhide

Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ikhide

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[House-Soremekun, Bessie]

I have been moved to tears by the lovely tribute penned by Professor Falola to honor the life of Sister Lavonda. She was truly an extraordinary woman. As my grandmother used to say, Tomorrow is not promised to us, we only have today. Let us all live today as if it were our last. 

May her soul rest in perpetual peace now and forevermore. Amen.

Bessie House Soremekun

[Hamburg, Roger P.]

Quoting "Assensoh, Akwasi B." <aass...@indiana.edu>:Love Portland,O
AND THE DUCKS!

[atur...@yahoo.com]

Honestly, for a long time I thought her story was fiction. Her courage was clearly out of this world. Her incredible story has reminded us again that it is not how long we live that matters, but how much our lives touch others.  May her soul rest in perfect peace. 

Bamidele aturu

Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone.

From: danoye oguntola Sent: Saturday, 25 January 2014 15:29 PM To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com Reply To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

[Abegunrin, Olayiwola M.]

May Sister La Vonda soul rest in peace

Layi

[Gazhal 'Wale]

Have always noticed and felt a moment like this would take a front row in the group. As disheartening as this experience connotes, its a clear illustration of reality. She infused lots of lesson as a woman, so emphatical about her tough decisions, a woman that took charge of the difficult realities entwined in her death-relationship. I wish to add that she was a great and true African as she so requested to be enwrapped in African soil(...TF).
Tribute to Ma' LaVonda and I pray she knows peace hereafter.

'Wale Gazhal

[Edward Mensah]

May your soul rest in perfect peace, Sister La Vonda Staples. You have
demonstrated the supreme strength of the African woman, steely strength
that has held the fabric of the African communities together. You remind me
of our mothers and grandmothers in the villages. Your contributions on this
forum were well thought-out and shall be quoted by future scholars.
Although I did not agree with some of your arguments I respected them and,
personally, respected you. This great forum could honor your memory by
setting up a Sister La Vonda Staples Foundation, along the lines set up by
Sir Toyin and Sister Gloria, with donations ( couple of dollars here and
there!) from members of this forum. This foundation would disburse funds to
people in need. Just a thought.

Kwaku MENSAH
Chicago

[Segun Ogungbemi]

Dear Colleagues,

It is sad that such a beautiful and nice "being" just left us in the cold. We will remember her courage, love and inspiration from time to time now that she has joined the ancestors at such a young age. 

May the family have the large heart to take the loss in good faith bearing in mind that we will all die as finite beings someday. 

It is not how long you live that matters but how well. LaVonda really touched our lives in many positive ways. 

LaVonda, rest in perfect peace on the bosom of your Maker. 

Segun Ogungbemi.  

Sent from my iPhone

[Cornelius Hamelberg]

Here we are, as prosaic as possible, so we don’t all start weeping:

 

Her warmth and her often very forthright, straightforward, sincere words touched many of us and now we are all bereft of words and so very, very sad about the passing away of our most courageous sister La Vonda R. Staples, shining that light to the very last breath, showing us all the

 

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me”

 

May the Almighty comfort the bereaved and all who loved, love and care for and are praying for La Vonda. She sent me hundreds of requests to play some facebook game, but I never did, couldn’t, I’m sorry to say that it was too emotionally demanding, even more demanding than receiving some kinds of poetry in an ancient holy tongue – by comparison  that’s easy, involuntary ; it’s  even a lot simpler to pray for life. Anyway, it should be a lot easier to communicate with her now, since she can be here; I hope that she can, but it doesn’t  matter... she can be where she wants to be...somehow, I’ve been feeling inordinately tired this past week, nothing to do with the winter weather.

 

 

It is written,

 

 “Death cannot be and is not the end of life. Man transcends death in many altogether naturalistic fashions: He (She) may be immortal biologically through his children; in thought through the survival of his (her) memory; in influence, by virtue of the continuance of his (her) personality as a force among those who come after him (her) and ideally through his identification with the timeless things of the spirit.

When Judaism speaks of immortality it has in mind all these. But its primary meaning  is that man contains something independent of the flesh and surviving it , his consciousness  and moral capacity, his essential personality – a soul” ( Steinberg, Basic Judaism, p.160)

 

 Life is sacred. Its beginning and its end are mysteries: Both birth and death touch the fringe of the divine and have therefore been invested with meaningful religious rites the sacredness of human life extends to both body and soul because – both are the handiwork of God ... Hence our concern when the material body reaches its end.

 

This concern gives expression both to the dead and to concern for the bereaved.

 

Our sages expressed this reverence for the dead by saying that the Shekinah stands at the head of a dying person...”

 

 (Page 270 A Guide to Jewish Religious Practice)

 

May we always cherish her memory. We talked once, on the phone before she found out that she was so ill, but back then, what a vivacious, witty sister! She came across straight, no frills, a humble, and down-to-earth and far from any self-exaltation, we talked about everything and she got me laughing for the better part of an hour and half, as if I had known her all my life and we had so much in common – she was not at all a stranger. She even got me to understand Brother Valentine Ojo in a way that it would not have been possible for even Ojo the Mojo himself to do.  After the “I don’t wanna get in touch with any pastor” stuff, it was difficult to get her on the phone – I tried – but you know , if you have a slight religious background, you might want to talk about the consolations of the holy spirit , and I had sensed La Vonda’s  inner strength didn’t want to get in touch with  the preacher aspects of  the living reality and we may have even quarrelled if  I wanted to insist  on bitachon (total reliance on  the Almighty  (like my Ghanaian friend Ishaq, almost  twenty years ago he ordered some friends to please leave, when they visited him in hospital to read him verses from the Quran, because they thought he was dying. I met his son  this Ramadan and he told me that  at some time Ishaq had to break his fast this Ramadan , but he is still very much alive  - thank God! )

 

Dear La Vonda, her work completed here on earth she’s back to where she came from and that’s why we’re going to miss her so much, a genuine ( not fake) human being

It’s time for the poets and some poet-ry...

May her soul continue its journey from light to light, in love and perfect peace.

 

Someone please say Amen.

[jegede, dele]

La Vonda, our inimitable presence, is now absent. She has departed to join her—our collective—ancestors. In the process, she has become one with them! She has left the turmoil and sufferings to us mortals. As we mourn her transition, it behooves us all to take her terse but powerful last words to heart. In making her rousing exit, she bequeathed to us what should be an enduring mantra: "Always remember," she says,  "life is what you make it. Make it your best...you only live once." Simple, yes but quite instructive. The best way we could reciprocate the love that this warrior had for us would be to reach out and touch someone (apologies Bell System); to make the world a much better place than we met it. Those of us who had the opportunity for a one-on-one communication with her felt the tremendous energy that she exuded. That we have continued to express our thoughts on her departure is proof that she made an exit as powerful as her status commanded. My condolences go to the family. May our ancestors continue to imbue you with the strength that is necessary to endure her departure.

dele jegede

dele jegede, Ph.D
Professor of Art History

Department of Art. Room 204
513-529-9362

dele-jegede.com

On Fri, Jan 24, 2014 at 1:17 PM, Ikhide <xok...@yahoo.com> wrote:

Dear Family & Friends,

If you are reading this, I have successfully made my transition to be with my Heavenly Father. I have Lived, Laughed, and Loved. I have shared most of my life experiences & lessons with everyone I know with the intention to help those without a voice. I am overjoyed that I was able to touch as many lives as I have.Believe me when I tell you that I suffer no more, and I am in a much better place. My ancestors and I have a LOT of catching up to do...

Always remember, life is what you make it. Make it your best...you only live once.

I love you all forever,

 

La Vonda R. Staples

 

- Ikhide

 

Stalk my blog at http://www.xokigbo.com/

Follow me on Twitter: @ikhide

Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ikhide

[udo...@appstate.edu]

In Memory of our Beloved La Vonda

The passing on of our lovely sister on this forum reminds me of the fact that
after one is “undressed” of those worldly stuffs—wealth, power, prestige,
poverty, et cetera—we are (all) one thing in common—“dust.” This truism enjoins
one to aspire for the simple things of life—helping one another the best way we
can—and spreading a loving care to the poor and oppressed amongst us. These are
some of the invaluable lessons I learned from sister La Vonda and her exemplary
contributions to our conversations on this forum. Not too long ago, I attended a
funeral in Lagos of a mentor who passed on suddenly while I was in Italy. I
concluded my brief remarks at that somber moment thus: Rest well, rest
well—until I join you in Heaven! Sister La Vonda rest well, rest well—until we
join you in Heaven!

Ike Udogu

[Chiedo Nwankwor]

La Vonda made death seem very ordinary

She has come the closest - in my mind, to stripping death of its bite and terror

In some very quiet and dignified ways, set an example that one would wish to follow when the inevitable comes knocking -  see - I said that without shuddering or wordlessly but vehemently rejecting the very idea of death - this collective might in fact, have grown in stature because;

She. Lived. And. Died.

One might be tempted to say that the inevitable teaches the mind fortitude but the heart?

We all know that the heart is n'er tamed by inevitability nor accidents

She was one heck of a woman.

Chichi

[Tunji azeez]

Aunty Gloria,
I suggest that all of sister La Vonda's major contributions to this forum be compiled and published electronically or in print form.
I have no doubt that her style of writing will influence others now and in the future.
Tunji Azeez

---

From: Emeagwali, Gloria (History)
Sent: ‎25/‎01/‎2014 17:04

To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

http://web.ccsu.edu/afstudy/upd18.html#Reflections_on_Rap_and_Senegal

In this issue of Africa Update, Lavonda  Staples reflected on Rap,
giving deep insights into its origins.





Professor Gloria Emeagwali
africahistory.net
vimeo.com/user5946750/videos
Documentaries on Africa and the African Diaspora
www.ccsu.edu/afstudy/archive.html<http://www.ccsu.edu/afstudy/archive.html>
Africa Update

________________________________
From: usaafric...@googlegroups.com [usaafric...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of danoye oguntola [danoyeo...@yahoo.com]
Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2014 9:21 AM

To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

My People, I really felt for the family of Lavonda. I got to know her on this list serve and have on several occasions been drawn to her style of candid writings. I have been forced since July 2013 to think about death all over again. The episode of Lavonda has been very instructive in my thinking about the inevitability of death. One of many questions that agitated(and still stand as a puzzle to) my mind is, how do I want to die? I think the Lavonda example is not a bad option. She seem to "settle everything" before she passed on. She even wrote and epitaph for herself. What a great woman? What a way to live........... May her soul rest in peace with the ancestors

Laguda


On Saturday, January 25, 2014 2:29 PM, Mobolaji Aluko <alu...@gmail.com> wrote:

My People:

What a way to live and die - and virtually write your own epitaph: "I left my own way"!

May Sister La Vonda Staples gentle soul live in perfect peace. Secretly, I thought that she would pull through - but on the long run, we all must leave.

And there we will meet Him...


Bolaji Aluko

On Fri, Jan 24, 2014 at 1:17 PM, Ikhide <xok...@yahoo.com<https://webmail.ccsu.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx>> wrote:
Dear Family & Friends,

If you are reading this, I have successfully made my transition to be with my Heavenly Father. I have Lived, Laughed, and Loved. I have shared most of my life experiences & lessons with everyone I know with the intention to help those without a voice. I am overjoyed that I was able to touch as many lives as I have.Believe me when I tell you that I suffer no more, and I am in a much better place. My ancestors and I have a LOT of catching up to do...

Always remember, life is what you make it. Make it your best...you only live once.

I love you all forever,

La Vonda R. Staples

- Ikhide

Stalk my blog at http://www.xokigbo.com/<https://webmail.ccsu.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx>

Follow me on Twitter: @ikhide

Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ikhide<https://webmail.ccsu.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx>

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[Kennedy Emetulu]

..

 

 

This is too sad! Such an intellectually generous woman! I’ve never followed her accounts of this illness and thus never knew the burden she carried. Of course, she’s a name and a voice I’ve encountered in social media, but I never stopped long enough to smell or catch the scent of her words. Reading Ikhide and Professor Falola, it’s obvious this is one loss that’s left a deep gash in the heart of our community. Her bravery, evidenced in the face of the ravages her body was going through is unmatchable in its inspiration.

 

Rest in peace, Great Amazon! May the Ancestors give you a deserving corner in our collective future for you have earned the right to be immortal!

 

Adieu, Beautiful One.

 

….

[Emeagwali, Gloria (History)]

Good idea. Thanks for the suggestion.

Professor Gloria Emeagwali
Prof. of History & African Studies

africahistory.net
vimeo.com/user5946750/videos
Documentaries on Africa and the African Diaspora

________________________________
From: usaafric...@googlegroups.com [usaafric...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Tunji azeez [orunmi...@yahoo.co.uk]
Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2014 7:35 PM

To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

Aunty Gloria,
I suggest that all of sister La Vonda's major contributions to this forum be compiled and published electronically or in print form.
I have no doubt that her style of writing will influence others now and in the future.
Tunji Azeez
________________________________

From: Emeagwali, Gloria (History)<mailto:emea...@mail.ccsu.edu>

Sent: ‎25/‎01/‎2014 17:04

To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com<mailto:usaafric...@googlegroups.com>

[Amatoritsero Ede]

Folks,

I do have some manuscripts of her writing. I intend to begin publishing them in subsequent issue of the Maple Tree Literary Supplement. I never got to it because I had my hands full running a large literary journal practically all by myself, while writing a doctoral thesis at the same time. Anyone who has any of her writing that is  complete should kindly send to me. I never got around to publishing her work due to miscommunication between us and my own scholarly distractions.

regards

Amatoritsero

[Ikhide]

Gloria,

 

Thanks for sharing La Vonda's essay on Rap music. I was able to use it to help provide context for Oga Falola's tribute. Much appreciated.

 

- Ikhide

 

Stalk my blog at http://www.xokigbo.com/

Follow me on Twitter: @ikhide

Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ikhide

On Sunday, January 26, 2014 12:16 PM, Amatoritsero Ede <esul...@gmail.com> wrote:

Folks,

I do have some manuscripts of her writing. I intend to begin publishing them in subsequent issue of the Maple Tree Literary Supplement. I never got to it because I had my hands full running a large literary journal practically all by myself, while writing a doctoral thesis at the same time. Anyone who has any of her writing that is  complete should kindly send to me. I never got around to publishing her work due to miscommunication between us and my own scholarly distractions.

regards

Amatoritsero



On Saturday, 25 January 2014 19:35:14 UTC-5, Tunji azeez wrote:

Aunty Gloria,
I suggest that all of sister La Vonda's major contributions to this forum be compiled and published electronically or in print form.
I have no doubt that her style of writing will influence others now and in the future.
Tunji Azeez

From: Emeagwali, Gloria (History)
Sent: ‎25/‎01/‎2014 17:04
To: usaafric...@ googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

http://web.ccsu.edu/afstudy/upd18.html#Reflections_on_Rap_and_Senegal

In this issue of Africa Update, Lavonda  Staples reflected on Rap,
giving deep insights into its origins.





Professor Gloria Emeagwali
africahistory.net
vimeo.com/user5946750/videos
Documentaries on Africa and the African Diaspora

http://www.ccsu.edu/afstudy/archive.html<http://www.ccsu.edu/afstudy/archive.html>
Africa Update
______________________________ __
From: usaafric...@ googlegroups.com [usaafric...@ googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of danoye oguntola [danoyeo...@yahoo.com]

To post to this group, send an email to USAAfric...@ googlegroups.com<https://webmail.ccsu.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx>

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[Pamela Smith]

Hi Gloria, Toyin, Evelyn, and Ikhide:
Thanks for your kind interventions. If it hasn't already been suggested, could I suggest that we assemble ALL the tributes (and condolences) expressed here into a remembrance volume/booklet for her family, especially her children as well as for us. It will be a fitting testament to La Vonda's memory and certainly will help assuage our heavy hearts.

Cheers,

Pamela J. Smith,
Professor, English, Humanities & Women Studies

-----Original Message-----
From: usaafric...@googlegroups.com [mailto:usaafric...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Emeagwali, Gloria (History)
Sent: Sunday, January 26, 2014 10:00 AM
To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

Good idea. Thanks for the suggestion.


Professor Gloria Emeagwali
Prof. of History & African Studies
africahistory.net
vimeo.com/user5946750/videos
Documentaries on Africa and the African Diaspora


________________________________
From: usaafric...@googlegroups.com [usaafric...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Tunji azeez [orunmi...@yahoo.co.uk]
Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2014 7:35 PM
To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Subject: RE: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

Aunty Gloria,
I suggest that all of sister La Vonda's major contributions to this forum be compiled and published electronically or in print form.
I have no doubt that her style of writing will influence others now and in the future.
Tunji Azeez
________________________________
From: Emeagwali, Gloria (History)<mailto:emea...@mail.ccsu.edu>

Sent: 25/01/2014 17:04

[Bridget Dr. Teboh]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
 
La Vonda Lives indeed!!!
At moments like this consumed by the pain of our loss
It is difficult to find the proper words to honor our Sister and Friend, La Vonda.
Let us feel her spirit and hear her calming words now
What can one really say of this brave and strong women?
A woman who inspite of all her struggles found the time to teach us life's lessons, to console us?
We love you, but God loves you more and you are safe in his bossom.
All we can say is "farewell sister La Vonda!"
May your journey to eternity be smooth
And may the ancestors welcome you with open arms!!!
Amen!!
 
Bridget Teboh
 

---

From: toks_...@hotmail.com
To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com

Subject: RE: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

Date: Sat, 25 Jan 2014 15:40:11 +0000

[Diran]

May the benign soul of the departed rest in the bosom of her creator. Adieu! Your story has reinforced my belief that life may be short, but what we make of it lasts longer, good or bad. You surely affected many of us on this list serve.

May Olodumare grant her soul eternal rest!

...Our feet may dance together, one day, again, at the foot of the 'tree', when we shall gather to listen to tales, long tales.

Shalom!

Diran

Sent from my iPad

On Jan 25, 2014, at 23:47, Cornelius Hamelberg <cornelius...@gmail.com> wrote:

Here we are, as prosaic as possible, so we don’t all start weeping:

 

Her warmth and her often very forthright, straightforward, sincere words touched many of us and now we are all bereft of words and so very, very sad about the passing away of our most courageous sister La Vonda R. Staples, shining that light to the very last breath, showing us all the

 

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for Thou art with me”

 

May the Almighty comfort the bereaved and all who loved, love and care for and are praying for La Vonda. She sent me hundreds of requests to play some facebook game, but I never did, couldn’t, I’m sorry to say that it was too emotionally demanding, even more demanding than receiving some kinds of poetry in an ancient holy tongue – by comparison  that’s easy, involuntary ; it’s  even a lot simpler to pray for life. Anyway, it should be a lot easier to communicate with her now, since she can be here; I hope that she can, but it doesn’t  matter... she can be where she wants to be...somehow, I’ve been feeling inordinately tired this past week, nothing to do with the winter weather.

 

 

It is written,

 

 “Death cannot be and is not the end of life. Man transcends death in many altogether naturalistic fashions: He (She) may be immortal biologically through his children; in thought through the survival of his (her) memory; in influence, by virtue of the continuance of his (her) personality as a force among those who come after him (her) and ideally through his identification with the timeless things of the spirit.

When Judaism speaks of immortality it has in mind all these. But its primary meaning  is that man contains something independent of the flesh and surviving it , his consciousness  and moral capacity, his essential personality – a soul” ( Steinberg, Basic Judaism, p.160)

 

 Life is sacred. Its beginning and its end are mysteries: Both birth and death touch the fringe of the divine and have therefore been invested with meaningful religious rites the sacredness of human life extends to both body and soul because – both are the handiwork of God ... Hence our concern when the material body reaches its end.

 

This concern gives expression both to the dead and to concern for the bereaved.

 

Our sages expressed this reverence for the dead by saying that the Shekinah stands at the head of a dying person...”

 

 (Page 270 A Guide to Jewish Religious Practice)

 

May we always cherish her memory. We talked once, on the phone before she found out that she was so ill, but back then, what a vivacious, witty sister! She came across straight, no frills, a humble, and down-to-earth and far from any self-exaltation, we talked about everything and she got me laughing for the better part of an hour and half, as if I had known her all my life and we had so much in common – she was not at all a stranger. She even got me to understand Brother Valentine Ojo in a way that it would not have been possible for even Ojo the Mojo himself to do.  After the “I don’t wanna get in touch with any pastor” stuff, it was difficult to get her on the phone – I tried – but you know , if you have a slight religious background, you might want to talk about the consolations of the holy spirit , and I had sensed La Vonda’s  inner strength didn’t want to get in touch with  the preacher aspects of  the living reality and we may have even quarrelled if  I wanted to insist  on bitachon (total reliance on  the Almighty  (like my Ghanaian friend Ishaq, almost  twenty years ago he ordered some friends  guys to please leave when they visited him in hospital to read him verses from the Quran, because they thought he was dying. I met his son  this Ramadan and he told me that  at some time Ishaq had to break his fast this Ramadan , but he is still very much alive  - thank God! )

 

Dear La Vonda, her work completed here on earth she’s back to where she came from and that’s why we’re going to miss her so much, a genuine ( not fake) human being

It’s time for the poets and some poet-ry...

May her soul continue its journey from light to light, in love and perfect peace.

 

Someone please say Amen.

 

[Moses Ebe Ochonu]

La Vonda Staples touched us in no small measure. I am a huge fan of her writing---smooth, folksy, yet profound prose. She told stories that were alive. Her narratives were faithful to the worlds and experiences they documented. La Vonda taught us the true meanings of dignity and happiness.

Having lost my immediate older sister to this deadly disease early last year, I prayed that another person I was fond of would be spared. Alas it was not to be. I corresponded by email (I was too timid to talk to her--I could become emotional and cry as I did when I went to Nigeria to see my sister on her hospital bed) with La Vonda a few weeks before she passed. I will treasure the words she wrote to me, the joy and peace she conveyed in those words despite her condition, and particularly her inspirational thoughts about Africa and her Africanness.

La Vonda has left a bit of herself with us--her oral and written corpus. Our duty to her and to humanity is to recover, preserve and disseminate those words. In that spirit, I declare my enthusiastic support for the proposed publication of her writings, in as many forms as possible. A small volume containing the wonderful things that have been written in tribute to her in the last few days is also a great idea. 

La Vonda lived aloud and died aloud, defending her, and others', humanity. She controlled the terms upon which she lived and died. That's a great example and an inspiration.

Rest in peace sister La Vonda.

On Sun, Jan 26, 2014 at 10:36 AM, Amatoritsero Ede <esul...@gmail.com> wrote:

Folks,

I do have some manuscripts of her writing. I intend to begin publishing them in subsequent issue of the Maple Tree Literary Supplement. I never got to it because I had my hands full running a large literary journal practically all by myself, while writing a doctoral thesis at the same time. Anyone who has any of her writing that is  complete should kindly send to me. I never got around to publishing her work due to miscommunication between us and my own scholarly distractions.

regards

Amatoritsero

On Saturday, 25 January 2014 19:35:14 UTC-5, Tunji azeez wrote:

Aunty Gloria,
I suggest that all of sister La Vonda's major contributions to this forum be compiled and published electronically or in print form.
I have no doubt that her style of writing will influence others now and in the future.
Tunji Azeez

---

From: Emeagwali, Gloria (History)

Sent: 25/01/2014 17:04

--
There is enough in the world for everyone's need but not for everyone's greed.


---Mohandas Gandhi

[Emeagwali, Gloria (History)]

'I declare my enthusiastic support for the proposed publication of her writings, in as many forms as possible' Ochonu

I am in total agreement with Moses, here. I have told Amatoritsero Ede that he should not hesitate to re-publish the Africa Update article on rap
in the Maple Tree Supplement.

Having all of her work in one book, as Pamela and Moses suggest, is a great idea.

Let a thousand flowers bloom. Someone else should start to work on pulling all her writings together
in book format.

Gloria Emeagwali



________________________________
From: usaafric...@googlegroups.com [usaafric...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Moses Ebe Ochonu [meoc...@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, January 26, 2014 4:46 PM
To: USAAfricaDialogue

Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

La Vonda Staples touched us in no small measure. I am a huge fan of her writing---smooth, folksy, yet profound prose. She told stories that were alive. Her narratives were faithful to the worlds and experiences they documented. La Vonda taught us the true meanings of dignity and happiness.

Having lost my immediate older sister to this deadly disease early last year, I prayed that another person I was fond of would be spared. Alas it was not to be. I corresponded by email (I was too timid to talk to her--I could become emotional and cry as I did when I went to Nigeria to see my sister on her hospital bed) with La Vonda a few weeks before she passed. I will treasure the words she wrote to me, the joy and peace she conveyed in those words despite her condition, and particularly her inspirational thoughts about Africa and her Africanness.

La Vonda has left a bit of herself with us--her oral and written corpus. Our duty to her and to humanity is to recover, preserve and disseminate those words. In that spirit, I declare my enthusiastic support for the proposed publication of her writings, in as many forms as possible. A small volume containing the wonderful things that have been written in tribute to her in the last few days is also a great idea.

La Vonda lived aloud and died aloud, defending her, and others', humanity. She controlled the terms upon which she lived and died. That's a great example and an inspiration.

Rest in peace sister La Vonda.

On Sun, Jan 26, 2014 at 10:36 AM, Amatoritsero Ede <esul...@gmail.com<mailto:esul...@gmail.com>> wrote:

Folks,

I do have some manuscripts of her writing. I intend to begin publishing them in subsequent issue of the Maple Tree Literary Supplement. I never got to it because I had my hands full running a large literary journal practically all by myself, while writing a doctoral thesis at the same time. Anyone who has any of her writing that is complete should kindly send to me. I never got around to publishing her work due to miscommunication between us and my own scholarly distractions.

regards

Amatoritsero




On Saturday, 25 January 2014 19:35:14 UTC-5, Tunji azeez wrote:
Aunty Gloria,
I suggest that all of sister La Vonda's major contributions to this forum be compiled and published electronically or in print form.
I have no doubt that her style of writing will influence others now and in the future.
Tunji Azeez
________________________________
From: Emeagwali, Gloria (History)
Sent: 25/01/2014 17:04
To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com

Subject: RE: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

http://web.ccsu.edu/afstudy/upd18.html#Reflections_on_Rap_and_Senegal

In this issue of Africa Update, Lavonda Staples reflected on Rap,
giving deep insights into its origins.





Professor Gloria Emeagwali

africahistory.net<http://africahistory.net>
vimeo.com/user5946750/videos<http://vimeo.com/user5946750/videos>

Documentaries on Africa and the African Diaspora

www.ccsu.edu/afstudy/archive.html<http://www.ccsu.edu/afstudy/archive.html><http://www.ccsu.edu/afstudy/archive.html>

Africa Update
________________________________
From: usaafric...@googlegroups.com [usaafric...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of danoye oguntola [danoyeo...@yahoo.com]

Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2014 9:21 AM
To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com

Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

My People, I really felt for the family of Lavonda. I got to know her on this list serve and have on several occasions been drawn to her style of candid writings. I have been forced since July 2013 to think about death all over again. The episode of Lavonda has been very instructive in my thinking about the inevitability of death. One of many questions that agitated(and still stand as a puzzle to) my mind is, how do I want to die? I think the Lavonda example is not a bad option. She seem to "settle everything" before she passed on. She even wrote and epitaph for herself. What a great woman? What a way to live........... May her soul rest in peace with the ancestors
Laguda


On Saturday, January 25, 2014 2:29 PM, Mobolaji Aluko <alu...@gmail.com> wrote:

My People:

What a way to live and die - and virtually write your own epitaph: "I left my own way"!

May Sister La Vonda Staples gentle soul live in perfect peace. Secretly, I thought that she would pull through - but on the long run, we all must leave.

And there we will meet Him...


Bolaji Aluko



On Fri, Jan 24, 2014 at 1:17 PM, Ikhide <xok...@yahoo.com<https://webmail.ccsu.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx>> wrote:
Dear Family & Friends,

If you are reading this, I have successfully made my transition to be with my Heavenly Father. I have Lived, Laughed, and Loved. I have shared most of my life experiences & lessons with everyone I know with the intention to help those without a voice. I am overjoyed that I was able to touch as many lives as I have.Believe me when I tell you that I suffer no more, and I am in a much better place. My ancestors and I have a LOT of catching up to do...

Always remember, life is what you make it. Make it your best...you only live once.

I love you all forever,

La Vonda R. Staples

- Ikhide

Stalk my blog at http://www.xokigbo.com/<https://webmail.ccsu.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx>
Follow me on Twitter: @ikhide

Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ikhide<http://www.facebook.com/ikhide><https://webmail.ccsu.edu/owa/UrlBlockedError.aspx>

[Toyin Falola]

Regarding Publication of La Vonda's stuff, she sent me an 84 pp.
manuscript that she asked me to write a foreword to, titled "Another
Burden My Way" it is a link which cannot be downloaded. I think that the
husband and children must be informed early next week as, if the site is
not maintained, the manuscript is gone.
Contrary to the idea that digitized images endure for ever, it is not so,
as their survival depends on maintenance, retention, and change.
TF



Toyin Falola
Department of History
The University of Texas at Austin
104 Inner Campus Drive
Austin, TX 78712-0220
USA
512 475 7224
512 475 7222 (fax)
http://www.toyinfalola.com
http://www.utexas.edu/conferences/africa
http://groups.google.com/group/yorubaaffairs
http://groups.google.com/group/USAAfricaDialogue





On 1/26/14 5:26 PM, "Emeagwali, Gloria (History)"

>email to usaafricadialo...@googlegroups.com.
>For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

[Amatoritsero Ede]

Dear Professor Falola,

Could you give me privately or give us the link to the site. I want to study it and see if my I or my website can actually find a ways to download the material so it does not disappear. I am sure there is a way to do it.

regards

Amatoritsero

You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "USA Africa Dialogue Series" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/usaafricadialogue/3UEIttYzu-s/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to usaafricadialo...@googlegroups.com.

[dasy...@gmail.com]

Wahala dey! I pray seriously for the retrieval of the ms. I am sure it will still not be the same as the day to day account she posted on the list serve. Whatever could be done to get them together will be worth the efforts. A ku Oro eni. DAO

Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone.

From: Toyin Falola Sent: Monday, 27 January 2014 00:46 To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com Reply To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com

[dasy...@gmail.com]

The news of her death, though not unexpected, dealt a sever blow to my spirit,  caught my courage off its guard ... like a world champ who found himself flat on his back after a sudden deadly "upper cut" from the opponent. 

I have been short of words since the news of her death. Raw, crude, wicked nature with an abnormal taste for dialectics, a bundle of contradictions! One of those moments you wonder why such a woman having so much to give to the cause of humanity, a bundle of talents, bubbling with life should be the target of the monstrous Death. I thank God for her brief but eventful life. She is the very epitome of courage, nobility, royalty and Heroism! Rather than fear to die, she trampled Fear under her feet and put Death to eternal shame. Many things make La Voda unique in several ways. One of which is the fact that she by herself gave a day-to-account of her dying and death,... the agony of her illness, the pain of her parting from loved ones, the fear and worries of the fate of her children, her worries about the bill of burial, ... the peace of her heart and the joy  in her soul and face in her last moments as waited expectantly to meet with Lord God, her creator. .. all captured so graphically. Only Apostle Paul ever achieved that much in Bible! Now, La Vonda lives triumphantly forever in the hearts of her numerous friends and admirers, all over the globe, and more importantly with Baba God. She was indeed a great lady !!!

Just wondering if all her essays can be tracked, compiled, neatly packaged into a beautiful autobiographical volume and published. It is one of the best ways to preserve her invaluable legacy, to encourage the living on how to conquer fear and be courageous in the face of life threatening, daunting challenges, and death. The royalties may yet assist her lovely children in their education.

A ku Oro. Ojo a jina sira, ase Edumare.

Ademola Dasylva

Sent from my BlackBerry 10 smartphone.

From: Michael Afolayan Sent: Saturday, 25 January 2014 03:04 To: Toyin Falola Reply To: Michael Afolayan Cc: Ademola Dasylva; aaa adesanya; niyi afolabi

Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

The words would even move you the more if you had seen LaVonda in person like my wife and I did. I've never seen someone take dying with such dignity. We thought we were going there to encourage her but we were the ones who left the placed encouraged by LaVonda, bringing tears to my wife's eyes as well as mine. I am heart-broken! Seriously, no need to pray for her soul to rest in peace - it is resting in peace. A ku araferaku o!
Michael

On Friday, January 24, 2014 7:44 PM, Toyin Falola <toyin...@austin.utexas.edu> wrote:

 E se o. I always lose it in moments like this.

Her last words, in those short lines, are too powerful.

From: Michael Afolayan <mafo...@yahoo.com>
Reply-To: dialogue <USAAfric...@googlegroups.com>
Date: Friday, January 24, 2014 5:43 PM
To: dialogue <USAAfric...@googlegroups.com>
Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

Very true, our sister and friend, LaVonda, is gone. I just finished talking to the husband. She passed away at 4 am - now I know why I was sleepless all night. I (or my wife) will be at the funeral on Tuesday and will be sure to let her folks know her place in the hearts of members of this community. Her soul is resting in peace!

Michael O. Afolayan

On Friday, January 24, 2014 4:46 PM, "blargeo...@gmail.com" <blargeo...@gmail.com> wrote:

I cannot begin to explain my feelings. I am covered with goose pimples and I mourn sister Lavonda as much as any close family member.

She is family. Not with the way she has shared her last days and with courage too.

The rain is falling here in ikeja, and my tears too. No preparation can fortify one against this loss.

Rest in peace Sister Staples. Rest, rest, rest rest rest rest rest in peace!

Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN

---

From: Ikhide <xok...@yahoo.com>

Sender: usaafric...@googlegroups.com

Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 10:17:15 -0800 (PST)

To: Toyin Falola<USAAfric...@googlegroups.com>

ReplyTo: usaafric...@googlegroups.com

Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

Dear Family & Friends,

If you are reading this, I have successfully made my transition to be with my Heavenly Father. I have Lived, Laughed, and Loved. I have shared most of my life experiences & lessons with everyone I know with the intention to help those without a voice. I am overjoyed that I was able to touch as many lives as I have.Believe me when I tell you that I suffer no more, and I am in a much better place. My ancestors and I have a LOT of catching up to do...

Always remember, life is what you make it. Make it your best...you only live once.

I love you all forever,

 

La Vonda R. Staples

 

- Ikhide

 

Stalk my blog at http://www.xokigbo.com/

Follow me on Twitter: @ikhide

Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ikhide

[Olayinka Agbetuyi]

The departure of a mother in more senses than one; an irreparable loss...

Olayinka Agbetuyi

Sent from from my Kindle Fire

---

Date: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 06:56:37 +0100

Subject: Re: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

From: dasy...@gmail.com
To: mafo...@yahoo.com; toyin...@austin.utexas.edu; usaafric...@googlegroups.com; yoruba...@googlegroups.com
CC: ron...@yahoo.com; afol...@yahoo.com

[Michael Afolayan]

Somehow, I think anything that is transmitted electronically should be retrievable. This may take the work of communication gurus somewhere and could be an expensive but worthy endeavor. And if by any shred of imagination the ms is gone, La Vonda's constant presence on the electronic world - tweeting, blogging, face-booking, and e-mailing - could provide an appreciable literature, which if carefully pulled together may be publishable - a project that could target young Sarah's college funds. Just trying to make sense in all this . . .
Michael

[dijiaina]

May the Lord protect the sibling she left behind to attain the desired education and grant all of us the courage to know that life is transient. Shalom.

Ayandiji Daniel AINA

On Jan 25, 2014, at 16:40, Ayoola Tokunbo <toks_...@hotmail.com> wrote:

Sister La Vonda be in peace and God bless you.
Tokunbo
 

---

From: Jamaine...@MissouriState.edu
To: usaafric...@googlegroups.com
Date: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 12:30:59 -0600

Subject: RE: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

Dear Ikhide,

 

Thank you for delivering this message from our sister La Vonda.  Peace is hers.

 

-Jamaine

 

From: usaafric...@googlegroups.com [mailto:usaafric...@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Ikhide

Sent: 24 January 2014 19:17
To: Toyin Falola

Subject: USA Africa Dialogue Series - La Vonda Lives...

Dear Family & Friends,

If you are reading this, I have successfully made my transition to be with my Heavenly Father. I have Lived, Laughed, and Loved. I have shared most of my life experiences & lessons with everyone I know with the intention to help those without a voice. I am overjoyed that I was able to touch as many lives as I have.Believe me when I tell you that I suffer no more, and I am in a much better place. My ancestors and I have a LOT of catching up to do...

Always remember, life is what you make it. Make it your best...you only live once.

I love you all forever,

 

La Vonda R. Staples

 

- Ikhide

 

Stalk my blog at http://www.xokigbo.com/

Follow me on Twitter: @ikhide

Join me on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ikhide

 

--