Browsing: Religion

Cynthia Marie Watkins was born on June 22, 1960 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to Idell Howard and the late Jake Watkins.

     Alexis died after a months-long illness at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb. Liam Teague – current NIU Steelband director, professor of music and head of steelpan studies – spoke fondly of his former colleague and friend.

     The Rev. Dr. Robert Shaw, pastor of New Bethel AME Church, Goulds, Florida has retired from the AME Church after serving thirty-eight years.

 “I believe some of her endearing qualities was her unabiding love of family and friends, her big heart and generous spirit which always had her helping others, her unwavering commitment to pursuing social justice and helping working class people, and her ability to walk with kings and queens while keeping the common touch,” said Doris Turner Keys’ goddaughter, Karen Towns.(

“Vernon Tyson was like a father and bishop to me and the Moral Monday movement,” said the Rev. Dr. William Barber, the architect of the Forward Together Moral Monday Movement and president of the North Carolina Chapter of the NAACP. “Often his presence in our midst kept us focused and strong,” Barber said.