Salutation to My Dear Friend Chuck Stewart Sr.

These words that I’m writing in no way are able to aptly describe the thoughts that are going through my mind at this particular point and time. All I can say is my friend has left this earth but not my heart. Chuck was a man with a very serious and caring heart for mankind. Many times we use to sit in his office and discuss many serious issues but our conversations would always end with much laughter. But, as I  would return home many tears would be falling from my eyes for I knew that the laughter was only a mask for what was stirring in each of our hearts re: the serious issues discussed. Truthfully, for quite some time those conversations ceased and I went into a strange place for I so badly missed talking with my friend.

I’ve known Chuck, Sr. for over 50 years and we used to discuss music very seriously. He had a beautiful voice and he also had a very comedic way about him, but in my heart I always felt that his laughter was a mask for what was really stirring on the inside of him. Being a black man in America has a way of causing masks to be put on to be able to hide the pain. Chuck hid it very well and he continued on his journey towards putting himself into a position whereby he would be able to stand with dignity while being black.

Chuck used his gifts and resources to try to pave the way towards making his community a better place. He reached out and touched many lives even though by some it was never appreciated. The many things that he accomplished throughout his life never caused him to forget that he was still a “Black” man and he said it loud with much dignity.

Chuck has left his children a strong legacy and has left his community with memories that will always be treasured. My friend, you will be deeply missed but taking into consideration all of the madness that is going on throughout our society at this particular point and time, I know that if you were here you’d be trying to strongly let your voice be heard.

Thank you for being willing to put yourself in this fight, striving towards trying to eradicate racism, hatred and hypocrisy. You realized that you couldn’t control how society views us but you also realized that the only approval that you needed was our Heavenly Father’s and your own. You fought a good fight but our Heavenly Father felt that it was time for you to lay the heavy burdens down and to take your much needed rest. Your family is blessed to have had such a living witness of strength being displayed before their very eyes.

Let me end this with the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Whenever men and women straighten their backs up, they are going somewhere, because a man can’t ride your back unless it’s bent.”  In spite of what was or wasn’t going on, Chuck’s back was never bent. He withstood his journey and always stood “Tall!” To Chuck’s children I say “keep moving forward with your father’s legacy always in your minds. Chuck Jr. his mantle has been passed on to you!”

Chuck, Sr. “Rest On My Friend, Rest On! Rest! Rest! Rest!”

This is Lillie’s Point Of View and I’m just having my say!