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Callaloo 23.4 (2000) 1172-1173



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In Memoriam
Barbara Christian
(1943-2000)


For our Beloved Barbara Christian
June 19, 2000

Dear Barbara
Dear Sister
Dear Comrade

In our hearts you will never cease to radiate inspired dedication, generosity, and the precious spirit of an always loving faith.

Neither disease nor death shall dim or blunt the glowing outcome of your vision and your work among so many thousands of us who remain, grateful for the privilege of having known you even for a little while, even at some awkward distances of time and space.

When you could no longer run, you walked.

When you could no longer walk, you sat among us, giving us your final laughter and your glistening tears. [End Page 1172]

Steadfast, and with dignity, you held to life and, holding on, you blessed the rest of us with your courageous cherishing of every minute, every conversation, every touch your destiny permitted you to seize upon.

Dear Barbara
Dear Sister
Dear Comrade

The world now spins more certainly towards sweet justice and more tenderness because you graced our territory with such everlasting devotion and good will.

And so I offer, here, this salute
with so much love

--June Jordan



June Jordan, poet, essayist and political activist, is Professor of African American Studies at the University of California at Berkeley. Her recent publications include Soldier: A Poet's Childhood (2000), Affirmative Acts: Political Essays (1998), June Jordan's Poetry for the People; A Revolutionary Blueprint (1995), Civil Wars, Selected Essays 1963-1980 (1995), I Was Looking At The Ceiling and Then I Saw The Sky; the Libretto and Lyrics (1995), Haruko/Love Poems (1994), and Technical Difficulties, New Political Essays and Writings (1992).

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