MEMORIES OF OUR BROTHER: The True Definition of “Brother” (Part II)
To a man who's done so much, I could say "thank you" a thousand times and it still wouldn't be enough. Thank you so much for teaching me the true meaning of sacrifice and loyalty and for letting me know that it's okay to be my true self. You showed me how to be selfless, generous, loving, and kind. You granted me with the gift of true brotherhood and for that I will forever be grateful. When I wanted to hate, you taught me love, and when I wanted to give up, you encouraged me to keep going. When all is said and done, you were like no other. Being there when it mattered most, a real True Brother. Rest in Power.
Your lil brother, Tony.
— Tony Triplett, Cohort 1
I can still see his smile. He always greeted you with the most vibrant smile that made you feel welcomed, and made you want to smile. Through all his circumstances, he never stopped smiling.
— Miguel Garcia, Cohort 3
I don’t have a favorite memory of Michael. Just being around him made me feel like a better person. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. My world—and others’ I am sure—is dimmer with his light not in it. I will keep a flicker of it alive in my heart.
— Robert “Bobaloo” Cloutier, Cohort 1
I’m a writer, and Mike used to ask countless questions about writing a book: “How do you do this? What do you think of that?” Sometimes he would ask the same question twice in one day. I was so glad when he wrote that damn book! I was also damn proud of him. The accomplishment was so huge. When we got moved back to E-House, we were right next door to each other, and he told me he was writing his second book. Ugh! This time he had all new questions.
He told me once that he wanted to write like me. I don’t think he ever knew I wanted to write like him. Man, I miss him.
— Anthony Ehlers, Cohort 1
The Tuesday before B-Way’s passing, I spent that morning talking and laughing with my brother. For the past two months, I’d started to forgo yard, preferring the peace and solitude of my cell. However, Monday night at the end of Dayroom, B-Way—with his unique ability to coax folks into stuff they might not otherwise choose to do —said “Shafiq, you gon’ come to yard with me in the AM?” Before I knew it, I was nodding my head in assent. I had no idea that would be the last time I’d see my beloved friend. As always, Mike was giving me a gift without my realizing the value until a later time. I will miss him, Always.
— William “Shafiq” Peeples Jr., Cohort 1
“Drizzy!” B-Way appeared at the bars, seemingly out of nowhere, snatching me out of a daydream with his energetic greeting.
“Where you comin’ from bro?” I recovered from my agitation.
“Islamic Revival.”
“Straight up? I know you started going back to Jumu’ah/Taleem...”
“Yeah, I’m trying to get back on my path...
I gotta be right for my grandkids and Shawn...”
He trailed off and we shared a rare silent moment of vulnerability and reflection.
“You straight though?” He switched the focus to me.
“I’m cool.”
“Aight. Police on my door, luh’ you bro.”
— Andre “Dré” Patterson, Cohort 1
On May 26, I invited B-Way to a Memorial Day celebration that my veteran’s group was putting on. It was the last time he heard me sing. I sang “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton and “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” by Boyz II Men. He told me how much I surprised him and how he enjoyed the songs.
Today, I dedicate these two songs to him. He was more than just a classmate and friend. He was my brother! We had a natural organic connection. I’ll miss his voice calling me “Country Boy.” I’ll miss his smile warming my heart , and above all, I’ll miss his sense of humor and comedic timing. For instance, on my birthday (June 8), he called my name and said, “Happy Birthday Country Boy” and began to play the “Happy Birthday Song” being sung by barnyard animals. Everyone in earshot got a laugh, and I smiled from ear to ear.
Thanks, B-Way, for enriching my life and showing me how to be an authentic person no matter the circumstances. I love you! I’ll miss you!
— Demetrice “DC” Crite, Cohort 1
At Professor Lackey’s book reading, Michael and I took a picture of him holding his book. He acknowledged I was his brother.
— Robert Boyd, Cohort 1
Michael Broadway: A Mind, Individual, Caring, Heroic About Educating Lamentables.
His Brave Reality Orchestrating Accomplishments, Dreaming Wisely, Acknowledging Yourself.
Thank you for believing in me and my abilities. Thank you for always having my back. Thank you for never ignoring my sorrows. Thank you for always encouraging me. Thank you for the love you would show, because it was needed. I will always be “yo Lil Bro,” and I will install the knowledge you gave me and make a difference. I love you, BIG BRO.
— Broderick Hollins, Cohort 2
Oh, Michael — you’d be proud of me! I felt a shift on the morning of July 26. Your presence was in my cell telling me to go to yard, pick up that ball again and start hooping. Remember our last convo? You wanted me to start hooping with y’all. In your memory, I’m trying to get it back. My fat ass lost nine pounds and I’m working in the kitchen. Wishing I could flood you with food — I knew you loved to eat! But don’t worry, it’s Cohort 1 forever, and our community has come together to honor you. To make sure your memory lives on through your brothers, who love you dearly! You left a hell of a legacy and some giant footsteps to follow. I’ll keep stepping, though — I learned to keep fighting by the example you set. Love you, brother.
— Todd Mandoline, Cohort 1
B-Way was like a little brother to me. He grew up with my nephews on 103rd. B-Way had a gregarious spirit. No matter the issue, the moment, the situation, he dealt with it with a smile. My favorite memory is my first impression of B-Way. Once he realized who I was, he immediately started making calls to the streets to people that knew me, in order to pre-connect them with me to help facilitate my return back to society. I shall never forget his altruism.
— Ramon “Ben Khayil” Montague, Cohort 2
