MEMORIES OF OUR BROTHER: A Leader By Example (Part VI)
He was a man-made miracle
His smiles contagious
His laughter electric
His passion omnipotent
His tutorship warm and direct
His character humbling
His visions otherworldly
His love eternal
His memories still here.
— Will Williams, Cohort 3
He was my Muslim brother and fellow NPEP community member. It hurts to believe that his life was needlessly cut short, but I am comforted by knowing that ALLAH is the Best of Planners, and He allowed B-Way to fulfill his purpose here on earth. My favorite memory of B-Way was seeing him every Friday at Jumu’ah (Muslim Service), being greeted by his bright smile and kind words. He was a leader who led by action. I will never forget him.
— De’Andre “Furooq” Robinson, Cohort 3
In the latter part of the pandemic, my job assignment was a “Cell House Gallery Worker.” During this time, Stateville unfortunately suffered from a water crisis, where we could not drink out of the faucet in our cells and the prison provided water in a 50-pound bag daily. Each man would receive eight bottles of water.
As the worker, I would have to carry these bags to where my and Michael’s cells were located and distribute it. The men were asked to keep empty bottles and I was to pour water into their bottles. Some guys would try to get 10-12 bottles a day, but B-Way would do all he could to make my job easier. Sometimes he would just ask for 4-5 bottles of water to make sure I had enough to finish the job.
His discipline was infectious and admired. When I could, I would give B-Way a whole 50-pound bag of water, against the rules. I wanted to reward him for being so disciplined in such a dire time. B-Way embodied such strength in a subtle way. He was a great leader and showed by example.
He will always and forever be a genuine friend.
— Kevin Scott, Cohort 2
I had the honor of meeting Michael for the first time while on the yard. He had an approachable character that gave me confidence to speak. From that day on, Michael would be a man that I could trust, look for advice from, and build on any ideas. He was an encouraging leader with a great smile and an amazing storyteller. I will always remember the talks we had about community, family, and life and will carry his memory forever.
— Kobie Singleton, Cohort 3
While Broadway was our TA in one of our recent classes, he and I were asked by our professor to walk with her to the principal’s office to retrieve laptops for our class that morning. While I could hold my own, and my safety level was good as I’m in Stateville’s school building five days a week, it was during this short walk with Professor Aquiline and Broadway that I personally felt protected by his presence when he assured Professor Aquiline that we had her back and that she was safe. His charisma and confidence was on full display that day. I regret not telling him how much I admired that charisma.
— Donnell Green, Cohort 3
