REMEMBERING MY OLDEST FRIEND AISHA AS SHE GOES ON HER FINAL JOURNEY by Sekou Ayo Handy-Kendi

              

 
With sincere Black Love and a heavy heart,  I am posting this announcement, that.as a D C community we now must honor another native Washingtonian leader, long-time supporter of the African-American Holiday Association (AAHA), many other organizations; an  activist for the homeless, a vocalist, photojournalist,  and my sister from another mother - Darlene "Aisha" Dancy.-who left the body into Ancestry on  May 6, 2024

She leaves behind her daughter, Sherita Owens who she adored, a large family, many friends and associates.   Born on February 3, 1952, she was proud of her S.E beginnings, however, later found her "best life" by moving up-town, to N W, living in Adams Morgan and then Columbia Heights.  In her apartment near Malcolm X Park, she quietly “went home”.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND LEGACY

Aisha accomplished a lot in her lifetime, by founding the Friends of Howard Theater, Co-founded the D.C. Coalition for Housing Justice with Lester Cuffie, advocated for the under-served with establishing the D.C.Tenants Advocacy Office, provided leadership that lead to the D.C. Tenants Rights Law, created the Mayor Barry's Street Vendor's Commission, supported the African American Association's (AAHA) Youth Entrepreneur Program (YEP) for years, and much more.

She was a published photojournalist for the Washington Afro, Proprietor of a business, “Dancy Products”, and a recognized Vocalist.
 
Aisha was a "giver" who advocated for the homeless, the underserved and forgotten; her vending community; for artists,  jazz musicians and WPFW Radio; and for jazz venues like HR57, Bus Boys & Poets, Jazz Night at Westminster Church and Moore’s Love & Peace..

Aisha was also a "real deal" friend, helping others so much that at times she denied herself.  She was always willing to share resources “as information was power" she often quoted. And she would speak with strong passion to tell someone the "gospel truth" to right the right and forbid the wrong, but with that “big smile” of hers, she would then show just as much love and compassion, after her very “blunt” honesty”.. 
 
Aisha was an entrepreneur, using this gift often as a vendor, under the name Dancy Products..  She further, helped start the government indoor marketplace at the Labor Department that was replicated by many other D C government agencies, empowering countless vendors and their families.
 

Aisha was featured in the Financial Times, selling buttons and tee shirts for Pres. Obama.  Aisha was a "vendors" vendor, and her love for self-help and helping other vendors in their time of stress and need, was another way of "serving" . 

MY FRIENDSHIP WITH AISHA
While we first meet at Sousa Junior High School in the ‘60’s, we re-met in the 70’s, helping Brother Adam sell straw hats on the National Mall Over the years, we would partner, to sell “glow lights”, buttons, tee-shirts and posters. 

1982, when I started the African American Holiday Expo until 2005 when we stopped, and Aisha would help me set up the vendors, then set up her own booth

.In 1989, I started the African American Holiday Association (AAHA) and for 5 years on Mother’s Day, she helped the AAHA YEP (Youth Entrepreneur Project) “sell flowers instead of drugs” eventually, we supported over 1500 D.C. youth. .
 
As a friend and a volunteer she often sang at our AAHA expos, in D, C, Emancipation Day rallies, in our Million Women March programs and countless other programs. 

For over 50 years, we have hung together partied, protested, dealt with relationships and our children, did business, were confidants, healed each other and lived together during times of homelessness..  We loved each other as sisters, 

Many of our pictures together are in hard copy, and not on my phone, and wish that I could share these memories with you, but I.ve been tasked to write her obituary, and find the resources to help her on her final journey.   Perhaps, by her 40 day Ascension, I will relocate these  pictures and share them then..  The picture below I found on her facebook page.  It was a picture she cherished.

 I was asked to serve as the Regional Coordinator for the D.M.V. for the 1997 Million Woman's March, and Aisha, I and many other powerful women, coordinated the LOC and spearheaded the movement in this area.  Aisha was one of my 'captains" that kept it real.  She was so there for me and was every vigilant in watching over this effort, to keep it righteous for all of "the sisters" who came together at our LOC headquarters on H Street.  This  picture is of us at one of the many MWM rallies we held at Plymouth Congregational Church.  Seated from left to right:  Darlene "Aisha" Dancy, Dr. Alese Gullatee, Dr. Frances Cress Welsing and myself, Ayo Handy-Kendi

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A memorable picture of some of D.C.'s most serious activist, from l to r:  Darlene "Aisha" Dancy, Al Malik Farrakhan, his son Tarik, Joni Eisenbeg, Anise Jenkins, Elwood Yango Sawyer and Dr. Winston Kokayi Paterson. 

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She could sing like an angel with her favorite cover, "On a Clear Day", or belt out a jazz rendition like "God Bless the Child".  She was well known at venues for her vocals as well as for her wit, humor and political commentary

ANNOUNCEMENT OF END OF LIFE SERVICES
 
 Aisha's home-going service occurred on  Saturday, May 18 at the Universal Mortuary Service (UMS) at 411 Kennedy Street, N.W.  The repast was held at  Roots Activity Learning Center, #15 Kennedy Street, N.W.

Final arrangements and Professional Service of Comfort have been entrusted to:  Universal Mortuary Service (UMS) of 411 Kennedy Street, N.W., Washington, D. C.  2009, Sister Kasey Martin,  202-256-8952. 

Sister Kasey has been instrumental during this time of Aisha's transition to Ancestry  Like many community organizers, who give so much to others, Aisha, was not able to afford life insurance policies.  As the "beloved community, that she took care of, NOW, I.m asking that we take care of her.  Sister Kasey, has been a total blessing in working with us, giving us time to raise funds for Aisha "final journey home" wishes.  Services are planned for Monday, May 27, 2024

Please spread the word of this GoFundMe appeal for Aisha.

 Known as Darlene "Aisha" Dancy,  Isha, Ms. Dancy, Dancy, Dancin'Darlene, here she is with her only daughter, Sherita, who she adored.    Sherita found her mom in her apartment, after being missing for several days, and truly needs your prayers to overcome her trauma and grief.

FUNDRAISING APPEAL
 
Sherita and Aisha's family have asked me to assist in raising funds to lift the burden of her unanticipated passing, and I assure you it will be properly allocated. Please donate any amount and  instead of flowers, send funds,

Thank you  for those who have donated previously  and for those who can assist now as your donations for Aisha's final burial expenses can be sent to our GO FUND ME  appeal at the following link:  https://gofund.me/c8617af7
 
No donation amount is too small as collectively, each donation will add up to meet our goal. Aisha's  daughter Sherita, her fiancee Tammy Allen, her family, long-time friend and partner Lester, and myself, her sister-friend of 60+ years, appreciate any and all acknowledgements of support

"I believe in compassion, unconditional LOVE, and the willingness to serve the less fortunate. May GOD Bless us all, and Peace on Earth with goodwill to all souls. And, I'm Against the next War and the pollution of Planet Earth!...Amongst, other things. Stay Strong! "  DANCYnDC.

Rest in peace and power Spiritual Warrior Queen. Aisha. May Allah be pleased with your efforts..  You will always be remembered because you did so much to make it better for so many, and have left this world a better place. .

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT
 
For more info call me, Ayo Handy-Kendi @ 202 667 2577 or email:  [email protected]