A Giant Black Star Lion Going Home Celebration Message

Doctor Barnett Williams has now elevated to ancestorship and for those of us whom know him, witnessed is artistic genius, and danced to his drumming truly know what a Black Star Lion Giant he has been to the global African Community. Doctor Barnett had a talent and ability to share blacktricity and moving drum rhythms everyone enjoyed and were moved by. We are sure he will be one of our greatest ancestral legacies to call on from on high. The fond memories shall always be cherished of our Brother the Doctor of the Drums and one of Banneker Cities artistic treasures, that all of us shall miss, yet give thanks for his life works, words and deeds. It is tough writing about one whom has had so much effect on our communities and one whom had such a pleasant personality.

From the days when Barnett was the Blacktricity Percussionist for the Midnight band and Gil Scott Heron & Brian Jackson to the many weekend sessions at Malcolm X Park, with all kinds of drummers, dancers, and players of instruments. I can remember the many African Liberation days when Doctor Barnett with so many other great drummers would gather to infuse the African spirit of the drum and left us up higher then the many world renown speakers could from the podium of the stage. We will remember and replay the many albums our Brother has contributed to and the many concerts and events he performed at.

Black Star Lion Doctor Barnett Williams now joins the many whom have gone before us and the lest we all can and must do is always remember their great contributions and call on all our ancestors to help carry us all on our missions and journeys here on planet mud. Many, many times I was able to reason and learn from the many conversations with Doctor Barnett and I learn so much from him of life's loves and lessens, I give thanks to have been able to know, love, and be close to one of the greatest drummers of our era. Please hold our dear Brother up in the light and his family and extended family. What a treasure of an unselfish artist to have been with us and for us on his cosmic journey here and now surely he will join our ancestors and the Most High in continuing to play drums for us and guide us home towards our own traditional greatness. We love you Doctor and shall keep you close in our hearts, spirits and memories.

Brother Senghor Jawara Baye EL

3rd Assistant President General of the UNIA-ACL and founding member of Black Star Lion Artist Association


	In Honor of Baba Barnett Williams On Friday, March 3, 2006, Baba Barnett Williams made his final transition. He was a shining star in the local and national community. Baba Barnett was one of the best African percussionist of our worldwide African community. He was the very first student of Master Drummer BaBa Ngoma and played for many years with the Midnight Band and Gil Scott Heron. He traveled all over the world leaving his mark and also taught many youth and adults african rhythms of all kinds on the drum. He is a very close friend of many and we are very saddened by his sudden transition. Visitation will be held on Friday, March 10 from 6 to 9 p.m. at McGUIRE FUNERAL HOME, 7400 Georgia Ave., NW. On Saturday, March 11, visitation will be held from 9 a.m. until time of service at 10 a.m. at The Imani Temple, 609 Maryland Ave., NE. Interment Lincoln Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the DC Percussion Society. On behalf of The Adinkra Group and Farafina Kan, we celebrate the life and legacy of Baba Barnett Edwards Williams. We honor your work and understand that you have not left us, but joined the ancestors to continue your work from a much more powerful position. We say Medase and may your spirit continue to live on through us and the music we create!


Diallo Sumbry The Adinkra Group email: daheart@gmail.com