More than 100 people gathered at the Community Empowerment Association in Homewood this past Saturday (April 8) for a memorial ceremony celebrating the brief, but impactful life of Nazura Asaseyeduru.
Asaseyeuduru, born Delores Haymon, was a community activist in Pittsburgh whose life ended suddenly on March 19 while attending a conference in Washington, D.C. She was 38 years old.
Before the ceremony, a community processional with everyone in white, and the women wearing red, green and black head wraps, marched, danced and drummed from the Pittsburgh Coliseum on Frankstown Avenue to the CEA. The Red, Black, and Green March set the stage for the occasion, which had all the pomp and ceremony due any true “Warrior Type,” as she was referred to by spoken-word artist, Leslie Ezra Smith, in a poem he wrote in her memory.
The central theme of the day centered around her character; a “Warrior Woman,” a committed community activist whose determined spirit and commitment to her people was unrelenting and serious. This came through in all the comments and reflections about her—but the power in her efforts did not come without controversy at times.
“There was no such thing as a permanent rift between you and Nazura, because if you thought there was, a discussion that came across like a disagreement, the next day she was right there supporting your cause, or something you were doing,” Ezra Smith said. “She was at everything. No, there was no way to stay at odds with her.”
Mistress of Ceremonies was local author and poet, Dessie Bey. “Nazura went to D.C. in May of 2005 for the celebration of African Liberation Day. It was during this time that she entered her Afrocentric consciousness, and she went from being Delores Haymon to Nazura Eshe Asaseyeduru, and began the fight for her people and to live out her life purpose, focusing on community organization—which she did until her last day,” Bey said.
By following her purpose, she left a deep footprint in the Pittsburgh Black community. “She was one of the founders of Sankofa United, which pulled together all the community organizations to become one group and she was truly dedicated to Sankofa,” Bey said.
Asaseyeuduru held a Master’s Degree from Chatham University in Organizational Leadership and Transformation. She organized many events, creating a circle of inclusion so that all the organizations could come together—this she did from the heart, not because of employment obligation, but because she believed strongly in building up her people. “She also believed in the enlightenment of her people, and would bring in speakers, such as Dr. Umar Johnson, to give our community a fresh perspective,” Bey said. “It is for these reasons that she leaves such a footprint on this community. It is for these reasons that there were memories and services held for her, along with her funeral, which was in Virginia, in two other cities—Truly reflecting the path she was on.”
Saturday’s two-hour celebration consisted of more drumming, dancing, singing and reflections. One special tribute was from the Black Steel Gun Club, of which Asaseyeduru was a member. Club president, Bomani Howze, read an emotional tribute to her.
Assanta Richards, Asaseyeduru’s friend from Houston, delivered a powerful eulogy. She spoke passionately of their relationship from two perspectives —one as a best friend, one as a comrade. “As a friend, Nazura didn’t care if we had some fights or disagreements; that would not stop us from being friends, sisters forever. She was not letting you go once you were in her ‘friendspace.’
“It is in that same vein that she approached the work of community and of empowering our people. Disputes did not matter, you show up the next day and keep working,” Richards said. “And as a comrade, she showed what it was to be ‘all in.’ She never took a day off. Nazura found causes to give herself asking for no compensation; her word was stead and she was honorable in her word.
“Our sisterhood was spacious, comfortable, and ever-evolving,” Richards said. “We never demanded that we diminish our own individual bright lights when we are in each other’s presence. We appreciated each other’s ability to shine. When we killed the insidious lie of perfection, our capacity to love each other strengthened and deepened.”
Amber Worthy, Asaseyeduru’s cousin, was still visibly reeling from her cousin’s sudden passing. “This tribute definitely spoke to the character of my cousin,” Worthy said. “She really wanted to pull people together. I only wish I would have allowed myself to know her in this manner and the people whom she surrounded herself, and I wish I could have been a part of the work she did.”
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