Reflections on Louis March: A Legacy of Knowledge and Community.

I've known about Louis March for years, but in early June, I got officially introduced to him by the founder of D2R Deshon Downer. Prior to meeting him, I refused to engage in the "black power," "racism" talk because I understood that a person's skin tone has nothing to do with what truly ails the world. But in recent months, I softened my stance and began being more receptive to possibilities. As soon as I made this declaration, I was introduced to the legend himself, Louis.

In the weeks leading up to his transition, we texted and spoke on the phone. Personally speaking, most of our elders are voiceless and bitter, so getting the chance to pick his brain a little within the calls and texts was intriguing for me. I run 5 Principles Cuisines, and I invited him to our upcoming all-you-can-eat vegan brunch. He wasn’t able to make it.

On the week of June 23, Louis texted me and asked if I could stop by CEE Centre on Wednesday, June 26, for a discussion on Community Safety, Policing, and the Justice System - how to improve relations with the Black community. Still somewhat reluctant to participate in these conversations over "black power or racism," I initially hesitated. But then I remembered my now softened stance. I pushed myself to go and I was decked out in my “I Am Not Black” apparel from head to toe(don’t want any misunderstanding) now realize that I was there for Louis March's last public appearance.

I will never know what we could have accomplished if we had more time. Based on recollection, we spoke on the need for so-called "black" people to stop playing victim. I told him that as time goes on, I see "the people" as the reason why the de facto government has been allowed to become tyrannical. In his last appearance at CEE centre, Louis also spoke on why it's important for “the people” to be more active in engaging the peace officers (police) in their community. I said once and I’ll say a million more times, relationships is the true currency of the world.

In my arrogance, I think I messed up due to my stance, which for years kept me at a distance from most elders like Louis. The minute I finally locked in with Louis, he passed away shortly after. After I attended that event at CEE centre , I texted him and thanked him for inviting me. He texted back, "Thanks for being there and making a valuable contribution to the discussion - greatly appreciated."

While at CEE centre, I spoke to him about being a guest on the 27th Letters Podcast, which I host. The premise of the interview is to go through the life of each guest, starting with who their mother is/was. He agreed. I was so looking forward to this overdue conversation between us two fearless warriors. In our brief conversation at CEE centre, he told me of his love for books, which I believe he said his library is 10 or 30 thousand deep. He said it's his addiction; in fact, he rarely walks by a bookstore without picking up a book for his collection. I, too, have a love for books but have very few in my collection. One of the questions I planned on asking him for the interview was, "What is your favorite book?"

The last contact I had via text with Louis was ironically on June 27. He had texted, "Another hectic day - will call you later." I never got that call. Unbeknownst to me, Louis had gotten a heart attack and was fighting for his life. On Tuesday, July 9, since I hadn't heard from Louis in a week or so, I texted him but got no response. I've had so many discussions with various people about different things, very few actually follow through. So when I didn't hear from him, I just assumed he ghosted me. A few days later, our Deshon told me Louis was in a coma from a heart attack. Selfishly, I immediately felt betrayed by the universe.

While we were texting back and forth. I sent Louis a couple of links to YouTube videos of mine. One of the videos I sent was titled "The story before the story From Darkness to Redemption: Lanre's Unveiled Journey Part 1". Shortly after watching the video, my email notified me that a comment was made on the video. It was Louis, the first and only comment.

In reflecting on Louis March's life and our brief but meaningful interaction, I've come to understand that death is no enemy of man. It is a natural part of our existence, reminding us of the finite nature of our time and the importance of living fully and connecting deeply with others while we can. Louis's dedication to his community, his love for knowledge, and his willingness to engage in difficult conversations have left a lasting impact on those who knew him.

As Marcus Aurelius once said, "It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live." Louis lived a life of purpose and passion, and his legacy will continue to inspire us to strive for a better world.

Thank you Louis—“for being there and making a valuable contribution to the discussion - greatly appreciated .” - LM