[WardFive] Lawrence Guyot's DC Memorial Services, Sat, 12/15/12

On Sat, 12/15/12, I attended the DC Memorial Services for our beloved Lawrence Guyot.  It was a wonderful event, with the Goodwill Baptist Church hosting an overflowing group of spirits that included a large number of members of SNCC who fought along isde Guyot in the South to obtain voting rights.  The abundance of Love shared showed the impact of Guyot in this one of a kind movement.

 

I will have the program saved as a pdf file so I can share it with the DC community.  Until then, here is the Love of Guyot and gratitude for his efforts from President and Mrs. Obama, and his daughter, Julie, thank you letter to the public ; below and attached.

 

Albrette "Gigi" Ransom

________________________________________

 

THE WHITE HOUSE

WASHINGTON

December 7,2012

The Family of Mr. Lawrence Guyot Washington, D.C.

Dear Friends:

Michelle and I were saddened to learn of Lawrence's passing, and we share in your grief as you mourn his loss and reflect upon his extraordinary life.

As part of a generation that broke down barriers and challenged the conscience of our country, Lawrence dedicated himself to the struggle for equality in America. His efforts to ensure all members of society could participate funy in our democracy helped embolden and empower countless others to make their voices heard. I hope you take tremendous pride in his many contributions and in his proud example of building a stronger, fairer Nation for all our children and grandchildren.

May his spirit and strength continue to guide you, and may time and fond memories temper the grief you must feel. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

Sincerely,

 

Barack Obama

_________________________________

 

Julie Guyot 507 U Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001

I want to thank you all for the rich outpouring of condolence and affection for my father. He was unrelenting in his commitment to people and worked up until the very, very end. He had orders out, and died with Sue Sojourner's book on Holmes County by his bed (he'd read it twice and couldn't find a flaw in it). The doctors basically pronounced him dead on April 13th, when he had his first series of heart attacks and the kidney that had been with him for 25 years began to fail. But, he had stuff to do. He wasn't finished yet, and spent the next eight months confusing his doctors with his sheer willfulness, his detennination to see things through. It was the first time I got a sense ofwhat everyone had been telling me since childhood about the strength ofa man who endured so many beatings, daily death threats, and the tireless efforts he put forth with every step in the Movement. The doctors shook their heads. They took his numbers. He just wasn't supposed to still be here. But, the months passed and he continued to organize, ignoring the doctors and his own body. He was going to be the one to make the decision. And he left when he was ready to do so. Not a moment sooner.

Even Death had a really difficult time dealing with Guyot.

Back in the early 90s, when other doctors told him he was done for and he scoffed, I told him about a dream I'd had. We never really discussed death. It wasn't a topic that ever interested him, but I shared. I told him that he'd died and that I wore a red dress to his funeral. I kept saying, "he's not gone" and people tutted and were sad for the girl who couldn't accept that a great man had gone. But, then I explained, holding up my voter registration card, "he's right here" and everyone understood. And, my Dad smiled. We never discussed it again.

I wanted to share this private moment with all of you because you know who he is, what he was and would've demanded. Honor him, please, in the good works you do; in being unreasonable and forthright as you challenge injustice and work to ensure that everyone has access to the vote, and exercises it. He will be remembered in the many books that speak of his achievements, in the beautiful grandson, who bears an uncanny resemblance to his Paw Paw, but, most importantly, he will continue to live on within the Struggle. So, we ask that you struggle, on national fronts and in your communities. Take people seriously, take your responsibility to each other seriously. Work for freedom. That is how he would want to be celebrated. And, this is the spirit in which we will memorialize him.

The family is requesting that anyone with a photograph and/or story to share please send it to 507 U Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20001. Weare very mindful of the fact that at my father's passing, he had four amazing grandchildren who knew and loved their "Paw Paw." We would like to ensure that as they come of age, they have the chance to know him as a man, as he was known to others. And, for those who have inquired, donations may also be sent to the 507 U Street address.

Thank you again for all of your support during this tremendously difficult time. Kind regards,

Julie