The year 2016 saw many significant deaths in the African American community. In this two-part series, we at Nashville PRIDE remember some of those we mourned in 2016 who impacted our lives in a big way. Last week, in part one, we looked at those on the national stage; and this week in part two, we will look at some of those whose impact, or residence, was primarily local. For more details on those with asterisks (*), please see the PRIDE website under their names. These brief recollections are presented in alphabetical order:
(courtesy http bluesnjazzcia.zip.net)
Stanley Abernathy – transitioned Monday, December 19. He attended Tennessee State University, where he joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. The Chicago community gave Stanley a home-going befitting a King, where he was honored by members of Kappa Alpha Psi, Tennessee State, Harlan High School, local and international musicians, members of Earth Wind and Fire, and B.B. King’s daughter. Based in Nashville, the longtime member of B.B. King’s Band traveled the world, played for heads of state and played on several Grammy Award winning CD’S.
Roderick Wayne Bronaugh* – (July 18, 1955 – November 14, 2016) was a musical talent who shared his gift locally, nationally and abroad. Known as Rod Wayne he became lead singer for the R&B group Blue Magic and travelled the world with them from 1990 until 2004. He returned to Nashville, teaching music at TSU, along with many other activities.
Ed Isibor – passed Friday, December 9. Edward received his B.S. from Howard University, M.S. from M.I.T. and PhD. from Purdue University, and served as Dean of Engineering at TSU and professor for several years.
Aeolian E. Lockert, Jr.* – one of eight Black Soldiers “hand-picked” to integrate Fort Bragg in North Carolina during the Korean War, died at age 88. Lockert was principal of Haynes Junior High School and the first African American principal in the Metropolitan Public School System to receive an earned doctorate.
Inman Otey* – passed November 20. An ordained minister, businessman, Metro government official, university administrator, community leader and activist, born September 18, 1937, he graduated from Pearl High School and TSU; and Masters and Doctorate from Emmanuel Theological Seminary.
Edward Stanley Temple* – died Thursday, Sept. 22 at the age of 89 after an illness. Coach Temple served as head coach of the U.S. Women’s Olympic Track Teams in 1960 and 1964. Temple led 40 athletes to the Olympics, where his famed Tigerbelles snagged a total of 27 Olympic medals, 15 of which were gold. In 2015, a 9-foot bronze statue of him was unveiled at First Tennessee Park.
Matthew Walker* – Freedom Rider Mathew Walker, Jr. (June 1, 1941-April 10, 2016) was a pivotal leader and cultivator of all things freedom, a staunch warrior and a good friend to the end. He was among the civil rights activists who changed the face of bus travel nationwide, after taking part in one of the first and largest lunch counter sit-in protests in the nation.
