As we prepare for the Launch of the 2017 Pan African Festival commemorating Emancipation and the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the ESCTT, we remember our Brother Tracy Wilson who transitioned on January 9, 2017. The following tributes and condolences have been flowing into the ESCTT from colleagues who encountered Brother Tracy here in his role as Education and Research Director of the organization or those who met him when he represented the organization abroad.
“It is with profound sorrow that I grapple with the news that Brother Tracy Wilson has transitioned.
My last encounter with Tracy occurred — I believe– in 2015 when he hosted me at his home, and I therefore have no images in my mind of a sick or ailing Tracy. In fact, the only image I have of Tracy is that of a smiling, gracious, intelligent, generous, articulate, cultured and positive brother. This was the Tracy that I experienced on so many occasions when he so graciously hosted me at his home. This was the Tracy that I experienced in our many Pan Africanist meetings and conferences, and in our overseas travel. It is therefore extremely hard for me to process the news that Tracy is no longer here with us in this material realm.
It was always such a pleasure to be in the presence and company of Brother Tracy — one was bound to learn something new; to laugh; to be engaged in stimulating conversation; and to be buoyed up with a sense of optimism.
One of the things that I really appreciated and admired Tracy for was that he exemplified the capacity (perhaps the necessity) to struggle mightily, but with a sunny and optimistic sense of joy in one’s heart.
And — needless-to-say — Tracy had a really sparkling sense of humour. (If I close my eyes, I can still see him in the verandah of the house in which we stayed in Suriname as he regaled me with the story of the Queen’s canary, as captured by the Mighty Sparrow in his calypso.) In fact , that was another thing about Tracy– his love and wide knowledge of the calypso art- form. If you were around Brother Tracy for any length of time you were bound to be introduced to some classic kaiso that you had not heard (or heard of) before!
I really admired my elder brother Tracy, and I will sorely miss him. My only consolation is that his spirit was so strong that the essence of this great soul will always be with me.
The Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago has lost a great scholarly soldier; the Caribbean Pan-African Network has lost a distinguished elder statesman; the nation of Trinidad and Tobago has lost one of its most valuable and engaged citizens; and the African people of the world have lost a mighty patriot and defender! On behalf of the officers and members of the Clement Payne Movement of Barbados— indeed, on behalf of the entire Pan-Africanist community of Barbados– and in my capacity as Chairman of CPAN,I extend deep and sincere condolences to the relatives, friends, and colleagues of our beloved brother. May his spirit live forever.”
David Comissiong, Chairperson, CPAN
“When he walked into a room, his smile greeted you from a distance. He had one of those “everything going to be alright” smiles. He never referred to you as a child, instead it was young man, young lady or my son and my daughter. He was a champion for young people always encouraging them to dream and then daring them to turn it into reality, even though it seemed farfetched to some.
He never put you down for your mistakes, instead he spoke to you about them, to get an understanding of why something was done. This pushed you to do so much better because Uncle Tracy was going to be there with you from start to finish, cheering you on and for some reason you did not want to disappoint him.
He was the favourite Uncle, more like a big brother to the young people in the office. The close proximity of his home allowed him to always be in the office, in the mix of the youth conversations. Many times, before youth projects reached the Board of Directors, they were passed by him to get his feedback.
His gentleness was sort after. His mannerism was cool and calm, soothing like a cool breeze at a perfect sunrise.
Although he is no longer present in flesh, his spirit will live on through his teachings and his words of encouragement.”
Staff of ESCTT
“Uncle Tracy. You made an impact on my life during my privileged stay at the ESC… You encouraged me to continue in all my entrepreneurial undertakings – checking in on my development… Highly intellectual…a brilliant Man, Father, Teacher, Leader… You can’t be replaced…”
Josette Thomas
Stealth Warrior. Quiet Lion. W e salute you as you transition to the Realm of the Ancestors, Your work here is done.
Azi Smenkh Ka Ra
“My condolences to his family, friends, supporters and community for the physical loss of our brother, but may the works, contributions and whatever tangible or intangible that our brother left may we benefit from it and pass it one, keeping it alive within ourselves. In this way, bro Tracy Wilson will live in and we becomes his inheritors.
Ashe!”
Hasan Anyabwile
“As he transits the mundane plane and body, may those with the knowledge of the traditional rites leading to ascension of his spirit be engaged to fulfill this important rite and ritual of passage on his behalf. May he be met by those who went before him. For and on my behalf, on behalf of my family and the members and Administrators of Egbe Onisin Eledumare we give thanks for the life and work of Tracy Wilson, brother, father and friend to many. For to those who abhorred equality and justice. May he enter into the grand Light.
Oloye Orawale Oranfe Ife”
Oloye Olakela Massetungi
“On behalf of myself as well as my family may I express deepest condolences in the passing of Brother Tracy Wilson. May his life’s worth and contribution towards the advancement, uplift mentioned and enlightenment of African people worldwide in particular as well as humanity universally serve as an inspiration to the younger generations today and in the future.
The commitment of Brother Tracy Wilson will always be remembered His passing leaves a tremendous void.
BOZA BOZA BOZA!!!!”
Nyahuma Obika
“Farewell to a Brother. My condolences go out to his family and friends. He will certainly be missed. I never met him without his warm appreciative smile. His dedicated contribution to the upliftment of African people will be remembered. Rest in Peace, my Friend.”
Joan Yuille Williams
“Needless to say I am sorry to hear the news that Tracy has transitioned! He was an “absolutely wonderful” brother and totally committed to cause of the emancipation of African people. I always enjoyed his moderation of the business roundtable session, and found him mild-mannered, but well focused on what needs to get done.
May his family be consoled in the full knowledge that Tracy is now with the Lord, with his wife and with the ancestors!”
Melvin Foote, President, Constituency for Africa, Washington
“Condolences on behalf of my family to all his family and members of The Emancipation Support Committee he was such a beautiful and warm hearted human being with a brilliant mind, such a Great lost RIP brother.”
Ann Marie Kojo
“Culture House wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and love ones of Bro. Tracy Wilson. Condolences also go out to the Emancipation Support Committee for having lost a faithful and dedicated soldier a true Cultural Ambassador, not only for the ESC but for our Beloved Trinidad and Tobago.
Bro. Tracy outstanding contribution to the advancement and uplift of the Spirit of Emancipation worldwide must not be forgotten. He has served his nation well and we are all better because of his time on earth. He will surely be missed by all.
Travel safe Soul Jah!”
Culture House
“An Obatala spirit. May we all learn his lessons of sincerity, selfless service and the calmness of a silken smile. Walk well, my brother.”
Rawle Gibbons
It is with sadness that we share news of the passing of our dear colleague, Tracy Wilson. I will always remember Mr. Wilson from the early years of my professional experience in Trinidad, whilst I worked out of PACS. He was passionate about the things he cared about and whilst he may not have commented on everything, he was very aware of what was going on in the space and thought carefully before he contributed to any conversation. And of course, he always had time to share a kind word and a lovely smile. I found this picture on line and for me, it captures so much of his essence.
We will share news of funeral arrangements in due course. In the interim, let us hold Mr. Wilson and those that he leaves behind in our love and best wishes, and wish him well on his journey home.
Trinidad & Tobago Society of Planners
“Eye-Crossroad Riddle say:
Never see meh, till you come
See meh, no more, here…
–Gone!
Now, alas we know, by the sheer dint of absence here
When touching you is no more availed us!
We know, in the readying of our own turn, mirrored here,
To become capable of deciphering disappearance!
Alas your shoulders become familiar, with distance’s need
To be decoded; and how it excites us with uncommon fragrances
Of what defines the soul’s longing to redo what… that
Quite abruptly fades among memory’s flare of a lament
Now fated us –a new custom-made grief surrenders
Where our silence yearns after what is ever left unknown!
Mind our custom of just a while, we met, and have not truly,
But not without that sting of fire that seizes the invisible prow!
Our soul at least, once more,
Where his smile, self-grown, is permanently left:
The enormity of his infinite smile, so simply –urges, stirs
What once preceded us; counted us immeasurable!
How we need account for the care we spilled, disowning
Most, the darkness of the morn that begs us to see light,
And with ever-new resolve is yet ours to touch that, to wit
Our will is defiantly meant in surges of repent! Once more,
This timely vigil urges us: See for ourselves, what we admired
Most in him, now bequeathed us, is yet ours in our refining
Depths, with that restored wont, to fly, hurled with surest aim
The might of our finest wont, of justly appointed species, sadly
Left, a fallowed where the honor of duty is at an impotent wane!
No, his was a single witness to the bitterest thrall of any fall…
Punctual, stoic, his gaze scaled the bitter-sweet draughts of our
Shivering omit –annoyance at our absurdities, survived a glint of Eye!
The weight of our puerilities –our boldfaced absence made impure noise– Tangled tenancies of lives, ever spurious, suited all seasons, forbidden
Of good habit, now fashionable bluff, strung out among a subterfuge
Of a never-to-return joie de vivre hither an’ thither Middle Passage’s
Terrible sojourn and beyond!
And with that, my Brother, wanting no other example, less suffered
Than your centered presence –a light gifted to illuminate our dark!
Now, Tracy Wilson, raised beyond our mortal reach; are we tensed,
Ably enough to the muscles that were the unutterable hope he fated
The very placenta of our awakening dreams! What passion
Exceeded him? Now left us to found ourselves primal among
Postponements, livid, rouged-up to remnants, mere obscurities
We have become. Yes to me, no, Eye declare my mountainous pride
Yours, an inspiration, well sustained by the light of your redolence,
Our friendship –magnanimous event!
That’s it…you got the best of him –how his smile and nod
Got the best of us aroused, inspired… A quiet storm!
No one else Eye know uttered the greeting: “Sis” or “Sister!”
“Brother” or “Breds!” with such consolation! He was real…
Brother or Breds in word and deed –a gallon of wine in a timble!
For sure, he joins the Noblesse Oblige of our Ancestors
With an “A plus ” yes! We have lost the best of us!
May God, save us from grief! Chief cannot hold back the tears!”
Chief IFÀ OJÈ WON YOMI ABIODUN (LeRoi Clarke)
An appreciation from the ESCTT