Alphonso Lumpkins made his transition after a courageous battle with cancer. Al is Chair Emeritus of OBS, serving as its first chairperson in 1980. He was a staunch fighter for justice and as a long-time auto work both GM and the UAW felt his wrath. He was a founding member of organizations like the Concerned Auto Workers (a black caucus within the St. Louis local of UAW) and the National Black United Front.
The life celebration of Al or Lump—as he was affectionately called—is Friday, March 6, 2009 at Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church, 4673 Labadie, St. Louis, MO 63115. Visitation will be from10-11 am and the service will follow at 11 am.
Marcus Watson, the young visionary behind Ujamaa Matakba (bookstore) died suddenly from natural causes this week. Ujamaa,located at Manchester & Tower Grove, has been a cultural and informational gathering place for years.
The celebration of Marcus’ life will be Monday, March 9 at Ronald Jones Chapel, 2155 E. Fair (W. Florissant), St. Louis, MO 63107 at 1 pm. At his request, Marcus will be cremated. His family appreciates your contributions to his memory and the legacy of Ujamaa Maktaba.