Elliot Washor's TGIF 07.12.2024

“Are you with me now” A J Ryder

“It’s not the memory I have but the memories I have.”

Yesterday, Brian Mills called me up and told me our dear, dear friend Cedric Huntley – Ced, Mr Cedric passed away suddenly. It was appropriate that Brian called to tell me because the first time I met Cedric was in a trailer with Brian on The Met building site at a facility meeting where we were introduced and ‘told’ that we would hire Cedric. As usual it was one of those many odd meetings and ways of doing things that could only happen in Providence. Turns out, it started a deep friendship lasting for the next 20+ years, let alone someone who was a big part of the fabric of our school and the community. I almost never use the word ‘save’ to describe what we or anyone else does with youth. It doesn’t work for me but I can personally attest that Cedric was a life saver. It would be extremely difficult to define how Cedric worked. He was just amazingly committed to understanding how to be omni-present and be at the right place at the right time somehow always doing the right thing in difficult situations. There were many times when together we were in very, very serious and tight situations with students and families and Cedric was always there. These are skills that don’t appear on any test or HR assessment. You just have to be. There is no calculus for someone like Cedric. He had the je ne sais quoi and he was as humble and nonchalant as anyone could be. A gentleman in the truest sense of the word. Always well-dressed and proper. It was hard to get a swear out of him.

Along with Zelayne a.k.a. Z who also passed too soon, he was of the community and lived for the community. The three of us along with Z’s mom Betty and Z’s husband Butch spent many evenings together singing and laughing our asses off at Betty’s house. I loved those times.

The photo above was taken about a year ago, when the old-timers from The Met got together for a dinner for Dennis’ ‘retirement.’ There’s Cedric across from me. Once the news came out Los called then, Dennis called. I called MR and when Danique and I finally connected we had the time to talk like two kids from the streets could only do about who Cedric was to us. We both were overwhelmed and couldn’t believe that Z and Cedric, two of our most important community people have passed on. What’s that all about?  I’m a bit overwhelmed right now just sittin’ here shedding tears watching the two candles, I Iit for them burn bright.

The Street Giveth …  Cat Mother

Peace