Black Baby Boomers: Yolanda King Dead at 51

This has hit me sideways. As a boomer, it's difficult to wrap my "never gonna age or die" head around it. Notables or celebrities passing away just don't effect me much. After all, they are not Harry, Connie, Robin, Vanessa, or Keith. However, this one strikes me close.

Growing up, I briefly identified with Yolanda King. Our fathers died in 1968 and we were the same age. While mine wasn't famous, almost a month later when her dad died I wondered if she cried every night too. What ever the answer, I made my comparisons, locked up the subject and moved on.

Today I'm lost in comparisonville again. Fifty-one seems as young as twelve today. I'm happy and living my best life and I imagine she was too. Heart disease seems a million miles away. For me at least . . . in my head.

I lost my mom to congestive heart failure in 2004 and Yolanda lost her mom in 2006. Both in their seventies and still it feels way too young. It's way too soon for Yolanda.

Here's to you, my sister - for finding your unique voice and sharing it with the rest of us. We will honor you by spreading the word - reminding others to Go Red for Women.

Check out her website and a sample of her speaking engagements: Higher Ground Productions

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