Memories of Naba

Zaqt nou (The Meeting) 

It was the year of 2004 when I worked as a manager at the Afrocentric Bookstore, in downtown Chicago. I was occasionally greeted by the Firefly Magazines that were stacked right in front of the entrance door. Due to the attractive, colourful covers and of course all of the information they held, I was always curious to find out what the next issue contained. Every time I read the Firefly, I would stare at Naba's picture. At that time I didn't understand why I'd study his face so intensely. Who knew I would one day be engaged in a conversation with a customer and friend of the bookstore, whose name at that time was Ashanti Miller (now Baheru Meniooh), regarding The Earth Center. He invited me to come to a lecture by Master Naba. I then declined due to a busy work schedule. Time went by only for me to run into Baheru again, inviting me to sit in on some classes he was currently taking at The Earth Center, and still I declined due to busy work schedules. Again Baheru got in touch with me through a phone call, asking if he could share some information with me concerning the classes. Because of his excitement and genuine enthusiasm, I couldn't tell him that I was too busy. I met up with him outside his friend's home whom Baheru was excited to share information with as well. When I saw him he was super energised. Thinking back on that day I'm certain that I received a lecture of my own. Shortly after this meeting I ran into The Earth Center booth at the African Festival of the Arts where most of the students, including my pal Baheru, were passing out flyers. I remember being amazed by all the medicines lying on the tables. And for the first time I had the opportunity to meet Master Naba. Naba had a very pleasant smile and I can still remember his handshake. Some time after, I was invited to Baheru's graduation ceremony. That same day I signed up for classes. 

Na Neb (The Master/Teacher) 

During orientation at The Earth Center, I was excited to see so many new students and elder students. It was a pleasure to be around others who were interested in their own spiritual growth. Informed of how long and hard Naba tried to convince the elders to come here with secret knowledge of the Dogon bloodline of the Gourmantche tribe just made the lessons so much more valuable and sacred. He cared so much about the stability of humanity and re-introduced the Code of Human Behavior or the 77 Commandments. It was so important to him that we students recognised the importance of building the world that we wanted to see. Recognising your Ancestors and the role they have in your life. Recognising the entire World of the Gods and understanding that all of our actions will be recorded and we will have to stand and present them to the the Gods. We create our own history. It was such a blessing to be under the wings of Master Naba. He was a very stern teacher and didn't make room for anyone to take their learning experiences for granted. All of his students at one time or another were challenged by him. Outside class time he loved to tell stories of his experiences and travels. He enjoyed telling jokes even though at times some jokes were so unfunny you couldn't help but laugh! He showed us a few Merita/African style card games and made yam to share with everyone. I certainly learnt a lot from his hospitality as well. 

Na Met (The Husband) 

Naba was a loving friend, companion and husband. He treated me with respect and honour. Although I wouldn't have expected anything less from a man of his quality. We were always happy to see each other. I remember us discussing our schedules with one another trying to figure out the nights we could both spend time with each other. I worked 2 jobs and of course was a student at The Earth Center and well, he was always busy. We concluded that we'd go drumming and out to hear spoken word a couple of nights a week. Every now and then he'd surprise me and take me to Wild Hare. I guess he didn't want every night to be predictable and we both enjoyed reggae. He was a very talented drummer who owned his own drum. And he'd sit behind me in a drum circle and most times his drum spoke the loudest as he shook his head back and forth to the beat of the drum. We took long walks mostly in the park and he'd show me the constellations and tell me about the personality of the trees. Everywhere we'd go someone knew him. Surprisingly he remembered everyone. He may not have remembered a name but he could recall a conversation. It would go something like "Hey brotha, how are you? Do you still do your photography?" It was amazing to see how bright eyed people were when he'd come around. It made me very proud to be in his presence. 

Na Itef (The Father) 

Besides his own children, he was a father to many. A role model, provider and a healer. So many people looked to him for his advice and wisdom. No matter how young or old. And if you dropped by The Earth Center he'd make time to listen to a problem that needed solving. There was nothing more meaningful to me than to be blessed with the opportunity to bear a Naba child. Because whether in the physical or spiritual realm I take comfort in knowing that he will play a role in his children's lives. I remember how he used to play soccer with the kids and take them to the park. Or he'd turn on some African music and dance with them. Heal the children when they were sick and chastise them as needed. His own children will be recognised anywhere in the world from the trademark of the "Naba forehead". 

Na Bennu (The Man) 

Reminiscing on the sequence of events, I'm so grateful that my ancestors lead me on this path to The Earth Center. Learning, through Naba's teachings, how to regain a connection with dead relatives in order to make them Ancestors. Re-introducing the 77 Commandments so that we can have discipline and structure. Evil is so dynamic and can easily persuade an individual to do evil deeds. It takes so much more discipline and will power to be good or to be a Kem. Naba has given us the opportunity to lay a foundation for ourselves to be Kem spirited people. I've personally never met someone as compassionate and brilliant as he. Many all over the world loved and respected him because you almost couldn't help but love and respect him. 

For me, writing this article was a challenge. There are not enough words to tell you of Naba's wonderful works. And now it is my responsibility that I teach our own daughter how to maintain her relationship with him in the ancestral realm. Master Naba Lamoussa Morendenibig will sorely, sorely be missed by thousands that he touched. I wish him well on his journey in the Imentet. I will leave you with one of his famous quotes, , "Whatever NEEDS to be done, HAS to be done"