Carlton Pittman is my Father. Today, May 9th is my father's birthday and he would've been 83 years today. He was welcomed into the realm of the Ancestors on Sunday, April 22nd...he departed the Earth on Earth Day 2018. Grateful, I was there with him holding his hands...nothing more precious.
My Father was Regal. My Father was distinguished. My Father was loved and admired by many. My Father was a kind, generous, funny, charismatic fellow... the most animated story teller. My Father had a unique style, known as an urban cowboy donning the most exquisite jewelery, cowboy boots, hats, ascots and tailored jumpsuits and the fanciest of cars.
He taught me what it means to be loyal as he was the most loyal friend, was a hard worker, and an AMAZING provider for his family. He served this country in the US Army from 1955-1958 and was laid to rest with Military honors. Otherwise known as " Pitt" and "The Dr" because he took great care of EVERYONE, he gave his daughters and wife of 56 years the very best everything that life had to offer, he broke the mold on what a GRANDFATHER should be, there will be no other... he taught me that "Love is a verb" and he lived it daily through his action!!! He was an AMAZING dancer and live his life fully and unapologetically.
On April 28th, we celebrated his life and sent him onward into the realm of the Ancestors like the most BELOVED King. As he was brought out of the church, the sounds of Africa filled the air...Oya was present with the most gentle breeze.
Most GRATEFUL to you all... who have reached out on FB, inboxed, came to sit with me by my fathers side, came to the wake, came to the Homegoing Celebration, those who traveled near and far, those who stopped by the house to visit, called, texted, sent cards, emails, sent flowers or brought food for our family...we appreciate the love you have shown our family and Father. If I didnt get to give a hug and say thank you at the services, please know I am so grateful for your presence in my and my family's life. For those who were unable to come but sent love filled prayers, energy and vibrations...Asante sana...Thank you.
When I reached out to my community to tell them of my Father's passing, they asked what do you need? All I could think was that I wanted to send him off with the sounds of drums and I wanted to play the shekere for my father one more time. We've played many times before together...I knew I wanted to honor dad in thos way. From dance recitals at Alvin Ailey, to cotillions, to Sankofa's annual Remembrance, my father was always by my side. From our 1st REMEMBRANCE and annually, you would see him on the sand at Buckroe. This was his REMEMBRANCE ceremony...his Homegoing. I wanted to send him off like a KING and that is what we did!!!!
Blessings and love filled thanks to my sister Goddess Bonney, and my brothers Papa D Dmitri Clawson, and Anpu Sil John Earl Robinson for sending Dad off like a King...as I played the shekere with my baby boy at my side...and for the gift of dance my dear beloved sis Linda Holmes...this celebration was perfection!!!! Asante sana Beloveds. Sage burns, Ashe, Aho.
This year at Remembrance and every time I pour libations, I will call the name of my beloved Father. He and my mother were always by my side on the sand of Buckroe Beach at Sankofa's annual Remembrance ceremony.
I am my Father's Daughter!!!
#ThisIsSANKOFA
#REMEMBRANCE
#HOMEGOING
#AncestorStatusCarltonPittman
#IAmMyFathersDaughter
Ashe...Aho...Sage Burns.
