X-CLAN’S PROFESSOR X REMEMBERED: Kurtis Blow, Al Sharpton attend funeral for former rapper and BlackWatch leader

(Professor X, centre.)

“A funeral was held Friday to mourn the passing of X-Clan standout Professor X, a.k.a. Robert ‘Lumumba’ Carson.

“Rev. Al Sharpton, rapper Kurtis Blow and Afrika Bambaataa of the Zulu Nation were among the hundreds of people gathered at Antioch Church in Brooklyn, New York to remember Lumumba’s influence on hip hop and within the black community.

“‘He made a difference. There is no doubt in my mind that the angels in heaven are saying 'Welcome home. You fought a good fight,’’ said Rev. Gaddy of Friendship Baptist Church.

“According to Allhiphop.com, the service included hip hop performances, traditional African drums and a band, in addition to scores of motivational speeches that gave honor to Carson.

“Kurtis Blow told mourners to remember the efforts Lumumba put forth in promoting cultural pride as part of the Blackwatch Movement, an arts-centered activist group the rapper founded.

“‘I know that Lumumba would not have wanted people to be sad. He would not want you to be upset and angry,’ Blow said. ‘[He] believed in Africa and Africans, those at home and those abroad. He believed in Black Power.’

“Other speakers included Council Members Charles Barron and Evette Clark, X-Clan’s Brother J and Al Sharpton. A statement was also read on behalf of Afeni Shakur, the mother of Tupac Shakur.

“Carson died of meningitis on March 17. He was 49.”

The LA Times report is here.
The Amsterdam News (Harlem) report is here.
The North Korea Times (I'm not kidding) report is here.
All Hip Hop.com speaks its piece (and peace) here.