TEARS ARE FOR THE LIVING

September 2, 2024 Buffalo Latino Village

Mrs. Gail Wells, an unsung queen who passed away on June 4th, hailed from Harlem, NY. She was proud of her heritage and often recounted life-shaping experiences. At her funeral, family and friends spoke of how she navigated life’s chapters with grace and poise. In my view, she was the most transformative individual I’ve ever met. Her involvement in Juneteenth, Kwanzaa, and community events was significant for years. Our bond grew within the Gardening Community. Mrs. Gail, my daughter AAliyah Mya, and I participated in the first Seed to Supper Workshop by Cornell Cooperative Extension at True Bethel. Her joy upon our arrival on the first day was palpable. As a trainee Master Gardener, our connection deepened during those weeks.

Last month, before arriving at the Wealth in Health Family Garden, I filled my car with five empty boxes that once contained Organic Coconut Water. These boxes were spread out on the ground in preparation for next season’s reseeding. As I did this, memories of Mrs. Gail came to me; she had a fondness for Coconut Water, often seen sipping from a quart-sized container. Sitting next to the garden, I was overwhelmed by recollections of her last visit here for a Lady Bug Release in the fall of 2020.

She had come straight from a funeral, and to my dismay, I discovered it was for a longtime friend of my mother. Following the release of the ladybugs, Mrs. Gail and I chatted, repeatedly saying “just one last thing” before parting, until the mosquitoes claimed their territory. I deeply miss those interactions. Her endless creativity and vision for our Gardening & Buffalo Community project will be sorely missed. For Mrs. Gail, Buffalo Freedom Gardens was more than an organization; it was a lifeline for us in Buffalo, a means to heal and rebalance our community. She believed that if every neighbor grew even a single plant, we could truly feed our neighborhoods—and the whole city.

“I must say this before I depart,” Mrs. Gail announced, her manner always straightforward. At a gathering, during a question-and-answer segment, she addressed community engagement. She asserted that gardening and farming are deeply rooted in our culture, beyond the technical jargon and array of tools at our disposal. Fundamentally, we possess the natural ability to grow almost anything we desire, without the need for intricate terms and machinery. She stressed the importance of rejecting the idea that we require instruction in what is inherently part of our genetic makeup. We should let go of the notion that we are devoid of a “green thumb.” With consistent respect and tact, she articulated what was crucial, no matter who was listening.

“And before I take my leave, I must express this…” The esteemed Queen Mother Gail Wells ingrained in me the conviction that we possess the inherent right to be wherever we wish. I recall confiding in her about my reluctance to apply for a workshop, worried that I might not be chosen due to socio-economic or demographic factors, and a lack of funds. She assured me that there is always funding or a scholarship to be found, so one should apply and seek financial support; moreover, we don’t require an invitation to sit at any table, for we ourselves are the table!

Fly High – We Love You!