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Balewa Albert Blackman
Balewa Albert Blackman
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Balewa Blackman Obituary
Balewa Albert Blackman worked as an accountant, but that was the least of it. "He liked a lot of different things," said his sister, Susan McMillian. Which explains, sort of, how a man with an undergraduate degree in biochemical engineering wound up working as a junior accountant at Cantor Fitzgerald by day and as a D.J. at small clubs -- jazz, rhythm and blues, hip-hop -- at night, which "was just something he did on the side, because he loves music so much," Ms. McMillian said.
Never one to take his sidelines lightly, Mr. Blackman had also been training since August in a Navy Seals-type fitness program, which involved getting up at dawn and getting used to swimming with fins and running in boots. By the end of the program, Ms. McMillian said, her brother, who stood about 5-foot-5, would have been able to complete a 500-yard swim in under 10 minutes, 100 push-ups in 2 minutes, 200 situps in 2 minutes and a 1.5-mile run in under 9 minutes.
"He liked the idea of not just doing the physical work, but also learning how to think like a Navy Seal person," she said. "He likes things that are conditioning for the body, but also conditioning for the mind."
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Hari Gopal
June 28, 2023
Balewa and I were apartment-mates and also classmates in the summer of 1994 in the summer Genetics course at Cornell University. I´m shocked and saddened his life was brutally and senselessly cut short.
James Taibleson
September 11, 2022
Balewa was a pleasure to teach as a student in my Accounting class. I continue to be heartbroken that his intellectual curiosity and his acquisition of new knowledge created the circumstances of his taking the job at WTC. RIP my baby brother Balewa.
Cindy Roe
September 1, 2021
Remembering Balewa on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
peter santiago
September 10, 2020
Thinking of you B-Rock. Can't believe its been 19 years. The "Purple Tape" just had its 25th anniversary and it still holds up today. Classics never die just like my memories of you. Rest in peace brother!
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Del Newberry
December 13, 2017
May we all honor Balewa's legacy by sharing our love through music and laughter. Much love from Texas,
Alton Matthews
January 1, 2015
I went to school in Brooklyn with Balewa from Mary Queen of Heaven to Xaverian H.S. He was a happy person that loved to laugh. My condolences go out to the family and everyone who has had to opportunity to know him. I will always remember him.
Alton
Rhoan Brooks
September 11, 2014
I looked up to you growing up. I still remember spending holidays at your house. On this day I must have spoke your name a hundred times. I promise never to forget you. Love and respect always, cousin Rhoan
April Morley-Bonilla
January 12, 2014
I went to Mary Queen of Heaven with Balewa....when I saw his name and picture as being one of the victims of 9/11 I was totally shocked and saddened.. he has been on my mind a lot since then....thinking back to all those years in school together and feeling so bad for the fate he met.....I pray he is at peace....my heart goes out to his family
Barbara Boam
June 12, 2013
I walked a mile for you (mile #198) on 3/20/13 as a dedication to your life.
January 28, 2012
To The Family,
I did not know Balewa A. Blackman but I do know that it hurts me just to think of the horrific day of 9/11. In reading the obituary I see that Mr. Blackman was a very talented young man who took pride in being in good physical condition, something that all of us should do. When he awakens from the deep sleep of death he will have the opportunity to put all of his physical and mental talents to good use in God's new system of things. Furthermore, he will have the precious opportunity of living forever. I am so sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
Mr. Terry of NC
Fiona Pemberton
September 12, 2008
Gone but not forgotten. Your sister is making sure of that. Your were a lucky man to have her as your sister and in turn she return the favor.
September 11, 2008
B-Rock,
Your in my thoughts and I have a picture of you and the fellas on my fridge and in my office. Peace be to you.
Pete
Doug Abraham
April 16, 2008
Death, be not proud
Death, be not proud, though some have called thee
Mighty and dreadful, for thou art not so;
For those whom thou think'st thou dost overthrow
Die not, poor Death, nor yet canst thou kill me.
From rest and sleep, which but thy pictures be,
Much pleasure; then from thee much more must flow,
And soonest our best men with thee do go,
Rest of their bones, and soul's delivery.
Thou art slave to fate, chance, kings, and desperate men,
And dost with poison, war, and sickness dwell,
And poppy or charms can make us sleep as well
And better than thy stroke; why swell'st thou then?
One short sleep past, we wake eternally
And death shall be no more; Death, thou shalt die.
By John Donne
The Poetry Foundation
Kristine
October 24, 2006
As I cross-stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
P Tabbernor
August 24, 2006
In memory....
PRAWL FAMILY
September 11, 2003
DEAR BALEWA,YOU ARE GREATLY MISSED BY US ALL.THE LAST TIME I SAW YOU WAS CHRISTMAS A JOYOUS TIME THAT IS THE WAY THAT I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU FULL OF JOY AND LOVE.GRANDMA IS ALWAYS TALKING ABOUT WHAT A GOOD KID YOU WERE. I WILL KEEP YOU CLOSE TO MY HEART UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN CONTINUE TO LOOK OVER US AND SHINE YOUR LIGHT DOWN ON US YOU WILL STAY IN ALL OUR THOUGHT LOVE ALWAYS,SAMUELS AND PRAWLS
Alkesha
September 11, 2002
B-Rock,
For all those times I saw you on the train in the morning going to work, I will pour a libation in your memory. For all those at Cornell, who were a part of your life, we mourn your passing. May your family and loved ones find comfort in these few words. God Bless you.
Victor LaValle
September 11, 2002
B-rock,
Always funny, always smiling. Cool and kind and good to know. Even us long lost friends miss you and love your memory.
kristin sharma
September 4, 2002
I did not know Balewa, but I work with his mom. We all felt his loss very deeply and she speaks of him with such love and laughter...he was a very special person.
Akil Roper
May 8, 2002
B-Rock
You will always be missed and remembered by your friends and family. You have touched lives in ways you can not understand. And as we say... the saga continues...
May you forever dig in god's crates in heaven. You were a good friend.
Ak
Krishna
May 8, 2002
one bright day, we'll be back together. memories are like time they keep going, i will tell my grandkids about you so they will tell their kids and when we link up again - niceness. always livety.
respect - my bregrin
Albert Balewa Blackman Jr.
Susan McMillian
May 7, 2002
To my baby brother, not a day goes by that we do not think of you. We cry, we smile, and we miss you. September 11th did not take you from us. It brought you closer to us, through your friends, and kind words from strangers. You have touched so many people in your 26 years, and your are still touching so many more. You will always be the loving son, the beloved brother, the funny uncle, and dear friend. We Love You.
Jim Sims
May 7, 2002
My heart goes out to my adopted mom and sister for your loss. You know how to reach me if you ever need to.
From your Jamerican son Jim
Angie Campbell
April 22, 2002
May God Bless you and the ones that you left behind on 9/11/01. Rest in God's loving peace forever.
Orpheus Williams
January 15, 2002
Peace to the God....
Teresa Jahn
January 8, 2002
We are very sorry for your loss of Balewa. May his enjoyment for music, his life and love live on in those who love him. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
December 11, 2001
b-rock you will never be forgotten. rest in peace. remember cornell, the gorges, the beats, the rhymes, the beauty and everyone who loved you. may you continue to bless us all on your journey to another level of existence. namaste. peace. God bless.
IRENE
December 7, 2001
GOD BLESS YOU BALEWA ALBERT BLACKMAN
AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.GOD BLESS
YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.GOD BLESS
AMERICA AND MAY WE NEVER FORGET 9/11/01
Maria Delgado
October 22, 2001
In memory of "Albert"
I will always have him in my memories. I'v been working only 10 months at Cantor Fitzgerald. Albert was not a big talker and shy at the office. Maybe because I was new in his area, but I will always say hello to him everytime we saw each other in the hallways or on the road to make copies. I'm a people person so I'm always making friends. He would say hi sometimes, but one day I really saw his bright smile when he went by my department and saw a poster on our door saying " Bang your head against this sign whenever Cantor stresses you out" he had a laugh about this and he said to me it's a great sign. This was the only time he ever spoke more then one word to me. He was a great person and very respectful. You didn't have to know him for a long time or speak to him always. His ways will describe him. I will miss him very much.
My greatest sympathy to the family and may God Bless you all.
He's in good hands, "Gods Kingdom"
Michelle Tabois
October 22, 2001
Although I did not know Balewa personally,( I am a member of his mother's church), I realize from the tributes of his many friends and family members at a memorial, that Balewa was indeed a very special young man. He was a man of vision with a passion for life. He left those who love him with lots of memories to cherish forever.
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