Brooklyn, New York
Music by Night
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."
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.
Hari Gopal
June 28, 2023 | Friend
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.
James Taibleson
September 11, 2022 | Kent, CT | Teacher
Remembering Balewa on the 20th anniversary of 9/11...
Cindy Roe
September 01, 2021 | Galesburg, MI
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!
peter santiago
September 10, 2020 | Scarsdale, NY | Friend
May we all honor Balewa's legacy by sharing our love through music and laughter. Much love from Texas,
Del Newberry
December 13, 2017 | Garland, TX
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
Alton Matthews
January 01, 2015 | Loganville, GA
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
Rhoan Brooks
September 11, 2014 | Buffalo, NY
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
April Morley-Bonilla
January 12, 2014 | Phoenix, AZ
I walked a mile for you (mile #198) on 3/20/13 as a dedication to your life.
Barbara Boam
June 12, 2013 | Colorado Springs, CO