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Derrick Bell Obituary
Bell died Wednesday night of carcinoid cancer at a Manhattan hospital, his wife, Janet Dewart Bell, said Friday. He'd been diagnosed with the disease a decade ago, she said, but was still teaching at New York University Law School as recently as last week.
The dean at NYU, Richard Revesz, said, "For more than 20 years, the law school community has been profoundly shaped by Derrick's unwavering passion for civil rights and community justice, and his leadership as a scholar, teacher, and activist."
Bell was long dissatisfied with the progress of race relations in America despite his own success. He helped establish a field known as critical race theory by urging that U.S. laws be examined for racism embedded within them. His 1973 casebook, "Race, Racism and American Law," is still in use in law schools in updated editions.
Bell attained several lofty positions in his field, but more than once left them in protest.
After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh law school in 1957 - The New York Times reported that he was the only black student - he was hired at the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division. But he resigned when he was told his membership in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was a conflict of interest.
He later worked at the NAACP's legal defense fund, in Pittsburgh and Mississippi. He supervised more than 300 school desegregation cases in Mississippi.
In 1969, Bell was recruited by Harvard Law and two years later became its first tenured African-American professor. He left in 1980 to become dean at the University of Oregon Law School, but he left Oregon five years later to protest the school's decision not to hire an Asian-American woman.
Bell returned to Harvard, but in 1990 he took a leave of absence to protest the absence of black women on the law school faculty.
"I cannot continue to urge students to take risks for what they believe if I do not practice my own precepts," he said. He never returned to the school.
Harvard Law dean Martha Minow said Bell "inspired and challenged generations of colleagues and students with imagination, passion, and courage."
In 1998, Harvard hired its first female African-American law school professor, Lani Guinier. She told the Times that Bell "set the agenda in many ways for scholarship on race in the academy, not just the legal academy."
Bell wrote two autobiographies and a series of allegorical stories about race. One of them, "The Space Traders," was made into a movie for television.
"He's always been all about the students," Bell's wife said. "He taught by example, by inspiration, by encouragement."
Bell is survived by his wife and three sons, Derrick, Douglass and Carter, from his first marriage to the late Jewel Hairston Bell.
Janet Bell said a memorial service will be held Nov. 3 at Riverside Church. NYU Law School has scheduled a tribute for Feb. 28.
Copyright © 2011 The Associated Press
76 Entries
January 9, 2015
Please accept my sincere condolences and sincere prayers that go out to the surviving family and friends. May the God of comfort continue to bless you and yours especially after such an untimely loss of a very precious life please accept my deepest sympathies. (2 Cor. 1:2, 3).
Tonya Shepherd
March 11, 2012
RIP Mr. Bell we appreciate the contributions that you have made in society and I hope that we may continue to learn from your legacy of wisdom.
Jan Richmond
December 8, 2011
Professor Bell was my constitutional law prof at Harvard in 1990. He was a fascinating, highly articulate, entertaining, kind, respectful, warm, patient and humble man. He is one of the few professors I remember very well.
I hope his passing was peaceful and while the world is less one great human being, heaven is weathier for it.
Jan Richmond HLS 1991
How you can show support
Lloyd Sheldon Johnson
November 8, 2011
I remember sharing some special moments at one of the many social gatherings the Bells would host at their home in Cambridge. We have a lost a true humanitarian, a brilliant scholar whose depth and commitment to social justice will be missed. We ask the Ancestors to bless us with brilliants minds to fill the void.
D. Barber
October 18, 2011
It is with great sadness that I extend my condolences to the entire Bell family for the loss of a great father, husband, author, humanitarian, and scholar. I will never forget the kindnesses and friendship Mr. Bell and his family afforded me and will forever cherish those many memories. May God bless and keep you adorned in the light of love and peace during this time and always thereafter.
October 16, 2011
We read in the Dallas paper of Professor Bell's life and death and especially appreciate the mention of our mutual illness, Carcinoid, as it is so seldom understood or recognized, and trust his writeup will help to create awareness. Just yesterday we had a regional conference with some of our few experts presenting and fully attended. Our own support group here is growing and we hope he had the kind of "family" we have found in each other,knowing we are not (as we were told in the beginning) alone or rare.
Harriet Kelley
Carcinoid Cancer Support of Texas (CCTS)
Allison Blakley Davis
October 15, 2011
Dear Bell Family,
I have struggled mightily over the past week to find words to express my sorrow at your loss, and ours.
I met Derrick the week he began his service as Dean at the University of Oregon School of Law. Derrick hired me as his Research Assistant--a job that mostly involved cite-checking each foot note in the Second Edition of "Race, Racism, and American Law." He funded my continued employment, at least in part, with a grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, and for several weeks one summer in Eugene,OR, I served as a coordinator for a seminar Derrick organized for a group of about 14 lawyers and judges from around the State of Oregon who came together to study racism in their everyday experiences with the law. Derrick challenged those lawyers, judges, and me--then a second year law student--to view our lives through a kaleidoscope of the history of Black America and the people who inhabited it.
We were, in many respects, an odd coupling; I was a newly married, 24 year old, Jewish, white woman who had grown up first on the South Side of Chicago, and later, as white flight changed the Chicago landscape forever, in an affluent north shore suburb--yet Derrick and I found that we had more commonalities than differences.
Derrick taught me more about "chutzpah" than any of my Jewish ancestors. Two years out of law school and interviewing for jobs in Chicago, I encountered a senior partner at a Chicago firm who seemed taken aback that I had worked with Derrick. Didn't I believe, the partner asked, that the constitution was color-blind? I took the opportunity to share with this partner many of the lessons that I had learned from Derrick, arguing passionately that our constitution was not color-blind when written and that it could never be truly colorblind because we could not ignore hundreds of years of Black history. When I finished, the partner said "that tells me all I need to know about you. Is there anything you'd like to know about us?" "No," I answered, "that tells me everything I need to know about you," and I stood up and walked out.
When I left Eugene after my law school graduation in 1982, Derrick gave me a candid photograph of myself that he had taken, sitting in the Oregon countryside in denim overalls, sharing a bottle of wine with our lawyers and judges. On it, he wrote--"May your tribe increase. Love, Derrick."
I reflected on Derrick's death last night as I said Mourner's Kaddish for him at Shabbat Services--and it was in my weekly prayer book that I found the words I want to share with you:
May the One whose spirit is with us in every righteous deed, be with all who work for the good of humanity and bear the burdens of others and who give bread to the hungry, who clothe the naked, and take the friendless into their homes. May the work of their hands endure, and may the seed they sow bring abundant harvest.
I will remember Derrick always because he worked for the good of humanity and bore the burdens of others--may the work of his hands endure and may his tribe increase.
I wish you great love and peace,
October 15, 2011
Dear Bell Family,
Mr. Bell lived what he believed and accomplished so much. He will be dearly missed by family and friends. May your fond memories sustain you and may you find comfort in prayer to God. Romans 12:12
Robin
John Barnes
October 13, 2011
My condolences to Professor Bell's family. Although I never met him, two of his works had a profound affect upon me; "Race, Racism and American Law"; and "Faces at the Bottom of the Well". I am grateful for having the opportunity to be impacted and influenced by Professor Bell. May he rest in peace.
L. Ellis
October 13, 2011
Thanks go out to Mr.Bells family, I'm sure the support was greatly needed for all is accomplishments, May the lord continue to bless, and keep you in his perfect well.
October 13, 2011
My condolences to the Bell family. What a loss to our our city, state, and country. Pro. Bells' works speak for the grand spirit of the man.
Dolores Jean Bell & Family
Akron, Ohio
Annette
October 12, 2011
"What manner of man is this?" What a marvelous soul. What a great example. In sympathy...
Nadine Johnson
October 12, 2011
I am so very saddened to hear of the passing of Prof. Derrick Bell. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to Janet, the family & extended NYU law school community.
He was such a beloved member of our global legal community and as an advocate in the forefront of civil rights and human rights struggles for all underserved peoples, his voice & his writings was a necessary force to be reckoned with.
More importantly, Professor Bell put himself on the line for that which he believed and continued to 'raise the roof' whenever an ugly injustice reared it's head. He advocated publicly and vociferously for Asians, Latinos, Blacks Women and others in the ivory towers of Academia. Many times he gave up his own seat because others could not sit. Prof. Bell was a kind and rare individual as his great acts of selflessness and conscious spirit showed time & time again. He walked his talk and led by example.
He will be supremely missed.
I have many fond memories of interactions, discussions, events with him as well as with Janet. Most notably as chair of my local bar association annual dinner in honoring Professor Bell. More recently, I was so very pleased that Judicial Friends recognized Prof. Bell.
Those of us who've had the honor to be touched by his brilliance and was able to let him know how much we appreciated him for the great work he did in the service of us all, are indeed blessed.
Let me know if you need anything; any service or assistance at this time.
May the memories, heartfelt messages and the love of God be a comfort to the Bell family.
Nadine
Nadine Johnson, Esq.
646 642-7748
[email protected]
(Commissioner, NYS Franklin H. Williams Judicial Commission on Minorities; former President, Metropolitan Black Bar Assoc etc.)
CAROLYN
October 12, 2011
I WISH I COULD HAVE MET YOU! YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN!
REST IN PEACE!!
October 12, 2011
Your work is complete on this earth,
RIP. May God watch over your family.
Lyn Thornton Fears
October 12, 2011
Connie may your brilliant, beloved brother rest in peace. You and your family are forever in our hearts and prayers.
Donnie Corbett
October 12, 2011
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
James Millsaps
October 12, 2011
May God comfort the family of Dean Bell at this time. Thank you Dean for your contribution to race relations in the U.S. May you RIP.
Peyton Sharpe
October 11, 2011
Your work will speak for you!
October 11, 2011
Our deepest sympathy to your family. May you find comfort in the words from Nahum 1:7 which says "God is good, a stronghold in the day of distress."
edward barnwell
October 11, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Barb
October 11, 2011
May the family and friends of Derrick Bell draw comfort from the words at Ecclesiastes 9:5 that our loved ones who have died are conscious of nothing at all, so how wonderful it is to know that they are not suffering.
Linda
October 11, 2011
We as a people owe you so much. RIP
October 11, 2011
Dean Bell, many have been wonderful and are home with you. Many great ones are still here. . . but you, Sir, excel them all = you have run your course, a good race and fought a valiant fight: well done, God's good and faithful servant. We love you, Dean Bell.... God is good!!!
~ If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too,
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting, Or being lied about,
don't deal in lies, Or being hated,
don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise: If you can dream--and not make dreams your master, If you can think
--and not make thoughts your aim; If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools, Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken, And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:
If you can make one heap of all your winnings And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew to serve your turn long after they are gone, And so hold on when there is nothing in you Except the Will which says to them:
"Hold on!"
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue, Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch, If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much, If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!
-- by Rudyard Kipling
- Dean Bell, you are a beacon of light and hope = a great role model 4 us all!
Thank you for everything!
~ from ALL of us
Va Wilson
October 10, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
WILLIS HUMPHREY
October 10, 2011
WILLIS HUMPHREY
October 10, 2011
My prayers are with all the family. Ginger Wood (The late Bernice Brown's sister) of San Francisco CA
Savannah Jen
October 10, 2011
Thank you Sir
October 10, 2011
What a great pioneer. Thank you, Mr. Bell for helping to open doors for so many of us that follow in your footsteps. May God richly bless you and your family.
Bea
October 10, 2011
My condolences to your family. May your memories be sweet and your strength from Almighty God's promise for the very near future. -Isaiah 33:24
Priscella Wilson
October 10, 2011
To the family, I thank God for Prof. Bell's kindness and love for the students that needed him so much.May you all find comfort in the prayers and love that God has for us all.
Tommie Taylor
October 10, 2011
Thank God for Professor Bell, a man of great courage and wisdom. May God bless and keep the Bell family in the palms of His hands.
S.G.
October 10, 2011
Derrick Bell, will always be remembered for his brilliant insights. He was an activist scholar whose love for people contributed immensely to the struggle for justice and equality. May the Bell family find comfort in James 4:8.
CoCintheane Hutchison
October 10, 2011
Dear Mrs. Bell and family, I just learned of Dean Bell's passing. I will always remember him as DEAN Bell because he hired me as his student assistant. I was @ Oregon, a bachelor's Marketing student. Dean Bell and Mrs. A were the best. My first son was born March 18, 1982, while I worked beside Mrs. Ackerman. They gave me nice gifts. Mrs. A. & her husband came to visit me several times until I got back to school. That was a wonderful time in my life. We loved Eugene. It was a very interesting place and time. So many came there to train for marathons. The energy there was amazing and Dean Bell was an integral part of it all. I earned my B.S. in Marketing during August, 1982. Dean Bell encouraged me to go to Law School and said, when I was ready, he would do a recommendation letter. I did talk with and write Dean Bell a few times. I got a Master's in Public Admin. in 1994 from NCCU in Durham, NC. I am now a doctoral Ed.D. student at Nova SE Univ. [2nd year]. I had planned to contact Dean Bell upon graduation this time. He will be greatly missed. As you all know, Dean Bell was a simply marvelous man! God speed! May his life comfort us all! Much love to you, CoCo Hutchison & family
October 10, 2011
Please accept my condolences during this time of sorrow. May the peace of God that excels all thought give you comfort.
Reba Nelson
October 10, 2011
To the family of Mr. Bell, I'm sadden by the loss of this great man who saw fit to put his life and job on the line to help other's , who sometime's take it for granted, but God place certian people here for a reason and he found his reason. THANK GOD FOR MR. BELL. I'll keep the family in my prayers.. Such a Giant.!!!!! God Bless the family always. The Nels on Family. Because of Chirst.
PAT BOHANNON
October 10, 2011
MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS THIS FAMILY. MUCH CARING
October 10, 2011
May it comfort you to know that our loving Creator, as well as others, care about your feelings at this time.
Sheryl - Indiana
Angela Carter
October 10, 2011
May God comfort your family at this time. Th world has lost another drum major for truth and justice. Rest in peace.
Niara Sudarkasa
October 10, 2011
Those of us who were fortunate enough to know you, Derrick Bell, will always be thankful for the brilliant insights that emanated from you. You were an activist scholar and a gentleman whose love for our people contributed immensely to our struggle for justice and equality. May God keep you in His loving arms and greatly reward you for all you have done.
Y.A.
October 10, 2011
May "THE Father of Tender Mercy" give you the needed strength to endure the days ahead.
October 10, 2011
Janet we LOVE
you and Uncle Derrick
May he rest in Peace and out of pain
You have our Prayers.
Tamplin Family
October 10, 2011
May the God of all comfort and love be with the Bell family in your time of sorrow.May Mr.Bell fond memories be with your family for a life time.
Norm Rubash
October 9, 2011
National Public Radio said Derrick is gone, but I don't have to believe it. We were classmates in Law School, a time when he wasn't as soft spoken as when I have heard him interviewed, or when we served together on a panel at our 50th reunion. His sense of humor in school showed through with a number of pranks and jokes, but he was the hardest worker on our Law Review staff. He was my roommate when we took the DC Bar Exams. The last time we were at Pitt I told him that he probably had the greatest influence of anyone on my life, when as night Law Librarian he came back into the corner of the library twice to insist that I needed to go out front where an attractive young woman was studying. He was right. I married her and that was 54 years ago. We both mourn with his family, but out here in the Middle West he's not gone. He lives on in memory and in all his books. I shall have to get them down and read them again.
October 9, 2011
Luke 8:49-56 is an encouraging account to reflect upon that can give you hope.
Doris Pope-Rake
October 9, 2011
Derrick Bell Family, when the purpose for which one is created has been fulfilled the creator calls them to rest from the labor's on this earth. Because of Derrick's labor of love for "Rightness" & his endurance many of mankind has been and continue to be blessed all over the world!
May the Peace of God forever be with you
Doris. Pope - R. (Atlanta, GA)
Angeline. E Brown
October 9, 2011
To the Bell family please take pleasure in knowing that this country mourns with you . There are countless men and women who helped to shape the trials of racism in this country. And for Mr . Bell we give thanks . Job well done good and faithful servant . Thank God and Thank you . God Bless you one and all.
Bobbie Ferguson
October 9, 2011
Dear Mrs. Bell and Family,
As earlier said, "may his spirit live on."
I'm grateful to have lived during Dr. Bell's lifetime. His contributions were benefits to us all. RIP Dr. Bell and God bless your family.
Ellen Bate
October 9, 2011
Derrick Bell was an inspiration to me, even before I decided to become an attorney, late in life. I have always admired his courage and strength upholding his ethics and belief in civil rights for all peoples. My sincerest condolences to his family. Bell's passing is a loss for all of us, but his presence in our lives was a most uplifting experience. He shall be remembered fondly.
Kayo Richardson
October 9, 2011
My condolences to the family of Derrick Bell. Upon the basis of a hope of the everlasting life which God, who cannot lie, promised before times long lasting.Titus 1:2.Take comfort from his words.
okechi Ikpeama
October 9, 2011
May your soul rest in peace. I don't know you personally but I certainly felt your contributions towards racism in America. The fight for equality continues. (Trenton NJ)
Phyllis Ford
October 9, 2011
He has made a mark in history that can never be erased! Love and Prayers to your family, Mrs. Bell.
Solomon Osborne
October 8, 2011
I was saddened by the news of the passing of Professor Derrick Bell. As a lawyer and African American who attended a law school in the Midwest which had no African American or women faculty members I appreciate the courageous and principled stance Mr. Bell took in fighting to achieve diversity on the faculties where he taught. I enjoyed reading the many books he wrote and I was fortunate enough to use one of his books in a college course I taught dealing with "Minorities and the Legal Process". May he rest in peace and may his achievements inspire others, as I was inspired, to take up his fight. May the good works he did be a source of pride for his family and bring them peace.
Solomon C. Osborne
Retired Judge
Doris Jones High Smith
October 8, 2011
Having grown up in Pittsburgh, it was my privilege to get to know Derrick and his family. When he came to speak at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) before my retirement, we had a chance to laugh about their next door neighbors (my cousins). We are indebted to this great man; his contributions will live on forever. Rest in peace.
N'Zinga Shani
October 8, 2011
Dear Mrs. Bell, Derrick, Douglass and Carter:
At this time of great loss and sadness I hope you will find comfort in the knowledge that your husband and father made a positive difference in numerous ways. His influence will be felt long after his body is gone from this life. Because he lived his life with such integrity and determination-- even those who might not have honored him in life might now reflect on his death and realize that he was right about so many things. I had the distinct honor of meeting professor Bell years ago. I was inspired by him and will always remember his entreaty to me to live my life with a purpose. My prayers are with you all. Peace
N'Zinga Shani, Executive Director
OneWorld Progressive Institute, Inc
New Haven, CT
Beverly Martin
October 8, 2011
May God bless and keep your family during their bereavement. Thank God for your accomplishments and everything you stood for. I am sure the world is a better place because of your contributions.
Rest in Peace.
Annette
October 8, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Stanley Henson
October 8, 2011
In 1952, I worked with Derrick at Camp James Weldon Johnson. May he rest in peace. I'll see him later.
October 8, 2011
I did'nt know you but I injoyed learning about you " Colonel [Bpt, Ct]
charles wiley
October 8, 2011
Professor Bell exemplifies what the Scottish poet Robert Burns expressedin wishing that some power would give us the gift to see ourselves as others see us. Professor Bell certainly made a fine reputation with others and with God.
Hebrews 6:9,10 comes to mind:
"However, in YOUR case, beloved ones, we are convinced of better things and things accompanied with salvation, although we are speaking in this way. For God is not unrighteous so as to forget YOUR work and the love YOU showed for his name"
A good name with God is something to cherish.
May God bless you in your time of grief.
Patricia Barbee
October 8, 2011
Professor Bell and his diligence made the world better for all.
His work is over; time to rest.
Jane Dowling
October 8, 2011
God bless you and your loved ones. R.I.P.
L J Coon
October 8, 2011
Derrick Bell
The first tenured
black professor at Harvard Law School
University of Pittsburgh law school
Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division
NAACP's legal defense fund
Recruited by Harvard Law
Dean University of Oregon Law School
(1931 / October 5, 2011)
Welcome Home
written by L J Coon
Welcome home my friend, from so much suffering
Welcome home my friend, step out of the pain
It’s ok to cry, we've all seen tears before
Its ok my friend welcome home
Talk of love one’s lost, so many years ago
And how you hurt inside, till no more tears would flow
Let the healing start, you can't look back no more
Its ok my friend welcome home
Welcome home, from so much suffering
Welcome home, step out of the pain
It’s ok to cry, we've all seen tears before
Its ok my friend, welcome home
Could I somehow sooth, your pain that lives within
If you just let go, the healing will begin
Holding on so tight, letting go is half the test
Its ok my friend welcome home
Welcome home, from so much suffering
Welcome home, step out of the pain
It’s ok to cry, we've all seen tears before
Its ok my friend, welcome home
It’s ok my friend…the pain won't hurt, no more ...
L J Coon
[email protected]
Jeannie Perry
October 8, 2011
Thank you Attorney Bell for all your many contributions to law.
Reed Family
October 8, 2011
Bell Family,
You have our sincere condolences. May knowing others care give the family and friends a measures of peace. May the God of all tender mercies who see your pain of heart; comfort and strengthen you during this time of such deep sorrow. Psalm 147:3
Chris Williams
October 8, 2011
May the God of all comfort grant your family peace at this time. (2 Cor. 1:3,4)
Gwendolyn Duncan
October 8, 2011
A true hero among heroes. May he rest in peace and rise in power, in that day!!!! The Struggle continues---
E. Richard Phipps
October 8, 2011
I fondly remember Prof. Bell flying model planes at Herron Hill field. the old ones that was attached to a guide wire.
After he started the plane I would hold it until he ran t get the wire and fly the plane I truly enjoyed those time with Prof. Bell. Even at that young age I looked up to him and admired him.
My heartfelt condolences to Prof. Bell's family
katherine Epie
October 8, 2011
Rest in peace Mr. Bell. May you rejoice in Heaven with the Angels. To the family I am truly sorry for your loss. Mr. Bell may GOD hold you in the palm of his hands.
C Ford
October 7, 2011
Thank you Mr. Bell for your unceasing commitment to opening the doors of equal opportunity for all. Without your effort, we would be left with trying to open the doors instead of forging through them. Thank you, and may you rest in peace for a job well done!!
Pat Fointno
October 7, 2011
This is to thank Atty. Bell for his legacy. To stand for what he believed took courage and conviction. I am glad to be reminded that pioneers, as he, paved the way. Blessings to Atty. Bell's family. May he rest in peace and may we always remember.
Thank you, Attorney Derrick Bell
donald brown
October 7, 2011
As a student of Derrick's I am terribly saddened by his passing.When i dedicateed my third year book to him at HLS - I stated "To the kindest and most compassionate person I have ever known." As years went by I learned he was even far beyond that.
On the Night of President Obama's election, I called him to ask him about how he felt. He was of course thrilled that not only a black man had been elected president, but one of HLS's own - I asked him if he got to vote. He told me he was 3 hours back in the line when someone came to him and told him he didn't have to wait in line - his response "I have been waiting all my life to be in this line." Unfortunately that was the last time we spoke although we wrote to each oother regulalry - He was the most special of humnan beings to ever exist - I will miss hime dearly.
Donald L. Brown
JLS 89
October 7, 2011
A man ahead of his time, who refused to be intimidated in a time when a lot of people would have just taken the opportunity offered, and let everyone else fight their own battles . A true believer, looking out for all people.
Rest In Peace,
V.Coates Columbus OH
Jeffrey C. Robinson
October 7, 2011
What an inspiring story!!! The truth be told, we don't have half as many African-Americans with his courage. Long live his spirit.
Harts
October 7, 2011
Our heartfelt condolences to Mr. Bell's family. It is so sad to lose someone we love. May our Heavenly Father, the God of comfort and tender mercies be with you. With deep sympathy,
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