#free university

We first met Yuri and her family on New Year’s eve, December 31, 1964 when we were brought to a party at her home.  My first recollection of her was how warm and welcoming she was, as were Bill and her children.  I had also met Malcolm X and went to several of his smaller meetings and was at the large meeting the week before he was assassinated.  I have often regretted not being there, but as I get older, I think it was probably for the best.  The picture of Yuri cradling Malcolm’s head in her lap is one that will never be forgotten.   Yuri came to The Free University and took courses with my husband, Charles.  Charles and I had met on the 1964 trip to Cuba, and the Free Universiity was started by some of the students on that trip.  Through the years we spent good times at Yuri’s home.  She and Bill came to our wedding.  She was one of the most courageous people I had ever met.  She never stopped speaking truth to power.  She fought for social justice and against racism all of her life.  All the time she remained positive and cheerful, even at the funeral of her son, where she was so glad to see old friends.  She is an inspiration to generations.  In 2003 I was at the Sundance Film Festival and happened to see a documentary about her.  I hope that documentry can be re released and shown where many can see it.  Her passing is a loss to the world.

Anne K. Johnson