I didn't know the "M" stood for Mary.
Ministers were in abundance - ten or twelve - with Bishop Victor Curry of New Birth Baptist Church presiding. Curry mentioned that he was the new head of the Miami NAACP. County Mayor Alvarez and City of Miami Mayor Diaz spoke. Alvarez said Athalie told him: "I'm keeping an eye on you."
Patrick Range, Athalie’s grandson (who works with longtime lobbyist/lawyer Lucia at Greenberg Traurig) spoke eloquently as the representative for the family. Gene Tinnie did a wonderful powerpoint of photos from Athalie’s life. Former Commission Chair Barabra Carey-Schuler spoke briefly, she now owns two funeral homes in Palm Beach. Carey-Schuler said once when she was on the dais giving someone hell, an aide brought her a phone. It was Athalie. Athalie told her to stop talking. Carey-Schuler said she did.
Near the end of the memorial service I heard this rumble come down the aisle and it was none other than the boxy, vile Natacha Seijas walking with a thud-a-thud accompanied by her dutiful Chief of Staff Terry. She walked to the front row. Terry retreated a few rows back. County Commissioners Gimenez and Edmonson were there. Didn't see Jordan or her brother: Mayor for Life Otis T. Wallace.
Two wonderful singers deserve a mention: Velda Virgil and Ashley Howard Wilkinson. It was sad, but most there saw it as a joyful celebration of a life well lived. Goodbye Athalie, we will all meet up with you sooner or later.
3 comments:
P.S. Speaking of Athalie Range, when the City of Miami wanted to develop Virginia Key Beach Park (the former segregated beach) for wealthy development, Athalie and others in the African American community stepped in. It was a big story. Although pitched repeatedly to the anemic Miami Herald -- they passed on it. When the New York Times ran it on a full page cover of one section on a Sunday, replete with photos, then the Herald started reporting on the Virginia Key controversy with its civil rights roots. The San Francisco chronicle also reported this important story as well as the Miami New Times before the Herald did. Bah Herald for not seeing a story right under your nose.
I will also miss Athalie Range. Even in her late 80's she was cagey and smart, respectful and full of grace. She showed deference to those who were speaking in front of Her Va. Key Park Trust Board - and she was dogged in attending meetings and making sure the park remained in positive movement. She didn't need to do that in her sunset years but knew the power of land over people - and how strong the memories of the place were to the African American community. We will miss you Athalie.
With great fondness.
Greg Bush
8:03 AM
The nice things your Blog said about Mrs. Range lead me to read about this wonderful and courageous woman who moved against all odds.
She seems like she would have been someone I would have been proud to know. I am glad she was able to preserve Virginia Key Beach for the "people" . It is a beautiful and special place.
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