05/13/2024
REMEMBERING MY FRIEND, DARLENE “AISHA” DANCY ON MOTHER’S DAY
With sincere Black Love and a heavy heart, I am posting this announcement, that.as a D C community we now must honor another native Washingtonian leader Darlene "Aisha" Dancy. who left the body into Ancestry on May 6, 2024. .
She leaves behind her daughter, Sherita Owens who she adored, a large family, and many friends and associates. Born on February 3, 1952, she was proud of her S.E beginnings, however, later found her "best life" by moving up-town, to N W, living in Adams Morgan and then Columbia Heights. In her apartment near Malcolm X Park, she quietly “went home”.
Her legacy of accomplishments include: founder of Friends of Howard Theater; Co-founder with Lester Cuffe, of D C. Coalition for Housing Justice, Inc; Took the lead to establish the current, D.C. Tenants Advocacy Office; She then galvanized the current, D.C. Tenant Rights Law through the city council into law; She spear headed the development and construction of the Gateway Residency, a 33 unit affordable housing development in N.E, Washington; Advocated and helped develop Mayor Barry’s Street Vendors Commission; Lobbied for the development of a D.C. Men’s Commission, which planted the seed for the Million Man’s March. She was a long-time volunteer and supporter of the African-American Holiday Association (AAHA). Further, she was a published photojournalist for the Washington Afro and photographer of Joe Madison, the Black Eagle journalist, whose picture hangs in the White House. She was an entrepreneur and proprietor of a business, “Dancy Products”, and a recognized Vocalist.
Aisha was a "giver" who advocated for the homeless, the underserved and forgotten; her vending community; for artists, jazz musicians and WPFW Radio; and for jazz venues like HR57, Bus Boys & Poets, Jazz Night at Westminster Church and Moore’s Love & Peace.. Aisha was also a "real deal" friend, helping others so much that at times she denied herself. She was always willing to share resources “as information was power" she often quoted. And she would speak with strong passion to tell someone the "gospel truth" to right the right and forbid the wrong, but with that “big smile” of hers, she would then show just as much love and compassion, after her very “blunt” honesty”..
Aisha was an entrepreneur, using this gift often as a vendor, under the name Dancy Products.. While we first meet at Sousa Junior High School in the late‘60’s, we re-met in the 70’s, helping Brother Adam sell straw hats on the National Mall Over the years, we would partner, to sell “glow lights”, buttons, tee-shirts and posters. In 1982, when I started the African American Holiday Expo to 2005, she would help me set up the vendors, then set up her own booth. .
In 1989, I started the African American Holiday Association (AAHA) and for 5 years on Mother’s Day, Aisha helped our AAHA;s YEP (Youth Entrepreneur Project) “sell flowers instead of drugs” eventually, training and supporting over 1500 D.C. youth. She further, helped start the government indoor marketplace at the Labor Department that was replicated by many other D C government agencies, empowering countless vendors and their families. And she helped start the Vendor Plaza which became Marvin Gaye Square.
She could sing like an angel with her favorite cover, "On a Clear Day", or belt out a jazz rendition As a friend and a volunteer she often sang at our AAHA expos, at D, C, Emancipation Day rallies, for our Million Women March programs and for countless other programs. She was well known at venues for her vocals as well as for her wit, humor and political commentary.
For over 50 years, we have hung together prayed, partied, protested, dealt with relationships and our children, did business, were confidants, lived together during times of homelessness and healed each other and laughed often together, during times of stress and trauma
Aisha and I loved each other as blood sisters, therefore, I'm helping her daughter raise funds for final burial expenses. Please donate any amount to lift the burden of this unanticipated passing and I will ensure it will be properly allocated.
Please. Cash App to: $AyoHandyKendi, 202-424-8962. Or via Zelle: 202 424 8962. Rosa Clary.
Her home going service is scheduled for Sat May 18 from 10 to 12 noon, Final details can be obtained on the voice mail @ 202 528 7060, to be set up asap when all details are final. Or for more info call me, Ayo @ 202 667 2577. Please spread the word.
Rest in peace and power Spiritual Warrior Queen. Aisha. May Allah be pleased with your efforts and your life of service.. You will always be remembered..
“I belive in compassion, unconditional LOVE, and the williness to serve the less fortunate. May GOD Bless us all, and Peace on Earth with goodwill to all souls. And, I'm Against the next War and the pollution of Planet Earth!...Amongst, other things. Stay Strong!” DANCYnDC.
