As a young boy (5 years old) I met Dr. Meeks at Cleo Parker Robinson's dance camp. Over the next two years my mom drove me the 45 minutes every weekend to the Moyo Nguvu martial arts center where I learned African Martial Arts. I took great pride, even as a boy, in knowing Dr. Meeks and learning from him the culture and practice he taught. He is the one who taught me the difference between a soldier and a Warrior. A soldier is educated in the art of war and how to destroy their enemy. A Warrior is one who uses his or her strength to protect the Weak. I cannot convey properly how powerful this message was to me, how formative. Dr. Meeks was my first Role Model. I will always remember him and his message. I take great, great pride in having known him and learned from him.

Stephen Abayomi Meeks was my teacher for many years. I came to him by chance and stayed as spirit family. A true warrior he was, he taught me so much and to this day I still use his teachings. I owe him so much, he taught me about self care, he taught me what discipline was all about and he taught me about community. Stephen Abayomi Meeks bridged the gap between communities as he was honest, sincere and more than happy to teach anyone with a sincere heart and spirit. I still get tingles when I think about his teachings. I swear he could read my mind. I often tell people about how at any moment during one of his profound lectures he would look at me as if he knew what I was going through. Stephen Abayomi Meeks was unlike any other teacher I ever had. He was the best teacher I ever had, and his heart and skills were masterful. I absolutely loved our Saturday and Thursday training sessions. Often I would leave a saturday class completely exhausted yet feel like I could jump a mountain and land safely! I’m honored to have had the chance to be taught by him, to have been part of Moyo, to have been welcomed in like family. Stephen Abayomi Meeks was one of the wisest men I’ve ever known and I’m grateful for everything he taught me. Today I was reminded of him and I feel I saw him in spirit. Back when I was training with a moyo we were all given animal spirits and I was named the spider. Today as I was sharing my stories about Moyo with a friend a little spider appeared and I looked down and was comforted. Rest In Peace Stephen Abayomi Meeks.

Love, respect and gratitude,

Eric Novack 

       I have known Yomi, as he was affectionately known all of his life. He is my nephew and my friend. I watched him grow into a man. Through that process I watched him grow spiritually moving closer to the energy we call God. He has been watched over and guided in that endeavour! Favor has always been put upon him ev en when it appeared to be negative! He was strong physically, mentally and spiritually! He loves and trusts God! After that it was his family and the martial arts of which he studied many styles, combining to create his own! A master and Sifu he is! He has pride and style, he loved nice clothes, with a style of his own. The way he walked, the way he talked, the way he stood tall, especially when he was in an aggressive stance! He didn’t fear anything, including the transition we call death! Yet he loved life in its many forms! Crazy about his mother, brothers, children! He has a special affection for his students! Well known for his profession and healing art acupuncture with which he helped many including myself! He loves nature, water, the mountains etc! An enfinity for the Universe! His sence of humor is second to none! He is a special man and spirit from my point of view! The smile,the way he would rub and scratch his nose! Those of you who know him know exactly what I’m talking about!!!! I love him and can’t say enough about him! If you noticed I never spoke of him in the past tense simply because he is not gone, he is still here, physically we we cannot hold and embrace him, but we can hold and embrace him in our hearts and mind! I will never let you go!!!! I love you Yomi my homey, my nephew my friend!!!! May Gods Peace be upon you!!!!

Bawo was my son's first martial arts teacher. I remember meeting Dr. Meeks and introducing him to my son when Logan was  3 and half years old at a Kwanzaa event back in late 1999 . Dr. Meeks said that Logan could join Moyo when he was 5 and that is when Moyo became our extended family. As a single mother, I looked to Bawo and Ikhalipha Lateef Hodge to help me raise and guide my son; and they did so with great dignity and honor. I am so grateful to Bawo and the Moyo community for embracing us as family.

In late 2004, my son and I moved to Tucson. This image was taken in the summer of 2010 when we visited (from the left Ikhalipha, Curtis, Bawo, Logan). I remember with pride that day when Bawo invited my son to do the warm up with the younger students. Bawo instilled leadership, respect,  knowledge, confidence, discipline, and humility in all of his students.

We shall never forget.

Bauo Dr Abayomi was and still is a Bonified Warrior Priest, Master Teacher, Healer, Mentor, and HERO to myself as well as many others. I'm Blessed to have benefited from his wealth of knowledge and wisdom via phone conversations, personal relationship,and now his Spiritual connection as an Ancestor. I miss his physical presence greatly, and know his Spirit moves freely to continue his work for us all.

We love the water!!! But so did Yomi!! I can recall many, many special memories with my cousin, more like a Brother.  But this day was very special to me because we had a day at the beach and Aunt Pearl had prayer at the water with Yomi for special cleansing and healing.  Afterwards we enjoyed dinner at Applebee’s restaurant with the family and we prayed together.  All memories with my sweet family is special to me but this one stood out plus the kids had a chance to splash in the water.  Great memories to last a lifetime!!!