Thank you NOMA for creating this fellowship in honor of our beloved cousin, Kenneth E. Casey. He LOVED this organization and gave his all for its mission with passion and zeal. He is gone but never forgotten. 

Congratulations to Aaron de Roux, the first recipient of the Kenneth E. Casey Foundation Fellowship. 

Arvin & Vershelle Frazier 

Congratulations to Aaron de Roux, the first recipient of the Kenneth E. Casey Foundation Fellowship.  What a wonderful way to honor the memory of Mr. Ken.  Much love to Ken and Nadene. 

As you all know, today is the one year anniversary of Ken's passing. We all miss him very much and many thanks to all of you who've reached out to me today.

I just learned from NOMA's National President that the first recipient of the Kenneth E. Casey Foundation Fellowship has been named:
"Aaron deRoux, a 2020 M.Arch graduate of University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, placed at HED, was named the 2020 Kenneth E. Casey Fellow. Kenneth E. Casey, AIA, NOMA passed August 3, 2019. NOMA honored Casey with the creation of a new fellowship named in memory of his legacy."

Thanks to all of you who contributed to the Kenneth E. Casey fellowship fund.
A press release about the NOMA fellowship program and the inaugural recipients is located here: https://www.noma.net/news/national-organization-of-minority-architects-announces-2020-noma-foundation-fellowship-inaugural-cohort/

So being at the 2019 NOMA Conference this week in Brooklyn seeing my old friends from INOMA made me realize how much I miss Ken, how much architecture meant to him and what a great honor it was and is to know him.  His passion was contagious even from the start.  I met Ken at UIC when we were in architecture school.  We started BASE Black Architecture & Art Students for Excellence together with Darryl Crosby and others.  Of course we didn’t know what we were doing at the time; we just had meetings and events to showcase our work and to meet with professionals to get internships. BASE eventually became what is known today as the UIC NOMAS chapter.  Ken was a lot older than the rest of us apparently he was working before he ever came to architecture school and he knew a lot about what we should be doing so he was quite popular.  Most of us were great artist and just learning architecture and what it really takes to become one, Ken was sure what it took and how to get there.  In fact I threatened to drop out several times, once to become a real estate lawyer and another to become an accountant.  When I found out I would have to start all over again if I switched my major I went to Ken told him about my plans……….. he quickly helped me see that at least finishing what I started in architecture was the best course of action.  So I stay that time.  We all eventually graduated and got jobs, some got married, others moved away but our core group remained together.  We all joined INOMA as interns and began our journey of taking the licensing exams…………….this was back in the days when they gave it once or twice a year and you had to take it all at once.When times got tough Ken stayed the course and encouraged all of us to do the same.  He was the go-to guy for advice, help, encouragement and support.  He was always calm, collected and committed to architecture and life.  We had a great NOMA chapter, we did everything together, work, play, vacation it was a very close family of like minds growing and enjoying life.  We all took turns being officers and creating interesting activities for the chapter to stay involved and engaged.I’m not sure who came up with INOMA being in the Bud Bulliken Parade but it was the most fun and I am glad they are still doing it.  We were all really engaged in our profession, careers and life my time in INOMA was the best and Ken and my other UIC alumni made all the difference in my life.  So for almost 10 years we were always together, most of us worked together, some lived together, other became lovers…… we were at each other’s family events in fact my cousins thought suddenly I had several new brothers and tons of new sisters, they became like family.  Ken and Erroll were my personal photographers taking pictures at all of our family events and when they weren’t available then Latonia stepped in.  Photography was another way we bonded you see Architects are artist at the core and each of us has another form of art that we love and practice whether its painting, sculpture, photographer or furniture design it all makes us better architects.  I never worked with Ken but I referred many clients to him because I knew he knew what he was doing and I always wanted him to succeed.  I had so many interest outside of architecture I was always trying something new and Ken was my biggest supporter, like I said earlier I threatened to quit architecture several times and each time Ken would support my newest endeavor until I decided to come back, he would always say you will be back…………….and he was right I always came back.  Until one day I had this idea that I wanted to move to California the land of sunshine. I told my architecture friends and they were like really………why?  Well, I said I just want to, I want see the world and be warm in the winter, everyone thought that was a dumb reason for leaving our cozy close knit architecture family but not Ken he once again supported my decision and said you’ll be back.  Well I never actually moved back but I came back many times over the years to visit family and friends. Ken made sure we got together every time, organizing dinners and parties with all our colleagues and alumni so I could visit with them all in one place and at the same time.  He also resumed his role as family photographer along with Erroll, never missing a family event and always providing excellent photo coverage.  I could go on and on and on about Ken the great guy he is, the great architect he became, the lover of life he shared, I just know I had the pleasure of calling him friend, spending tons of quality time with him, growing and developing in architecture with him, witnessing him finally find the love of his life and on, and on, and on, and…………………………on, I won’t because you all already know how blessed we have been to have known Ken.Always in my heart………….Eletrice

Article written by Walter Street, III on Ken.  September/October 2019 issue, page 42.  Article published by AIAChicago

The video of Ken's memorial service is located here:
https://vimeo.com/364506795/36dc76622a

Ken and I were friends during a very formative time in both of our professional careers. I was beginning dental school and Ken of course, architecture. We also shared the same positions as Resident/ Community Advisors at WRH, SRH and SSR at UIC for four years. We spent initial training weekends up at Lake Geneva, summers in the city enjoying too many dinners at the hospital along with Kelly,Wendy, Gisela, BK, Lynn and Pete; often followed by a movie or a night on the town, dancing at a club or braving the crowds on Division. Ken and I were amateur chess players confirmed by BK when he came on the scene. We played frequently and passionately not unlike the way we played tennis. He was my occasional patient at the dental school and sent me a few referrals as well helping me to graduate on time. We both had trash cars (VW Rabbit diesel & a Mazda) and often raced home on the Eisenhower after a jaunt in the burbs. He always won. Ken had a gentle spirit. Little would ruffle his feathers. There are many stories and conversations too in-depth to share on this site, but I can tell you Ken & I shared a friendship that transcended time. I was touched that he agreed to be one of my groomsman at my wedding. We lost touch as I travelled with the Navy but ran into him in San Francisco during my oldest son’s fourth grade field trip. He was standing behind us while we struggled to buy tickets for an event and he just said hello like 14 years hadn’t even passed. I was happy to see him one last time in Florida after he moved out of the cold he detested in Chicago. He was a devoted husband to Nadine, a loyal friend to many and child of God. He leaves behind his shell, but his spirit is with the Lord.

This picture proudly and sadly celebrates my journey with Ken.(posted in the photo album)  24 years prior I was a student at UIC and had just founded the 1st NOMAS chapter there.  The conference was in Chicago that year (94).  I knew nothing about NOMA national at the time.  Ken asked me if I would be interested in volunteering for the conference?  "I said what do you need?"  His reply was "Do you have a suit?"  I had only one go to black suit and replied yes.  "I need you to do whatever NOMA needs you do; more or less be a gopher for NOMA this week."  24 years later almost to the day; we posed as President and proud mentor!  It's all Ken's fault that I fell in love with and served this organization for all these years.  Maybe Ken saw something in me all those years ago?  Who knows?  I thanked him that night and I thank him now!  Love you brother and I miss your sarcastic humor and mentoring.  3 daps to the heavens!

I was so blessed to have Kencito come into my life.  Who knew that when we walked into our first RA training that such a close friendship would develop, spanning over three decades. We developed a close bond so quickly. I remember our early morning breakfasts chats as RAs were we shared bottomless cups of coffee.  We talked about how Star Trek was leaps and bounds ahead of everyone on social issues, listened to good jazz, talked about UIC NOMAS student group and working with Charles and Vince,  about how we would make our mark, and leave the world a little better place someday. 

I also remember Ken’s little white tight shorts, who doesn’t!?!?!   He would parade around wearing those in the halls and while on duty acting like he was about to go play tennis at Wimbledon.   Oh his love for tennis! Hmmm.... I wonder if he bought stock in those shorts?  (Nadene, I couldn’t find a picture for this post but, I will continue my search ....)

So many memories... Ken’s  generosity and kindness was unmatched.  I remember when I had to student teach on the west side of the city during senior year.  I didn’t have transportation to the school so Ken let me borrow his car day-after-day for the semester.  When my sister and brother-in-law were trying to build an addition to their house, Ken offer his time and talent to help them out.  He was constantly helping others, and gave so freely of himself to those around him in need and those he loved. 

Kencito you were one of a kindest, Compassionate, most incredible men I have ever known. We had 33 years of friendship full of laughter, hugs, tears, births, weddings, deaths, tons of trial & tribulations, birthdays, countless funny stories, and good times.  Thank you for your friendship, your unconditional love, and for leaving this world a better place.   Your absence will be forever felt,  but I’m blessed to have known you and have memories that will last a lifetime. Rest in power mi hermano.

The Friday song referenced before can be listened to via this link https://youtu.be/dEGvvYePrtA  This was our favorite song that we often teased each other about.  The late great Oscar Brown Jr. shared this beautiful Friday anthem that I will forever cherish and remember Ken by.

Peace and Blessings Dearest Cousins, Kenneth "Kenny" and Nadene,

My first recollection of both Cousin Kenny and Cousin Nadene was around family!  

In the early 1960s, a great time for me as a very little boy was seeing my family and playing in the backyard at our Grandparents Robert and Mamie Walker's home in Detroit Michigan with my siblings and Cousins.  As Cousin Kenny mentioned recently, all of us lived at that home, at one time or another.  Then the next moment was a deeply sad day for me and Cousin Kenny too as I discovered, Uncle and Auntie packed-up the U-haul and headed off to Chicago to establish a new home for their family.  I recall that day personally very well as I stood in the backyard full of emotions and tears welled up in my eyes and heart thinking of my lose.  My big brothers and sister in my mind had gone.  You see, our "Mothers" and Fathers did a great job creating an environment to allow us to know one another and connect as family.  The oil of our Grandparents is still flowing..., for in every adversity is the seed of equal or greater benefit for the mind that is positive.  This is how Beautiful Denise and I connected with Cousin Nadene, at one of those wonderful family events in Chicago.  Thank you Uncle Robinson "Lawrence" and Auntie Barbra Casey.  Cousin Nadene has been a great addition to the family because, she has given one of the family's sons what God of the Holy Bible said all men who are lonely need and that is a "Helpmate".   He who finds a wife, she is more precious than gold.

Our "gentle giant".  Cousin Kenny, was a continuation of a line of servant leaders and as our Grandmother would often say; "It is better to give than to receive".  In the breath of life, he planted a lot of seeds, he gave and gave.  In his giving, he became a great conductor helping many others play music and beautiful sounds are still playing on.   As Cousin Kenny and I recently discussed, what lasts truly is what one gives and not what one gains.  Cousin Kenny, thank  you for all the funny, interesting memories..., directly experienced and indirectly received.  Thank you for all the wonderful examples of being a man of integrity, who lived justly, who extended mercy and who walked humbly with the people of this world.  Thank you for the loud Rock music when we were little, the log cabin project, the smooth groves at Joel's and sharing your vision behind Kasi. Thank you for making that call to Mother, Jacqueline-Gi.  It allowed me to stop everything to come to the land of 6 Saturdays and 1 Sunday to show my deep respect, to extend love through hugs and prayers from the family and to give you your flowers ..., personally. 

With tender love and much appreciation,
Your Cousins Lonnell and Denise Jackson and Mother Juanita-Gi
Shalom

Goodbye is not forever. Goodbye is not the end. It simply means, we will miss you until we meet again.

• Dawn 
• Peter
• Tony
• Sophia

 Where do I start? So many crazy,  adventurous, special moments I shared during my over 30 year bond with this incredible,  beautiful human being...

This man had compassion, love, and understanding for all that would cross his path, and forgave in many instances where I would not. Ken is my confidant, my brother, my source of encouragement, my source of inspiration. We went to school together, worked together, played together, laughed (a whole f***ing lot!) together, suffered together, grew together.  He is my most noblest of friends that I attended so, so many amazing concerts with, watched movies (mostly sci-fi) with, shared and discussed books with, and argued with (in such the most intellectual ways). He drove like a crazyman, was rarely on time, understood my twisted sense of humor, and endured my odd, eccentric ways. His meeting and ultimate marriage to Nadene did nothing but bring more light into my life; I will love her forever as well. I think of him everyday. I will miss him until the end of mine.

Prior to meeting Ken my attitude on marriage was "Why would anyone do that?" To say I had no desire to get married is an understatement. In fact, all my friends at the time knew this as I had sworn to them many times that I would "never, ever get married".  I met Ken through Latonia Baker.  She and I went to see "Waiting to Exhale" with Ken and Mike Sanchez and we went to dinner after the movie.  Oh boy, was that a contentious dinner! I argued with Ken Casey for almost the entire time and he drove me insane! Truth is, we probably both drove each other insane. I was sure I'd never see him again after that.  But I did! And even though in our next several meetings he drove me crazy still, in time I got to know him better and he worked his characteristic "Ken Casey Magic" on me. It was slow and steady, but very real. Ken was a really nice guy who was extremely generous with his time and would do anything for me.  He also gave me the space to be myself. It was clear he was always thinking about me and slowly but surely Ken Casey made a liar out of me!! Not only did we get married but we were married for 21 years!!  And over that time we had a really full life.  Lots of great memories, lots of great friends, and lots of laughs.  Thanks for all of it, Ken!  I know I'm a better person for the life we lived together.

I met Ken in the year 2000 in New Orleans at my first NOMA convention.  From the beginning, he was a role model, a mentor and friend, always sharing insight, providing guidance and collaborating with many of us.  We have lost a great member of this family, but heaven has gained a great soul.  Rest in Glory Ken!

Daddy Jazz. Mama Motown.
Robin Al Jarreau. Michael  Parliament.
Oh but Kenny LOVED Rock & Roll !!!!!!

That cracked me up as a kid. I thought he was so weird for that :-).

He would stay in the basement on 83rd & Throop street for hours listening to rock and playing his guitar.

As adults it switched to Easy Listening Jazz -seemed to keep him centered.

During our last visit Nadene had jazz going and “his song” came on. He was visibly excited (an emotion I rarely got to see) The Friday Song! Nadene cranked it up and we enjoyed the catchy tune. I guess he said Thank God  I made it to another Friday! We also played jazz for my Dad during his last few days. Lord, these Casey Men! (as Monet says). Scroll back to the top to see where it started. Jazz. Next up Tahj - Jazz Lover. Go figure.

I was seldom allowed to foot the bill or chip in with Kenny. Case in point, when my uncle passed I drove to Indianapolis and bunked with Kenny - I was low key keeping an eyeon him. I left a day earlier, and in typical Kenny Casey behavior towards his younger sister, when i checked out he wouldn’t let me split the bill - He never did - He never did!

Me: Kenny send me a text and let me know how much to send you.
Kenny: {crickets}

Kenny was a Top Cat 

I remember hanging out with Ken & Nadene while they were in Chicago. We were discussing food and Ken observed that when meat eaters describe eating something with meat they are quick to say "this is good" but when they eat something that is either vegan or vegetarian the response tends to be "it wasn't that bad." Being a fellow meat eater this made me laugh as I could definitely relate.

Thank you Ken for the laughs. I'll see you on the other side.