I knew Oliver for several years. He said I helped him get through a rough time at Howard University. Oliver always claimed I was his adopted marine or Iraq veteran. He helped with my math homework. We spent Thanksgiving together one year. One time we watched South Park. But I also watched the Big Ten Network with him too. Then he hosted a few social events.

I really stood out at an event held at Howard University. But I did not mind. We ate at Thunderburger in Washington DC every time I visited.

Oliver knew me when I had nothing and then helped build me up to be something. He helped me tremendously in my professional career.

Oliver would fly with a suitcase full of books. He had bookcases full of them too. It was amazing.

One thing I took away from Oliver is to keep trying and it is acceptable to get consumed with learning.

But it is hard to find that balance. Therefore, I should have stayed more in touch other than texting. I was so consumed with learning and wanting to get ahead in IT. I did try calling back though and no one answered.

I am still working on accepting it. I am hoping this is a hoax.

Having grown up in Bond Hill, and attended Woodward High School, I've known Oliver just as long as I've known Brenda, ~ 50 years.  What I remember most is that he was never pretentious. He was gifted with brilliance, but didn't flaunt it or his credentials.

  My most recent recollection was In 2015,  I phoned Oliver to ask him to speak at UC's Academic Health Conference on Diversity. He graciously accepted and was flown in for the event.  His knowledge of the subject was  highly elevated even above the majority intelligentsia in attendance, but most were impressed with his credentials and welcomed him on campus.  As speaker,  I think he drew the largest crowd to -date for this event. 

With his affable persona and friendly demeanor, he made friends immediately.

He enjoyed the experience and atmosphere so much that we joked afterwards about making me his publicist. "OK Karen, he said, " Go get me another gig".   Lol!!