University holds memorial service
Campus Times
May 15, 1998
Along with her aunt Claudette (far right) and her close friends, Joju
Younghi Cleaver, the daughter of former Black Panther Eldridge Cleaver,
gave the local press a chance to hear the family's reaction to Cleaver's
death two weeks ago from a heart attack. The press conference was followed
by a memorial service honoring his life, featuring a message given by close
friend Dr. Richard Rose, assistant professor of religion and philosophy.
University of La Verne students, faculty and staff gathered with friends
and family of Leroy Eldridge Cleaver to honor the historical figure at a
memorial service last Thursday, May 7.
The consultant to the Coalition for Diversity died May 1 of a heart
attack due to complications with diabetes. He was 62.
Joju Younghi Cleaver, daughter of the former Black Panther leader, expressed
the loss of an "incredibly loving father."
"My father's light is no longer in this world, but left in my brother,
Maceo Eldridge Cleaver," Joju said. "His light burns as bright
as ever in my heart."
Cleaver's family and friends took their seats in the front rows of Founders
Auditorium. With support and appreciation, several hundred individuals filled
the remainder of the room.
"He challenged us to know and accept ourselves, and worked to promote
the Peace Studies Program," said Debbie Roberts, Protestant campus
minister.
Dr. Sharon Davis, professor of sociology and criminology, spoke of the
first time she met Cleaver.
"When I spoke to Mr. Cleaver, I realized he was much too large
a person to share within myself," Dr. Davis said. "Eldridge liked
to talk."
And Cleaver did just that. On Nov. 17, 1997, he spoke to the ULV community
as its visiting scholar for the day. The author and artist spoke of his
Black Panther days and the "evolution to the revolution."
In his short time at the University, Cleaver valued the relationships
he had established. He was often seen eating lunch with students in the
dining hall.
Sophomore David Edmond and junior LaVelle Wilson met and talked with
Cleaver first-hand.
"He was always there to listen, and he gave me a whole lot of knowledge,"
said Wilson. "On several occasions we would sit and talk; he would
encourage me about my work."
Edmond said, "To be able to sit and talk with someone of that caliber
did a lot for me and my people to go on and make peace."
Later in the service, a recording of Cleaver's main address was played,
in which Cleaver told of his conversion, through which he first discovered
God.
"I can't think of anything I'd rather be busted for than to be
busted for talking about God," he said.
Dr. Richard Rose, assistant professor of religion and philosophy, spoke
of Cleaver's impression on the University saying that "we were the
last community to claim him as their own."
Dr. Rose said. "Let the records show that this is where the story
of his life, on this side of eternity, ends."
