End of an Era: Willie Ninja Steals Away

An old negro spiritual opines, 'Steal away, steal away home, I ain't got long to stay here.' Just as the summer suddenly fled, two people very close to my heart stole away. Willie Ninja -- star of Paris is Burning, legendary father of the House of Ninja, the one who taught Madonna how to vogue, and the shining star who made Pier kids cringe and set some hearts a-flutter … has left the building. Yeah, he will be terrribly missed. The Pier in NYC has changed. Willie Ninja, its reigning Grand Dame, the one who I loved from afar but never had the balls to speak to, is also gone. I’m feeling quite introspective and melancholy today. Because also this summer, Randy, my friend and mentor in the life passed away at forty-two. In the eighties we usta to do coke together on the the pier in my blue Trans-AM and in clubs like Better Days and Midtown 43 ... I stopped, he didn't. His heart finally couldn't take it. Now with Willie Ninja gone and Randy gone, I can't help but to feel that a chapter in my life has ended for good. Still tears won't come. I guess I've already done my share of that. What a sad close to a glorious summer. Silver Lining: Harmonica Sunbeam is back on her feet and doing her thing. Praises for that! Memories of Willie, and the Pier in NYC ... Haven Other Willie Ninja Tributes ... Jasmyne Cannick ... Keith Boykin ... Emmanuel Xavier