In Loving Memory of Mashi J. Booth July 31, 1969 – March 26, 2011

In 1996, I was the co-owner of Harambee’s bookstore then located at Sycamore and Genesee Streets in the city of Buffalo, New York. Each Saturday before noon, I grew accustomed to seeing Mashi Jameille Booth delivering the new editions of Western New York’s oldest African-American weekly newspaper, the Buffalo Criterion. He not only delivered the papers, but we would always have good conversation each time he came in.

One thing was that he always allotted that time to converse, but would quickly let you go. Mashi was just good people who came from one of the f inest families in all of Western New York –the Merriweather family.

Sometimes in life you are lucky to meet what I call “a throwback personality” who just seemed to have a blessed demeanor. This is why it’s most appropriate to remember Mashi because of that honorable dedication which is so widely missing in our community.

He enjoyed maintaining his Grandmother’s flower garden every spring and summer, in addition to caring for the family pets. He loved music and watching old black and white movies. Mashi had a fascination with cars and would make sure he attended the auto show each year.

This is why I think so many of us were shocked on March 26, 2011 to hear that this original good soul was exalted to the highest degree ancestor. Yes, I would never question the plan of the Creator of the Universe, yet I can’t help but to miss this good human being named Mashi Jameille Booth, who’s pleasant, dedicated de-meanor made all of us who knew him better people just by the way he lived his life. Respect and Honor!!!