As Dr. Jinmi Adisa of the African Union (AU) Commission in Africa’s Capitol of Ethiopia sends a warm “heartfelt condolence on the transition” of Baba John Watusi Branch, thousands of mourners poured inside the Afrikan Poetry Theatre (APT) after facing the blistering cold of North America to pay tribute to a leader who has exem plified selfless service to the African world community. Dr. Adisa, the Director of the Citizens and Diaspora Office (CIDO) of the AU urged all to ensure Baba Watusi’s Branch’s “commitments to live on.” On behalf of Gambia’s President Yahya Jammeh Tourism & Cultural Minister, Madame Fatou Mas Jobe-Njie declared “Baba John Watusi was a fervent Pan-Africanist and a son of the soil, who, through his inspirational knowledge, charm and programmes became a TORCH BEARER for uniting African-Americans with their ancestral African Roots…”
 
Additionally, Senegalese representative to the United Nations, Dr. Djibril Diallo also sends “Condolences to the entire WADU family, to Africans and peoples of African Descent all over the world, for the untimely passing away of John Watusi Branch.” His condolence asserted that “John will be remembered as one of the individuals who have done the most in the recent history to strengthening the ties between Africa and the Diaspora.” He continued “John worked tirelessly to make this world a better place to live in for the sons and daughters of Africa, whether they were born inside or outside the Continent.” Dr. Diallo is the Senior Adviser to the Executive Director of UNAIDS and Coordinator of the African Renaissance and Diaspora.
 
Many other leaders gave their condolences during Baba Watusi’s rites of passage ceremonies from Saturday January 4, 2014- Monday, January 6, 2014. During the rites of passage, African leaders, supporters and family members from across the African Diaspora participated in the family farewell, tributes, and funeral rites in respect for his work to advance African people. Some of the key leaders and representatives of  major organizations were those of the Association of the Study of Classical African Civilizations (ASCAC); All African Peoples’ Revolutionary Party (AAPRP); Committee to Eliminate Media Offensive to African People (CEMOTAP); December the 12th Movement (D-12); National Association of Kawaida Organization (NAKO); National Black United Front (NBUF); Nation of Islam (NOI); International Afrikan Arts Festival (IAAF); Organization of Afro-African Unity (OAAU); Universal Negro Improvement Association/African Co mmunities League (UNIA/ACL); and the World African Diaspora Union (WADU).
 
Some who participated in the tributes to Baba Watusi are Dr. Julius Garvey who called Watusi a son of the Honorable Marcus Garvey. Prof. James Small described Watusi as one who has served African people as a saintly servant. Basir Mchawi spoke of his long cultural journey with Baba Watusi into the Black Nationalist and Pan African movement. Dr. Leonard Jeffries highlighted Watusi’s work as one representing the giant Senegalese renaissance statue symbolizing the reunion of African people. Businessman and activist Mike Duncan called for the strengthening of Watusi economic agenda during UNIA/ACL 2014 centennial year. Minister Hafez Muhammad called for a renewed economic agenda based on Watusi’s work. African Continental leader Ms. Olimatta Taal urged continued support for the upcoming Watusi planned “roots” pilgrimage to the Gambia this May 2014. In Dr. Maulana Karenga written address, he emphasized that Watusi was one chosen to do good in this world. Councilman Charles Barron expressed his re-commitment to transform the Afrikan Poetry Theatre (APT) into a 21st century center for culture.
 
Baba John Watusi Branch’s family and the APT Board of Trustee expressed their appreciation for the showering of love from the world community and reminded everyone to continue supporting Watusi’s legacy. Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, in the eulogy proclaimed that John Watusi lives on in the work and memory of Black people, worldwide. Finally, during the benediction Minister P.D. Menelik Harris urged the community to go forth with Baba John Watusi Branch Ancestral spirit and vision for an African world union and a united states of Africa.