Adoagyiri Loses A Legend - Quincy Jones Debrah

The legendary Quincy Jones Debrah, a remarkable and generous man and Native-son of Adoagyiri - Nsawam, died in Chicago on October 2nd 2008 at the age of 64. The vision and dreams of Quincy have been realized, and his humanistic generosity has permanently enhanced the landscape of Adoagyiri, as his signature --- full of energy, insights, thoughtful, affectionate, great love and a strong focus on the importance of helping others to improve their lives -- is in every Adoagyirian in the USA.

Quincy migrated to the USA in 1968 exactly, forty years ago and, during that period he made it his prime objective to help bring to the US, as many of his brethren and friends as possible. And, to this end, he worked diligently and succeeded in archiving that goal.

His pioneering endeavor to become the first Adoagyirian to come to the USA left an indelible and positive mark on several young men and women of Adoagyiri who, eventually emulated him and also came to the USA with his help. Upon their arrival he gave them a place to live and provided every comfortable amenity imaginable to make his guests happy. His vision was to give every person he comes in contact with a chance to flourish. Adoagyiri has ever been gracious to have a native-son who loved her, fought for her and made it an obsession to develop its most precious assets - her children.

Today, from sea to shining sea of the shores of the United States, one can find an Adoagyirian. And, as we increase and multiply, we are confident that it won’t be long before an offspring of an Adoagyirian that Quincy helped brought to the US, will one day emerge as another Barack Obama; the first African American President Elect. After all, it is in Obama City – Chicago that Quincy called home and, knowing Quincy, he will work hard even, in death for this goal to be also achieved. And, that day, everyone will come to know his greatness.

We knew Quincy as an adoring husband, a kind and devoted father, a friend and a gentle uncle, with an infectious sense of humor. He served these far greater roles with tremendous faith, courage and dignity. He loved deeply, and he was deeply loved by his family and friends. No one could ask for a fuller life than his. No man could have given more to his family, to his friends, and to his beloved hometown – Adoagyiri, than him. In his own words, “I have lived a wonderful life that I am proud of, by giving to humanity and my beloved hometown - Adoagyiri.

Those who don’t know him will question why we are giving him all the credit for our success in coming to the US — and we will smile. They will say that he did not do enough — and we will smile. They will say that he did not do anything for them and therefore they don’t care -- And we will answer and ask them: Did you ever talk to Brother Quincy? Did you ever touch him? Did he ever do you wrong? Did you ever really listen to him?

For, if you did, you would know him. And if you knew him, you would know why we must honor him: Quincy was our leader, and the pillar upon which the Adoagyiri Community in the US is built. Therefore, we cannot hide our feelings for being bold to honor him -- at his final hour, at his solemn moment, in his beloved city -- Chicago. Because the Lord himself knows that the purpose for which He sent Quincy to this world – To Help People -- was achieved with immaculate excellence and, therefore, has bid Quincy to join Him the Lord and all the Saints in Heaven.

Adoagyiriman, and our new Chief Nana Dompreh II, and the entire Adoagyiri Communities of both home and in the Diaspora say Fare-Dee-Well. Our dear brother, Rest in Perfect Peace and Damirefa Due. We shall miss you deeply and will never forget you.

JOSEPH SMITH. ADOMAKOH, JR. 12/09/08