The Life and Times of Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson: April 19, 1951 – July 10, 2023
The rhythmic cadence of African drums echoed through the sacred spaces of Fellowship Chapel on the solemn day of Saturday, July 22, 2023. An orchestra of rhythm, history, and heritage set the stage for a vibrant procession. The family of the revered and departed Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson moved rhythmically down the aisles, united in purpose and attire.
Dressed in pristine white, and enveloped in African textiles, they were a canvas of unity, resilience, and heritage. Their dance, a physical manifestation of enduring love and respect, set the scene for a home-going service fitting of Detroit’s “Queen Mother.”
The sanctuary held close to 1,000 people – their fists, symbols of solidarity and strength, punctuated the atmosphere – who gathered to pay their final respects after Watson passed away on July 10, 2023. Loved ones and friends tenderly laid single roses at the base of Watson’s mahogany casket as an act of devotion that stirred a powerful resonance within the chapel. The murmur of “Wake Up Detroit” rippled through the crowd, a testament to Watson’s enduring legacy.
See photos: Detroit Pays Tribute to ‘Queen Mother’ Rev. Dr. JoAnn Watson During Homegoing Service
Watson’s memorial service reflected the impact she had on the city of Detroit and Black culture at a national level. A congregation of activists, companions, kinfolk, community, and religious leaders united. Their shared purpose: to pay homage and illuminate the enduring legacy of Watson’s life and era.
“The purpose of education is to change mirrors into windows,” said Rev. Robert Smith, the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church pastor who spoke at the service. “JoAnn’s education at New York University and Michigan University was not for the sake of her bettering and addressing just herself, it was so she could see how to advance her people. You see, JoAnn was a person who just didn’t see herself. She saw her people.”
Upon acknowledging Watson’s profound influence, Smith sang an old and dynamic spiritual hymn, “Bow Down,” a tribute resonating with an essence of reverence and respect.
She had a profound impact on Detroiters both young & old and it was shown through the sentiments of residents and locals all over on Saturday afternoon as her oldest granddaughter Jendayi Nkenge brought tears to the congregation eyes as she reflected on her love and admiration for her “Big Mama.”
“Big Mama, there’s so much I could say for such a revolutionary grandmother, I can feel your strong spirit with me now more than ever. I always smile when I feel your spirit with me. We’ve been spiritually connected all of my life, we were inseparable,” Nkenge said.
“You never missed a milestone – you were my best friend. I spent so many days with you in your office. From Kindergarten to high school, I observed you gracefully serve the citizens of Detroit as you softly played Donny McClurkin in the background. You even took me to the radio station every summer. From watching the river together to cooking salmon croquettes; we made so many cool memories. Your grandchildren will forever honor your name, we will fulfil your legacy. My heart is overcome with sorrow, but my spirit is at peace knowing you are with the divine. The presence of God surrounds you and the spirit of you, surrounds me. May your name always be called with the names of every revolutionary African ancestor who proceed you. Lovey Dovey Big Mama, Ase.”
To truly comprehend the profound imprint Watson left in her 72 years of life, one must journey along the timeline of her life. Her most influential roles were as an unrelenting advocate for the progress of Black people.
1960s: Watson joined her Central High School classmates to demonstrate a “sit in” to demand that Central High School, who carried a predominately Black student body, instituted Black studies, African American History classes and curriculum inclusive of textbooks, all in which reflected African culture.
1970s: Watson obtained her undergraduate degree in Journalism from University of Michigan, appointed to the founding advisory board of the Martin Luth King-Cesar Chavez-Rosa Parks Scholarship.
1980s-1990s: Watson launched her career in public service as the Executive Director of Detroit’s Young Women’s Christian Association of the United States of America, an organization aimed to unite individuals of diverse socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and generational backgrounds who are dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women. Watson then became the Racial Justice Director in New York City.
2000s: Watson served on the Detroit City Council from 2003 through 2013, also, holding the title of City Council President Pro Tem. She was a strong voice during Detroit’s bankruptcy case, testifying about water shutoffs and affordability. Watson held positions on a variety of boards and community groups, including the Black Legacy Coalition, Detroit Council of Elders and Unity Urban Ministerial School. Later, she drew praise as the first woman to serve as executive director of the NAACP’s Detroit branch, which bills itself as the nation’s largest and most active branch. Watson was pastor at West Side Community Church and served as a leader of the City of Detroit’s first Reparations Task Force reparations movement. In recent years, Watson was an associate professor at Wayne County Community College and an on-air personality for 910-AM Superstation/WFDF as the host of the show “Wake Up Detroit.” Watson’s voice was heard nationwide in August 2018, as she gave a eulogy at the funeral of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
Photo Credit: Monica Morgan Photography
Her dear friend and fellow spiritual counselor, Rev. Dr. Wendall Anthony, brought even more tears to the congregations’ eyes as he concluded the eulogy saying: “Today, all we have done is take a look at her record. She helped blind folks to see the plight of our condition. She helped lame folks to stand up and march towards freedom,” Anthony said.
“She helped to lift up the vision of those without faith. Like Fanny Lou Hammer, she was ‘sick and tired of being sick of tired.’ Like Rosa Parks, she sat down for us to stand up. Like Sojourner Truth, she always spoke truth and power. Like Mary McCloud Bethune, the drums of Africa still beats in her heart. Like Winnie Mandela she stands tall and strong. Like Shirley Chisolm, she reminds us that ‘service is the rent you pay for room on this earth.’ She leaves us hope. She leaves us love. So, as you go through her book – don’t forget to look at her record.”
The memorial service for Watson was not merely a farewell. It was a shining beacon, a reflective mirror of the monumental influence this extraordinary woman wielded not only over the city of Detroit but within the pulsating heart of the black movement in its entirety. Her spirit, her drive, and her unyielding commitment to justice were encapsulated in this gathering, in every tear shed, every fist raised, and every drumbeat that called us back to our roots. For in her passing, we did not lose a leader; we gained an ancestor whose memory will continue to inspire and guide us in the struggle for equality and freedom.
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