Honoring the Memory and Legacy of Brother/Friend ZACH HUSSER

By Gloria Dulan-Wilson

Hello All:

I can't tell you how devastated I was to learn of the transition of my dearest Brother/Friend, ZACH HUSSER,  Sr.  to the realm of Ancestor/Angel.

Zach Husser at Press Conference and Reception at Clyde Frazier's Wine and Dine

Zach was one of my first true friends and neighbor when I moved to New York, and we lived in the twin buildings of 640 and 641 Riverside Drive.   When I first met Zach, I was a single mother, with a very young, precocious daughter.  I had sublet the apartment from a friend of mine - Olumide, former manager of the LAST POETS - who at the time had relocated to Staten Island

It was the 70s, and Zach gave the best parties on the planet - which is probably how we met - because I loved to party. I had a small 2 bedroom apartment, and Zach had this massive apartment with killer views of the Hudson.   Our building was full of intellectuals, party goers, and entrepreneurs.  We practically ran that part of Riverside Drive.

We lost track of each other for 10 years after Lou and I relocated to LaLa Land, but reunited in 1986, after running into each other at a Kappa Omicron Party in Harlem.  And the friendship started back up as though we had just seen each other the day before.  And it's been that way ever since.

Zach had morphed into this combination gentleman, activist, community leader, Wall Street Maven, sports afficianado.  I was working in counseling at the SEEK Program at Brooklyn College.

Zach was always active, always up on what was going on - ask him anything - about a subject that most others wouldn't have any remote idea about, ad he could expound on it for hours - down to dates, times, places and names.

People loved Zach, and Zach loved the back. I don't think there was ever aperson who didn't benefit from his wit, wisdom,  enthusiasm, and inspiration.  He was a brother whose word was bond.  You didn't have to worry about him doing what he said he would do.  What you had to do was wonder how he did it all, and do is so well?

He brought the party with him - he could enter a room and light it up.  He loved planning parties as much as he loved attending them.  I went to my very first tailgate party because of him - had never heard of it before - but there  I was with a bunch of Ques, sitting out in the parking lot of Giants Stadium, at the Urban League Classics, barbecuing, listening to music,  and having a blast.

The only thing - or I should say person - Zach loved more than partying and solving problems was Joanie, his lovely wife.   If he was the light of our lives, she was the light of his life - and without her, his light would not have shined as brightly for the rest of us.  He loved her sewing and designs, and often sent me snapshots of her latest work - probably because she and I both loved to sew and design - but also because she had taken hers to the next level and started her own company (no doubt because he encouraged her do to so).  As proud as he was of his wife, he was totally over the moon about his offspring and his grands.

His other loves were Delaware State University and Columbia University.  But his biggest love and source of pride was that of being a proud member of OMEGA PSI PHI FATERNITY - he was the Omega's Omega.  He never failed to highlight and feature his brothers, and could always tell you which famous person was an Omega or a Delta.  If he came across a Soror of Delta Sigma Theta, he would always try to put us together so that we could communicate.

Zach not only knew what was happening with Kappa Omicron, but the other chapters as well.  When I contacted a couple of his frat brothers about whether there were any youth organizations in Greensboro, NC for my two handsome grandsons, everybody told me to contact Zach - he knew them all.   Kevin Woodhouse said, the only person who would probably know names, phone numbers and other information would be Zach - he's the one who keeps up with those kinds of things.   I wonder who's going to take up the torch now that he's made his transition.

Another part of Zach's charm was his always friendly smile, the warmth with which he would greet you, and his excellent memory.  But, if you crossed him, or one of his friends, watch out!!! Husser didn't play that and he didn't back down. You either got your act together or he would put you on blast.

I know this is a long post - but Zach and I had a long friendship.  I will also admit that I'm writing this from a very selfish standpoint. When the message about his homegoing ceremony flashed across my cell phone, I was stunned for a moment.  I couldn't believe my eyes.  I figured GOD had made a mistake, and he really needed to give us our Zach back.

I guess I was in awe of Zach because we both were Aries, but he had managed to maintain a balanced temperament - which inspired me to do better, and filter my statements as opposed to going for the jugular when someone annoyed me.  He was the brother who could see the issues from both sides and still come out with a balanced verdict that didn't seem to antagonize either side. Zach was our Solomon.

He was my guru.  He was my mentor, friend, brother, confidant - he could drag stuff out of me - worse yet - read my mind when I was letting Aries pride keep me from admitting that  I even had a problem.  We often co-conspired to develop programs and concepts for community groups and people.  BLACK PEOPLE, that is - because if there was anything that Zach loved was Black people and being Black.   Even when our brothers and sisters sometimes acted like they were dumb as a box of rocks, he would make the allowances and soldier on.   It also might have been because as an Aries, we/he hates to be wrong - which made him highly competitive and highly successful.  He had a vision, and would go for it.

 From: zachary cornell husser <issuesandsports@aol.com>

Date: Wed, Dec 8, 2010 at 5:06 AM
Subject: The Free Mumia Abu-Jamal Solidarity Movement Meeting at St. Mary's Church at 521 West 126th Street

Dear Family,

     I know I hit YOU with a lot of information and emails! I do this because the Black Family has so many problems and issues that We must resolve and I can not sit back and not pass the knowledge Information on to ALL OF YOU who are a part of SOLVING the ills that plague The Black Family! I know many of YOU say damn, Brother Zach sends a lot of stuff and you're correct. Please help me solve and resolve all of these issues one at a time and my emails will drop considerably!!!

When we decide to work on solving the problems, We must know exactly what we're talking about and we must have all the facts to teach others! We must come fully prepared to challenge all Supremacist who mean OUR Family NO Good!! Going to meetings, listening to correct radio, reading books, learning and teaching others, and most of all, working with Groups of like thinking is what this Victory Thing is all about. We need each other more than at any time in OUR existence. Get YOUR CREW together and go by the Church and see how all of YOU can help in the Fight To Save Brother Mumia Abu-Jamal's LIFE!! This is life and death we're talking about and it's a cancer that is destroying the Black Family. All YOU Doctors OUT there, I need you and you don't even know you're a Doctor!! Come to the meeting and starting operating for CHANGE!!

In the interest of Resolving ills that plague OUR Community,

Brother Zachary C. Husser, Sr.

Note: I'm making a special request to the Iconic Sportsmen/Women to come out and Show Solidarity with Freedom Fighters. A lot of YOU have been missing in action. Men, you know who you are, Come on out because We want and need YOU!

He was one of the few people I could let my hair down with, and not have to worry about having it thrown in my face, or hearing about it later on.  He loved my writing, and would connect me with individuals who needed my genre of work -  which is how I got to edit and revise Dick Barnett's novel, Athlete Negro.  He was that way with all his friends.  If there was an opportunity that he thought one of his friends or associates was suited for, he would recommend them, and make sure they made the connection with the correct people, and follow up to make sure things were progressing properly.  Zach introduced me to Bobby Hunter - and got me involved in the 50th Anniversary of the Rucker games - such a privilege.

Zach Husser, Sr. wrote:  "Dear Family of Friends, "Book Signing" taking place on Monday, May 11, 2015 at Walt "Clyde" Frazier's Restaurant. The book signing as well as meet and greet Dr. Dick Barnett, a former New York Knick Championship Player, is taking place from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. Clyde's Restaurant is located at 485 10th Avenue on the corner of 37th street. We look forward to having your family and friends there to purchase the book, meet some great people, and do your networking.The book, "The Athlete Negro," is a compelling story that all of Us have to read. Spread the word to your family of friends.  In the Interest of Supporting One Another,Brother Zach Husser, National Communications Advisor Fathers in Education Campaign, Incorporated    www.fathersineducation.org 

Zach always had my back.  When he and Zach and Playthell Benjamin were at Elombe Brath's Homegoing service, the Ushers  at Abyssinian Baptist Church were giving me a difficult time getting seated,  Zach got up, went to the back where I was standing, and escorted me down to a seat in front of him.  He and Playthell Benjamin sat behind me and we kept up a running conversation during the entire ceremony.  Nothing like having an insanity brother or two.

He was Mr. Resource - he knew everybody that was anybody - and that was from the so called highest to the so called lowest.


July 9, 2015
My Dear Family of Friends Network,
I'm very happy to deliver the below information to all of You. Sister Ntozake Shange was one of the young ladies that was a classmate of mine during my years as a student at Columbia University. We've been friends since our College days when we bonded with the other Black Students on Campus.
Take a look at the Barnard College recognition of Ms. Shange in the below online magazine. What I would like all of you to do is use the names in this email because 98% of all of the recipients are Women taking care of business! All of you need to know one another. One of the ladies in this note is my wife Joan, the Sewing & Design Diva that can bring any of your clothing dreams to reality. Check her out on www.JWHstyle.com for more details.
Let's Stay in Touch,
Brother Zach Husser

When my husband, Lou Wilson, the Love of My Life, made his transition, Zach was one of the first of my friends to call me with condolences. When I relocated to Philadelphia to be nearer to my children, Zach was the one who put me in contact with his contacts in Philadelphia to make sure that I made a smooth transition - he knew as many people here as he did in New York.

I'm 100% sure that GOD spoke to us through Zach!!

Zach was one of the few people who not only read my emails and blog, but actually commented on them and encouraged others to do so as well.  I've received over 1400 emails from  him between 2009 thru 2018 - and that's just on my new computer.  I've gone through 5 computers over the past 25 years, and I would bet that Zach and I have emailed each other ten times that amount.  We have worked on mutual projects over the years from hosting community events, award programs, news interviews - many of which he actually set up for me.  I really appreciate and treasure his faith and confidence in me, and his always contacting me about opportunities and including me in projects.

He was always in the forefront of trying to save  Black people - wake them up. Have us be our own salvation - not relying on others to do what we should be doing for ourselves:

Black People MUST do Research if we want to get ourselves out of the Conditions and ills that plaque our Black Family. I'm in one hundred percent agreement with that statement.

Secondly,  Our Black Family has to include Philosophy, Ethics, Logic, and Critical Thinking in all of the Schools that Our Children attend. If the schools don't teach those subjects it's our responsibility to make sure OUR Children are saturated with these topics. This was another statement that hit me straight in the face and if we check the Schools Our Children attend, none of the mentioned subjects are taught there! Our young people need Philosophy, Logic, Critical thinking, and Ethics so They have a foundation for learning and living that will stay with them forever! We have some business to take care of!

Thirdly, the written documents indicated that too much "Censorship" is being done via the media when it comes to having speakers that don't agree with the party line. I'm in absolute agreement with that statement because I don't see folk like Betty Dopson, Dr. James McIntosh, Playthell George Benjamin, Joseph R. Mack, Ministers from the Nation of Islam, and Black thinkers like Dr. Gerald Horne on any programs in New York City. This is the truth and it's Censorship in the worst way. The only folk that get hurt in Censorship is Our Black Family because We don't get the Knowledge WE need to make critical decisions. The folk I mentioned in the above sentence aren't invited to speak from their well researched perspective by any Media, whether Black Owned or White in New York City! We have to do something about this Censorship and we have to do it Now! What are YOU going to do??
In the interest of educational excellence,
Brother Zachary C. Husser, Sr

Fun Stuff:  I remember a party Zach and Joanie invited me to - it was actually Joanie's birthday - the party was held n a part of Brooklyn that I was not familiar with - and would not have gone to had it not been for him.  It turned out it was also a fights party featuring Floyd Mayweather - forget who his opponent was, though it really didn't matter, because Mayweather won anyway.  WE had an absolute blast - It was a 70s party featuring music from the 70s.  We  partied till the wee hours of the morning.  Zach and Joanie were newly weds - or near newly weds; and he was totally and completely in love.

We lived at opposite ends of the spectrum - he was an early riser,  I was a nght owl - so if we needed to talk about issues, we would have to agree to talk at 10:00AM - I generally didn't get up until 11:00AM - and we would go forth to solve the problems of the world.  Zach went to bed at 8:00PM - I could never figure out how he made that transition from being a night owl to going to sleep with the chickens.  LOL

Still, he insisted that it kept him healthier and full of energy to go to bed at 8:00PM and get up at 5:00PM  - he was always concerned about health and the fact that far too many of us were ignorant of how to maintain our health unto old age:

Sent: Sun, Dec 11, 2011 5:23 am
Subject: Re: The Development of a Closer Friendship With A Brother That Has A Great Deal Of Respect For Your Opinions And YOU..

My Dear Brothers,
      One of the critical things I want to do in collaboration with both of YOU is show and teach Our Black Men about the importance of great health for all of Us. We can do this by becoming the in shape & healthy templates we want others to follow. I need to get into great physical and mental condition so I can do the writing, teaching, learning, and other things that benefit "My Black People."
      As I watched you Brother Alton at the Cotton Club yesterday, I realized the two of Us are fighting big bellies. I'm getting involved with The Heal Thyself Center in Brooklyn and become a student of Sister Queen Afua. Go to www.QueenAfua.com for more details. We all need to take better care of each other and ourselves. I'm sending this note out of love for Black People, but for Black Men in particular. If you believe I'm coming in Love, get in touch with Sister Queen Afua and let's agree to do her program as a team. When Our Black Men and Our Wives see the transformation of our physical body and the energy we get from working with Sister Queen Afua, all others will jump on Board. This is a win win situation and my gift to you two Giants doing the work to save Black Legacy!
In the interest of Excellent Health,
Brother Zachary C. Husser, Sr.

We were always one step ahead of the issues: 

1/05/2010 Percy Sutton
When I received the news that Percy Sutton had made his transition, I was in the process of working with a friend, Zach Husser, to do an updated one-on-one personality profile interview with him. This was just prior to Thanksgiving. Joe Barnes, owner of Mobay’s Restaurant, and Bobbi Humphrey, who are both close to the family, and informed me that Percy had recently been admitted to a nursing home. A month later he was gone.

Mr. Sutton was and is one of my personal heroes. He belongs in the realm of what I call Fine Black Men: Articulate, intelligent, talented, honest, creative, visionary, powerful, positive, generous, and fine. He was all that and so much more. Truly a man to be emulated and admired. I do hope that there will be a Sutton Archives curated with a collection of his speeches, writings, and what I called “the Sutton Touch”, so his wonderful example is not lost on our up coming generations.


1/23/18 
I just recently learned of the passing of my brother/friend Little Willie Kgositsile, the South African Poet Laureate and a lifetime friend, and was in the process of making a spiritual farewell to him, that I got the news from my brother/friend Zach Husser telling me that Leslie Wyche had made his transition to the realm of Ancestor/Angel as well.
 
5/27/15
I just received this from my friend Zach Husser, Sr. who wrote:  

Family of Friends,  Please read the below email message. It's pretty saiwh '''''rem.

My response, upon reading the article, was:    
Hi Zach - I love this - and to tell you the truth, I fell in love with the Q's when I first saw them step at Hampton Institute - I'd never seen anything like that before in my life - amazing!!  And that was in the 60's! None of the Sororities at Hampton "stepped" - the other frats had their own repertoire, but the Ques were off the chain.  As far as I'm concerned, stepping started with you guys - and most closely resembled the South African Boot Dances - I often wondered whether there was someone in the Frat who had either gone to South Africa, had South African origins, or had been exposed to it.  Watching those brothers at Hampton was both mesmerizing and exciting!    https://gloria-dulan-wilson.blogspot.com/2015/05/this-is-why-we-step-dst-crystal.html


I won't go metaphysical and say that he's in a better place - It's much too soon for me to take that stance. And I know  it's ridiculous to ask God to bring him back.  But I will say that his spirit is with us all, and if we can each of us break off whatever favorite piece of Zach lingers in our memories,  and incorporate him into our lives, breathe in some of his unlimited energy, radiate his love of people, we'd all be blessed and a lot happier.  

My love and condolences to Joanie, the family, friends, brothers of Omega Psi Phi, and all the brothers and sisters who knew and loved him.

Rest in eternal Peace and Power Brother Zach

Stay Blessed & 
ECLECTICALLY BLACK 
Your Sister/Friend
Glo