Bro. Nsilo Kofi Oure

Nsilo Kofi Oure—son of Samuel & Cordia Ethridge, cherished husband and father, beloved brother, and pillar of the community—made his transition from this realm unexpectedly on Sunday, December 22, 2019. He was also a proud native son of Washington, DC and former student of Powell Elementary, Alice Deal Junior High, and Woodrow Wilson Senior High.

Nsilo’s activist efforts gained traction in the mid-1980s, at the University of the District of Columbia, where we met as co-organizers. Since 1991, we worked side by side at Union Temple Baptist Church (UTBC) and throughout the community to further Pan-African goals and live a life that authentically reflected our core values and principles.  

Nsilo developed a particular passion for our youth; meaningful investment in the people of Africa; and the overall wellness of its descendants through the possibilities of sustainable urban agriculture. Outside of family, these were some of his highest priorities. Nsilo’s commitment was evident from his leadership role in the UTBC manhood training/rites of passage program; ongoing engagement with youth in Ghana through the Global Missions ministry; and active involvement in the Union Temple Ujima Urban Farm. We traveled to Ghana together more than ten times and built many relationships during these experiences. He became an ancestor less than a week after we returned from our most recent trip to the continent.

We appreciate the overwhelming support from the village and remain grateful for your contributions, which will allow us to address immediate family needs and cover related expenses incurred from Nsilo’s sudden departure. In the spirit of Ujima, or “collective work and responsibility,” we honor all who donate their time, energy, prayers, and resources in his memory. 

Natalege Ama Oure & Family