Speak Life.
On Wednesday, February 19, 2020, the family - by blood and by choice - of Ronny Drayton gathered together to celebrate his life and the impact that he has forever left on all of us.Â
I got to know Ronny through Black Rock Coalition events and benefits that we have done through the years. Â It was at a benefit for Funkadelic graphic artist Pedro Bell, when Ronny told me about the arrest of his son Donovan and the grinding web of red tape that he had to deal with to get him a bail hearing, much less a fair and speedy trial.
Out of that conversion and others within the organization, birthed the Million Man Mosh concerts, which raised money for his defense, and raised awareness of how prosecutors were using delay tactics, unreasonable bail demands and other wack tactics to get defendants, regardless of innocence, into taking plea deals.
Long story short, Ronny wasn’t having it.
It took five years, but Donovan was cleared of all major charges, a free man, and, a father of two.
The first two shots represent the end stages of the long, legal nightmare: Â the first was taken during a production meeting for Million Man Mosh 2 after Donovan was finally released on bail and awaiting trial. Â It says EVERYTHING about their bond.
The 2nd shot was taken shortly after Donovan’s defense team made the lights out closing arguments calling for his acquittal.  Big up to Kim Lesley, whose love and support for Ronny and Donovan was invaluable.
The third shot features Ronny, Vernon Reid and Jimi Hazel during another, if I’m not mistaken, the first Million Man Mosh production meeting.  Three amazing guitarists, three fathers, three beyond cool human beings.
The last set of shots are from the BRC’s ‘History Of Our Future’ show at the Met in the fall of 2019.  As you can see, there’s a lot of love in the room.  At one point, it was me, Ronny, Vernon and Carl Hancock Rux in one dressing room talking about, well, everything.  Ronny was, as always, on point, serious as a heart attack, and yet, peppering all with humor.  Sadly, it was the last time I would see him.
I can go on and on about Ronny, but I would suggest that you go out and listen to his work that he did with Nona Hendryx, Defunkt, James Blood Ulmer, Edwin Birdsong, Burnt Sugar, 24-7 Spyz and the other extraordinary recordings.
Much love to Ronny’s son Donovan, his grandchildren, family, friends, and all that knew and loved him. Â
Speak Life.Â
It was an affirmation, a rally cry and a declaration.
Thank you Ronny Drayton for making all of us part of your life.