Birth date: May 19, 1937 Death date: Oct 3, 2019
Nontzisi Dolores I. Ca was born in New Orleans on May 19, 1937. She was the oldest child born to Walter and Annice Kirton. Her family moved from New Orleans in the forties. Nontzisi graduated from Alameda High School, – Alameda, C Read Obituary
The San Francisco-Abidjan Sister City Committee joins in mourning the passing of one of our original members, Nontsizi Cayou.She served on the Program Committee in 1993 and was appointed to the Cultural Affairs& Tourism Committee in 1996; providing leadership in international diplomacy and hospitality.Thank you again, Nontsizi, for your active leadership in promoting peace through friendship.Frankie Jacobs Gillette,Chairperson,San Francisco-Abidjan Sister City Committee
asite.comAll my love for Nontsizi Cayou who was my advisor and chair at San Francisco State University, where Kamau Seitu introduced me to her presence upon entering the Dance Ethnology, Performance and Choreography Program which she pioneered. I was so gracious to meet Mama Cayou, and be under her guidance as my life continued. Nontsizi became a pivotal force in my graduation at S.F.State, as they tried to hold my diploma from me. Nontsizi was the first to go to bat for me, as she shook all the apple trees. That’s when I knew Nontsizi was a very powerful SOUL. I was eventually invited to Wajumbe’ Cultural Center where her community activism and leadership shined for many, as well as partaking in her National Kwanzaa’s, which were always celebrated on Nia, the day of purpose. Nontsizi inspired my first trip to Nigeria, as I traveled abroad to learn in-depth about the Yoruba spiritual traditions from the origin. Nontsizi would always tell me, “One must learn of the origin, and that is the Motherland.” As our conversations would deepen, Nontsizi expressed pioneering Orisha conferences and actual tours in which Orisha shrines would be the pivotal foundation for the tours, advancing educational and spiritual learning. She wanted me to take a trip to Nigeria with her, but we were never able to make it happen. Our last meeting was at Maliki’s Rest. where Nontsizi came out and we celebrated life. I never knew she went to Alameda High School, the school I went to as well. Nontsizi graced us all with her presence, her love for Africa and her homeland New Orleans. I had just spoken with my colleagues, about the inspiration to honor Nontsizi, but I guess we were a minute too late. I just want to offer my condolences to the family, and thank the ancestors for allowing Nontsizi to bless us with the richness she possessed. All who passed through her surely will be inspired by the fruition of her work. I will never forget the huge Mother Hen sculpture in the hallway at Wajumbe’. Now I realize that Nontsizi was the Mother Hen to us all. Many Blessings forever, and may the seeds of her life be spread into the souls of many. I am so sorry I cannot make her service as I am abroad, but my spirit is there. Ase’ ooooo! Modupe’ Modupe’ Modupe’.
