BFMI member Stefan Moss; Janice Parks; Lincoln Parks, brother of Lavard Parks; Consul General Randy E Rolle; Deputy-Consul Monique Vanderpool; and Arthia Nixon publicist.

Family and friends gather at Consul General’s residence to reflect on Atlanta connection with Parks and Munroe families

Bahamas Consul General to Atlanta Randy E. Rolle, shared his encounter with Dr. Myles Munroe and his wife Ruth Ann who called upon his office for assistance, as well as his memories of the Parks family. The internationally revered author, evangelist and leader had stopped in because they needed more spaces in their passports before they journeyed on to Africa.

“I had offered to have them come to the residence if they missed their flight,” said Rolle. “It was a brief moment but a poignant moment for me, to sit with Dr. Myles Munroe, and in that space of time, he encouraged me, especially in my position as the representative of The Bahamas in this area. I was honored because he was an influential leader and I looked forward to working with him. Since the tragedy, our office has received many calls, cards and flowers from so many here in Atlanta who felt a personal connection to him just by simply being exposed to his principles via television or books. It’s not just us Bahamians mourning but Atlanta, and the rest of the world is mourning with us.”

Rolle also shared memories of his moments with Radel Parks, who was to be collaborating with his office on multiple film and entertainment projects in the near future.

“Radel was highly recommended to me as a knowledgeable source in the entertainment industry,” said Rolle. “She was a student but I was so impressed with her portfolio, I invited her along with my team and Marion Bethel of ‘Womanish Ways’ to meet producer Roger Bobb who was known as Tyler Perry’s right hand man for years. We toured the studios and she kept expressing how much she wished her twin sister would have been able to experience it with her. She also gave some of her work to Roger and he invited her to let him know when she was ready to come to the studio. She made such an impression that Roger said he plans to honor her in some way when he shoots in The Bahamas.”

“At first Lavard was just trying to figure out why I was so interested in helping his wife by having her join me to various entertainment industry events including the Bronze Lens Awards,” recalled Rolle. “That said so much about the love they had for each other, but we spoke man to man and became so cordial afterwards that I told him if ever Radel returned to Atlanta to continue her studies, the three of them – their son included - were welcome to come and stay here at the residence so that would be a burdened lifted off them.”

Monique Vanderpool, Deputy Consul General to Atlanta spoke about how she and Mrs. Parks had an instant connection and how she was so humbled when she first met Dr. Munroe in Washington, D.C. during a function.

“I was amazed at how so many people loved, respected and looked up to him, a son of our Bahamian soil,” she recalled saying how in awe she was of Dr. Munroe. “As for Radel, I can say that she left an indelible mark on my life and those who had the opportunity to know her. Her name Radel means “great advisor” and I am sure she advised so many while here on earth, especially in her role as a youth minister.”

Mrs. Parks’ student advisor Chris Stevens from the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) spoke about how he was impacted by her in just one meeting, while Tesia Moss paid tribute to her friends with a violin selection. Robert Pinder, Bahamas Cultural Affairs and Student Relations Officer sang a song in honor of those aboard the fatal flight.

“America had its 9/11 and we in the Bahamas now have our 11/9,” said Melissa Bevans who led the moment of silence before calling off the names of those who perished, adding the name Baby Parks to the list, acknowledging the Parks’ unborn child due to arrive in April 2015.

Stefan Moss recalled working with Mr. Parks as an artist and reminded attendees of the impact Manifest had on Bahamian music. In his uplifting tribute, Moss described how he was influenced greatly by Pastor Richard Pinder, Dr. Myles Munroe, and new senior pastor Dr. Dave Burrows, noting that his family joined the church in the 1980s. In fact, he attended the anniversary service for Dr. Dave and Pastor Angie Burrows just a week before the tragedy.

“They all fulfilled their purpose on this earth,” Moss reminded everyone. “I can guarantee you, everyone on that plane was living in their purpose. So my charge to you is to discover your life’s purpose. Discover what gives you meaning and to pursue it.”

“This was just going to be two or three of us gathered who knew the Parks family,” explained Arthia Nixon who worked closely with the Parks family as a publicist and on Manifest’s music label since their late teens. “But this wasn’t just our loss and as soon as the suggestion came up, the Consul General immediately offered his home for an intimate gathering. It’s interesting because instead of planning their promotion for the workshop Radel planned with the Consulate Office and the book and album Lavard was working on, this week was spent planning their memorial.”

Overcome with emotion, Lincoln Parks allowed his wife Janice to speak on his behalf. His brother's young family had visited his south Atlanta home several times.

“We see how much they meant to all of you and we are so touched,” said Janice Parks. “We wish to thank you for everything, organizing this and coming together with us.”

Before closing, Janice Parks presented a copy of her brother-in-law’s album to the Consul General as a token of appreciation on behalf of their family. The Consul General in turn presented the Parks family with a photo surrounded by written condolences of the Bahamians in Atlanta as a keepsake. The poster board, the couple said, would be taken with them to The Bahamas and be on display at the Parks’ funeral.

Immediately following the remembrance ceremony, attendees fellowshipped to the soundtrack of Manifest’s HISLife HISMic album. Consul General Rolle stated that he has intentions to attend the Parks family funeral, set for late November.