BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, April 3rd 2011 (CUOPM) - After many posthumous accolades from politicians, City Councilman Steve Levin, proclamation in hand, walked to the podium of Brooklyn's Lawrence H. Woodward Funeral Home.
But Levin didn’t read from the prepared words on the piece of paper; he simply spoke from his heart, saying: “This is a small token to ensure than Emeline Nisbett is remembered by the City of New York.”
Jared McCallester, writing in the New York Daily News said Emeline Elaine Nisbett, the daughter of immigrants from St. Kitts - an influential pillar in his life and many others - was remembered last week at a memorial service. She died March 22 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 80. And she will surely be remembered.
Last week, a standing-room-only gathering of family, friends and supporters came to say “thank you” and “job well done” to Nisbett, who took on lots of roles throughout her life and positively touched many lives.
“She was a great, powerful woman,” said Nisbett's granddaughter Kim Irving, describing the woman who was held in high esteem by everyday folks as well as Brooklyn’s movers and shakers.
Born in Harlem to Samuel Salisbury and Emeline Gumbs Salisbury, she graduated from Girls High School in Brooklyn, the borough where she made her mark. She helped raise many neighborhood children in Crown Heights, providing parents with free childcare and contributing to the education and development of kids who later went on to become accountants, attorneys, teachers and chefs. Later in life, she shifted much of this valued attention to her own grandchildren.
In between raising the neighborhood children and tending to her grandkids, she and her husband, Daniel Nisbett, operated the popular Nizzy's Snack House and the D&E Mini Grocery, both on Troy Ave., just off Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights.
In addition to her entrepreneurial efforts, she possessed a vibrant passion for human rights and civic responsibility. She was a member of the Lincoln Place Block Association for more than 35 years and took her duties seriously. And over the years, she also stood by her convictions and marched for them too - protesting with the Rev. Al Sharpton and activist Sonny Carson on behalf of social justice issues in the community.
I vividly recall that her passions were wide-ranging. On countless occasions, we talked while she worked and served customers at Nizzy’s. I’d eat my lip-smacking-good chicken sandwich (with side order of oven-baked mac ‘n’ cheese) as she talked. And in her talks, no one on Earth was safe or sacred - not the mayor, not local or national politicians; not even world leaders. After mentally formulating her thoughts and analysis, just like the councilman, Nisbett spoke from the heart.
If something struck her as funny along the way, she’d laugh long and hard with a hearty, loud cackle that came from her throat, but originated in her heart.
Family and friends at the memorial also let out some heartfelt laughs while listening to the many reminiscences of Nisbett in action.
Her youngest son, Stuart, spoke about several of her favorite retorts, such as “You think it's easy?”
And Stuart also recalled witnessing a close encounter a questionable real estate speculator had with Nisbett decades ago during the very early stages of gentrification in Crown Heights.
Stuart said his mother summarily dismissed the man, who annoyingly repeated his suggestion that she sell her brownstone home and move to Florida.
“What makes you think I don’t already have a home in Florida?" was her instantaneous, conversation-ending comeback.
“She was no nonsense; she’d give it to you straight - no chaser - and if you didn’t like it, ‘Get of my stoop!” Stuart said fondly of his mother.
As a best friend and running buddy to her oldest son, there were no doubt times we caused her some headaches in our younger days. But it was fair to say we weren’t too much of a handful. And if we ever approached that “handful” stage, she’d nip that in the bud - quick, fast and in a hurry.
When I have my personal celebrations of her life and achievements, I’ll fondly remember her quick wit, strong commitment to family and community, exceptional sense of humor, that unique laugh and the warm smile that went with it. She was a rare and special individual. I know I'm a better person for knowing her - and I’m not alone.
Among the other politicians honoring Nisbett were Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-Brooklyn); Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz; Brooklyn state Sen. Eric Adams, Assemblymen Vito Lopez and Karim Camara and Assemblywoman Annette Robinson; City Council members Al Vann, Leticia James, Darlene Mealy and Mathieu Eugene; and 43rd Assembly District Leader Jesse Hamilton.
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