Beresford B. Simmons
We celebrate the life of our beloved NYTWA Executive Committee Member Beresford B. Simmons who passed away on July 7, 2018. Mentor. Comrade. Son of Jamaica. Tireless Soldier. He could do it all. A Renaissance Man. A musician, radio show host, activist since his youth in Kingston, and taxi driver of 50 years, Beres led with love, humility, endless charm, selfless devotion and so much brilliance. Beres was affectionately known to some as Rasta, some called him Habana, and many, the King of Kennedy (JFK). He would tell us stories about playing soccer with Bob Marley as a child and guarding security at anti-colonial political rallies since he was a teenager. He was devoted to Black Power. Beresford Simmons was a man of the world, but he chose us, his driver brothers and sisters.
He never once missed a trip to Albany - even after driving two days straight and even after starting kidney dialysis for three days a week - or a TLC or City Council public hearing, or sit downs with elected officials, or general membership meetings, or demonstrations. Just days before he passed away - less than a week after leaving the hospital - he gave his whole day to meetings with Council Members for our current campaign. That big, booming voice full of brilliant five-decades-on-the-streets knowledge, and a sharp-as-a-blade political acumen - he could read a room better than any of us.
And Beres was such a gifted speaker - in a room full of the powerful, on a public stage, in front of a TV camera or over the radio. He made your heart sink and your mind soar for the possibilities for drivers. Beres was one of the most visible Spokespersons for TWA, giving over one hundred interviews throughout these past ten years. And every minute he gave was volunteered.
Beres was there when the livery, black car and greencab sectors were first commissioned by the city and state. He bore witness to history but never stood idly by. Beres was also a founding member of the landmark Minutemen co-op, borne after workers took over a bankrupt business and made it recover. Before the city required the purchase of wheelchair-accessible vehicles, Beresford hacked one up to an unrestricted medallion. He was one of the first owners of a WAV taxi in NYC and remained vigilant and devoted to accessible service. He was equally devoted to his Jamaica in Queens and his homeland. He organized fundraisers to sponsor schools and scholarships since his first days in the states, and entertained dignitaries, musicians, activists from Jamaica till his last days. In all that he did, Beresford Simmons held such a deep sense of community and honor. For whatever reason he was needed, he never failed. We learned from Beres. We leaned on Beres.
In every step Beresford took with us, he made us feel like we were the world - his world - because he loved so deeply and gave so much as a comrade, teacher and friend. For Beres though, his world was his beautiful wife Sheila, with whom he shared 52 years of love and life, raising five children and seven grandchildren.
There are not enough words to express the depth of either our loss or our gratitude. If ever you met him, you would understand. There is no one like Beres. So kind and so honorable. Beresford Simmons lived life the way we are told to in the grace of God but often fail. He triumphed over every tragedy and obstacle and he gave more to life than he ever took. God speed, our big brother. We love you so much.