Honoring Aerin’s Life @ The Commons

Oct 3

On a beautiful September afternoon, Sweet Water Foundation hosted a memorial service for, Aerin Nefertiti Jackson Cooper, a beloved member of the SWF Family. Aerin began visiting SWF in early 2018 with Mama Sunshine, a longtime member of the SWF Family and respected member in the community. Aerin’s spiritual godmother, Mama Sunshine, visited The Commons regularly, and, during the harvest season, visited every week to harvest fresh produce from farm. The SWF community was shocked to find out that Aerin passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, July 27, 2019. Given Aerin’s love for The Commons, Mama Sunshine organized a memorial service at The Commons in Aerin’s honor on Saturday, September 7. We invite you to read more about the memorial service and the impact Aerin had on the SWF Community.

More than 50 people gathered at The Commons on September 7, coming from near and far, to celebrate Aerin’s life and honor her memory. The memorial began with a procession followed by tributes from African Drummers, a stilt walker, dancers, singers, singing bowls, words of memory, food, and community. As an artist, activist, and friend, Aerin made an impact on the lives of both people she knew, and those she did not know. The community described Aerin’s passion and presence in life in the following way:

“Aerin helped produce cultural events and direct actions that disrupt oppressive systems, amplify marginalized voices, and serve people and communities most directly harmed by mass incarceration, police violence, and systemic injustice. Aerin believed that people and communities are able to govern themselves peacefully when they have access to and sovereignty over quality education, housing art, health care, nutrition, useful & prosperous livelihood, and skills for nonviolently resolving harm and conflict. This was Aerin’s home and community...a tranquil place for all.”

Aerin’s presence will be missed at The Commons, but her spirit and memory continue to touch our lives and hearts.