Ode To a Chieftainess
by Madafo, LMT

Let us all sing our praises and embrace the memory of Chief Sandrell Rivers, for she, in her unselfish way, loved us all...Her spirit manifests even in transition...She will live forever in the stories we tell: stories of integrity, love for family, committed work for a better community...her friendship...Let there be songs song, poems recited, dances danced in her honor...Goddess-like presence, strength of spirit, motherly kindness...the essence of Chieftainess
Sandrell Rivers...Peace and Blessings.

Lavinia Lee

Sandrell rivers was my cousin; she will be missed,deeply. I remember when i was about 7 years old,my father took us to the circus. She met us there, and we had a great,time there. She always had a glow on her face. She was a queen, in her on way. She was very outspoken and motivating, we will sure miss u.

Rena Jackson Young

My dearest sister: I love you; I miss you...Rest in Peace.

Amilia Qadir

4:31 p.m. Monday, July 12, 201: 0I am Amilia A.Qadir, the proud daughter of Phyllis Olayinka LeConte of (LeConte Uzuri Collections). I am so very proud and honored to have been asked to be apart of Chief Sandrell Rivers Authentic African Clothing & Accessories Grand Opening event Saturday, July 10, 2010 in Augusta, Georgia!

The Fashion Show & Celebration party was lovely and the supporters were in large numbers! Because of my mother and her African Heritage and History, Chief Sandrell Rivers will always and forever have a special place in my heart! Chief Sandrell Rivers as an fashion expert in African and Art events, coordinated the MOST BEAUTIFUL AFRICAN WEDDING FOR ME THAT A GIRL COULD EVER DREAM OF! I WILL NEVER FORGET MY AFRICAN WEDDING APRIL 2002! CHIEF RIVERS,WHO ALSO WAS MY MATRON OF HONOR, MADE SURE I HAD THE REAL AFRICAN WEDDING, FROM THE DRUMS, DANCERS, SINGERS AND THEN WE JUMPED THE BROOM! MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS HER LEGACY, ALL THE LIVES SHE TOUCHED AND MOTIVATED, AND MAY ALL HER HARD WORK INFLUENCE OTHERS TO REACH OUT TO THE COMMUNITY, AND TAKE THINGS TO THE NEXT LEVEL! ITS OUR ANCESTORS PAST AND OUR CHILDREN’S FUTURE. SOMETHING TO REMEMBER, "WE NEVER REALLY KNOW HOW MUCH SOMEONE MEANS TO US, UNTIL THEY ARE GONE

Aunty's Baby Tameka (niece)

Aunty I truly will miss you! You was my guiding light. Growing up you taught me speech lessons. When I had the hardest time pronouncing the number 3 as tree, you would understand me. The one who would give me words of wisdon.

The one who responded to the many texts msgs and phone calls. No doubt this is a Great loss to many, not only to the family but to everyone. Just your smile will brighten any dark room. At first I thought I was too young for the Jazz, but when you introduce me to it, I loved it.

I went on to attend various Jazz functions. Both you and God knew I had a hard time understanding why you was going through this situation and I couldn't understand. He showed me why when I shared that powerpoint with you and it said  A WOMAN WHO HAS ENDURED THE MOST UNUSUAL LIFE IS SOMEONE OF WISDOM, SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN CHOSEN BY GOD TO GO THROUGH THINGS THAT HAVE MADE HER STRONGER!" I would never forget this and it will help me through this healing process. I miss you sooooo much! I love you! RIP

Rhonda (niece)

My heart is so full of sorrow, but I understand God had a plan for your life and it had be fulfilled. When I was younger it was such a joy coming to Miami every summer to be with family. What Grandma Moses started many years ago benefited so many through the strong women she showed us how to be.

Visiting with you Aunty Sandrell made me feel so special and that I could accomplish almost anything. You had a way of calming my spirit and making me feel as though everything would be okay. Up until your death I asked many questions about what all you do, but it never really came together for me until the memorial.

I had no idea you had made such an impact on as many people as you had because to me you were Aunty San. Your life and spirit has encouraged me to do more. I just want the Lord to smile on me as must he must be smiling on you. Aunty, I love you dearly. May you rest in peace until the next time we meet.

Howard Salus

Sandrell Rivers - a totally unselfish, giving friend.I join many saddened hearts currently grieving for dear Sandrell. My heart and mind are loaded with memories of kindness and desire to always be there. Rest peacefully, dear Sandrell.

Sabrina (my personal shining star)

Aunty, I can't believe you are gone. You opened my eyes to many different things. You provided support and words or encouragement even during the times I knew you were in pain. You always showed up with a smile on your face and brightened the room. I know you are in a better place and we will meet again. RIP

Dr. Mary Archer
BREATH OF LIFE, CREATIVE ARTS

I would like to extend my heartfelt prayers to the family and friends of Chief Sandrell Rivers, for the loss of a very special “Beloved Child of God” who was truly blessed and called to represent Him here on Earth. 

God said: You will know them by their fruit, and all of us who knew Chief Rivers, witnessed her special  garden that  blossomed in excellence and in much abundance. When the intent of our garden is for His purpose, it is His good pleasure to bless us, and this He did,  as she continued to give to all those in need of her fruit.

I stand today as one of those blessed recipients that had the privilege to supp at her table and drink from the rivers of living water that flowed from her belly. Although her loving presence will always be missed, I know that her eternal spirit of Love will live on in the hearts of all those who received the gift of Life that was given through the fruit of the abundant Seeds she so graciously planted. 

In my estimation, my friend and confidant, Chief Sandrell Rivers, represented our Creator to the full by living her potential and God given purpose of making His Kingdom come on Earth as it already is in Heaven. AND TO HIM BE THE GLORY!

Nikenna Smart-Benjamin
Cultural Projects Administrator
Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs

I remember the first time I met Chief Rivers - I recall saying to myself as I listened to her make her presentation, “I can see me in her! In a few years I will be making a name for myself and greeting everyone with a smile and a gentle hello which is just as powerful as a three page inspirational speech too!”

From that day to this, Chief Rivers has been a mentor to me. When she spoke the gentleness of her voice commanded your attention, her beauty was pleasing making it even easier for one to stay focused on her and her smile was as bright as the sun itself. She had a way of making you feel that you were the most important person to her when she spoke to you, always attentive and eager to assist.

If there is one thing that I would share with you that she shared with me that made a huge impact on my life it would be: Don’t settle for anything, make your dreams a reality!- Don’t be afraid to START LIVING YOUR LIFE! CREATE THE LIFE YOU WANT!

If you want something different to happen in your life ... you must DO something different to make it happen! START DOING things to create the experiences and to obtain the results you want! Chief Rivers will be missed but forever admired and loved by those that knew her, especially me!

Lanny Smith

My tears are of joy for my heart says she is organizing the finest artists that heaven has. Sandrell was a gift to the arts community and always was there for me. Her life lives on through our living art. Peace.

Joyce Bendross Forchion

To my dear friend, "cousin" and bereaved family; I will always remember the joy that Sandrell brought to those around her and the obligation that she felt that she was her brother's keeper. I that God knewbest when he reclaimed his jewel, Sandrell, and we are all blessed to have shared some time in our lives to know a "real" person with a great spirit. We all must keep our heads to the sky!!!!!!

Norma Jean Sawyer
Diaspora Arts Coalition Member
Gatekeeper for the Historic
1860 African Burial Site, Higgs Beach, Key West, FL

Chief Sandrell Rivers was a remarkable spirit that lived every facet of life that God endowed her with.  She was a loving and devoted daughter, mother, sister, cousin, god-mother, god-sister, mentor, counselor, and creator of opportunities for others to go “beyond America” back to Africa where our ancestors came from.

It was Chief Rivers that introduced me to the Motherland and arranged an experience for me that I will never forget. Nigeria- me, all the way from Key West, FL. She arranged for me to stay there two weeks before the rest of the Africa Reconnect group joined up to tour Nigeria’s capital city, Lagos, the Republic of Benin, Abuja, Whydah, The Door of No Return (just to name a few of the places), and the fabulous concert that she, Johnny Sanders, Ms. Reynolds, and others enthusiastically performed in singing beautiful songs from our country. 

She even made me sing with the group, a special song about Africa that we learned in a few hours, as we visited some of the dignitaries that we met in government and  in the private sector. We were even invited to take part of a popular Nigerian radio show!!! We celebrated her birthday along with several other people during our visit there and the memorable party, dancing, and food that was prepared and presented by our gracious hostess was fit for the Queen that Chief had become to be.

She was beautifully and regally dressed at all times and she made sure that we all behaved, that we were safe and protected, and she made sure that we experienced what life was like for our brothers and sisters in the Motherland.  It really gave me an appreciation for our country, as unjust as it can be to us Black folks, and I was able to identify myself, my determined spirit, and my place/purpose in the Diaspora through the many African people that I saw, met and interacted with.

Chief Sandrell Rivers, a life of love and service well lived.  I will miss her presence but I know that her spirit of “doing for the betterment of others” will always be with me.  She always took time to listen and give advice, encouragement, and every now and then, she could really straighten you out if she felt that you were going the wrong way!! There’s no one else like her and she will be sorely missed! Rest In Peace Sandrell, you’ve earned it!! In love, honor, and respect, Iyabo de ero Efunyeme.

Veronica Simmons

Affectionately Auntie San, is what you'll always be to me. A person full of life and a smile that would light up any room. The life of the party. I'll always appreciate how you made me feel in a crowded room of people--like I was the only person there. I thank you for all your words of encouragement, your jokes, your smile, the times we've danced together. I thank your niece for introducing me to such a wonderful aunt. There should be more like you. I'll miss you. Rest in peace.

Your fav cuz, Stephanie A. Lee

Dear Cuzin: You are indeed a shining star. I will remember your smile forever. You were always looking for me and I was always looking for you. You  always made anyone in your presence feel like a million bucks! You were always the one in the family.

The leader, the comforter, the teacher, the provider, the fearless  Warrior Woman. I always told you I wanted to be like you when I grow up. Well I'm all grown up now and will never quite be the Warrior Woman you are. You always included everyone in everything you did. You said a large part of your job was to bring everyone else along. You did that and more. May your memory live on forever.  Warrior Woman, it is now time for you to take your rest.

Veronica Carey Buie

I salute my fellow Sister-In-The-Spirit, or better yet, a fellow "Colored Girl...". I had the priveledge of acting along side Sandrell back in 1980-81 as we performed "For Colored Girls..." as well as serving togetgher as members of Kuulimba Players and serving on the HEART OF THE CITY ADVISORY BOARD. Chief Rivers have indeed left her mark on countless individuals.

She was classy and elegant and will be sorely missed. She was my mentor in more ways than one. My love, thoughts and prayers I extend to the family. She was the epitome of Entertainment. I say...Hail to the Chief and here's to a "Colored Girl" we won't soon forget. Blessings.

Debbie Orta

Maybe a year or so ago I was watching my friends Othello Molineaux and Dee Dee Wilde performing together, and I was sitting sort of outside the audience, next to a very elegant woman in beautiful African clothing and head scarf. We commented to each other about how wonderful the band sounded and she introduced herself to me as Sandrell Rivers, asking me if I knew the band, which I did, and she said she figured I was a musician or a singer; and that's how we met. We spoke a little about jazz and the need for more venues for artists.

She kindly gave me her card, which said "Chief Sandrell Rivers". She made quite an impression on me, with her graciousness and selflessness. She encouraged me in my musical career with a caring, supportive and kind attitude, always reachable by phone in spite of her busy schedule. She cultivated a warmth and confidence that made it such a pleasure to talk to her or hear from her. I'm so glad I got to know her if only for a short while. My condolences to her family. May she rest in peace.

"JC" Johnny Conga

My Condolences to the Rivers family.. I had the extreme pleasure of working alongside "Sandrell" Mz. Rivers with my bands for community affairs, when I lived in Miami. She was an assett to her community and Miami overall. She was Very dedicated and caring. Se will be missed ...God Bless you Sandrell and RIP.

A Friend Has Passed
by Bobby Ramirez

What sad news to start out the new year and a new decade with the passing of Chief Sandrell Rivers. No doubt, a great lost to the Jazz community; and more importantly, to many of us that were fortunate to have known her personally. My sincere condolences to the family and friends of Chief Sandrell Rivers.

Sandrell's path through life touched and inspired many souls. She was a tireless champion for Jazz and the arts in our community, a wise and selfless mentor who lead by example a lifetime of giving back to the community, a friend to many local Jazz musicians, and a really sweet lady. Thank you for your friendship. I will miss you dearly...Rest in peace.

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