Akinlabi Coujoe Elttab Minter

Once upon a time in the winter months of February on the 28th day of the year 1977, in the city of Inglewood, California, alittle boy who weighed 7 pounds 1 ounce, 20 inches long was bond a rn to Rhonda J Jefferson and Carl Battle. He was named Akinlabi Coujoe which means "We have a son born on Monday". And YES he was born on a Monday.

During the early years of Akinlabi's life he was always known as a young man in an old man's body. He was wise beyond his years. Los Angeles, Baldwin Park and Ontario is where he attended elementary school. He attended Magnolia Jr. High and Chino High School in Chino, CA.

When Labi as he was known, to the family started school, he would write on his papers that his name was Richard, I asked him why and he said it was easier for people to say that his 'real' name and just a lot easier to spell. So for it to be reported he had numerous alias that was nothing new. But he grew to love and appreciate his name and heritage as he became a teenager. I don't know who started calling him "Breezy" but the reason was because he was so "Cold" in his writing, it is amazing his son is called "Winter" because he is so "Cold" on the football field. Like father like son.

As he approached his young adult years, he started having children. He is the proud father of five sons. His first son Isaiah Minter was born on December 4, 1998 and his second son Imani Minter was bourn on January 16,2000. Then he met and took under his wing JayShon Brooks (June 17, 1999) who was two years at the time, he is now eleven. His fourth and fifth sons were born Ahmik Hopkins Minter, March 8, 2005 and Zion Hopkins Minter born September 2,2008.

Labi gave his life to the Lord on July 23, 1995 at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Rodeo, California, at his cousin/auntie's church.

On January 12, 2011, at 9:46 a.m., Labi sent me the sinner's prayer in a text. He said that he had said it out loud and had meant it. If it is good enough for God, it has to be good enough for us. If you knew him, you knew the path he walked...to know his was to understand him. It is neither for me not you to judge without being judged.

Akinlabi "Breezy" leaves nothing but Loving thoughts in the memories of those who love him.

His Grammer, Bobbie Campbell, his brothers, Lumumba (Nakia), Hassan and his siter Basitta. His nephews, Ali and DeZon, nieces, Heaven and Liberty. Too many, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends to name.

If you read his CD cover you will know how much Labi loved me, on Tuesday, January 18at 6:32 p.m., he called to check on me because I have had a cough since mid December. He asked me how I was feeling, told me to go to the doctor then told me that he loved me. He reminded me that it was Tuesday night Bible Study and to pray for him...He then said he would call me in the morning, so we could look at 'In the Heat of the Night' together. Only the morning would never come for him.

His dream of purchasing me a home and my Volvo came to a halt on January 18,2011 at 8:12p.m..

He was on his way to purchasing me that home with his CD "It Ain't Easy bein Breezy'

His favorite closing when he was on phone was "Don't say bye, it's always later"

But this time it is Good bye Son. Until we meet again. Say hello to our ancestors.

We will keep the candle burning for you.

I Love you Akinlabi, Mom