Anthony Leon Hairston, 1962-2026

Uncle Anthony, my father’s older brother, died on Thursday, August 6, 2026 in Oklahoma.

The last time I saw him was on July 20, 2026 – my mother’s 65th birthday. We held the stark contrast and interesting convergence closely. We celebrated two lives that day, with an eye toward the imminent conclusion of one.

Despite the proximity of his death, he – as always – contributed greatly to this particular milestone in the life of our family. He couldn’t speak much at the end. Still, he motivated us with a reaffirmation of his faith, which covered the room in a wave of peace. Uncle Anthony’s hopeful outlook urged my sweet niece to lean more fully into the wonderful characteristics that define her: she greeted hospital staff members as they entered the room and buoyed this spirits of all, especially Uncle Anthony.

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In the final few weeks of Uncle Anthony’s life, I mentally returned to Grandma Hairston’s home in North Carolina. The most lucid memory of this time must’ve occurred at some point in 2003. Grandma Hairston had just endured the stroke that would leave her pretty immobile for the rest of her life. Uncle Anthony swiftly and dutifully accepted the role of primary caregiver for her with tremendous grace.

During this memorable visit, in a nod to my sister’s growing athletic talent, Uncle Anthony challenged her to a race while we all roamed outside. Each of us laughed so hard as they gave it their all. Although it was close every time, Uncle Anthony kept achieving the victory over my sister.

Soon after Grandma Hairston died in 2007, Uncle Anthony endured a stroke himself. He moved to Ohio, where Grandma Hairston was planning to come permanently. The kinship between my father & Uncle Anthony, as brothers, strengthened. A cycle of care reinforced itself within the family; we brought action to the wisdom of Gwendolyn Brooks – we remained each other’s harvest and each other’s business. He came to Oklahoma in 2010 and lived just a couple miles from my parents’ home for the rest of his days. Other medical challenges arose for him, and he persevered with his kind spirit in clear focus until last Thursday.

In my reflection on the year 2003, and all that came after, his resilience emerged as a recurring theme. In a playful contest with my sister and his countless hours of support to his family, Uncle Anthony conferred the importance of diligence and the preservation of a heart of service. His life represented the truth that the challenges that befall us, particularly Black folks in the United States, can be important avenues for fortifying our resolve & going deeper in our solidarity onto one another.

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As fluid built up in his lungs and the cancerous cells of stage 4 lymphoma spread through his body this summer, I sat with a paradox. Uncle Anthony, through his powerful example, demonstrated the need to trust in the teachings of the Bible. As a fellow member of ACTS Community Baptist Church, I saw him exemplify the greatest commandment – to love God and love people – with great zeal.

Despite that, a sense of indignation simmers within me. Given my political engagement, I’m acutely aware of the policy decisions over centuries within the United States that led to his death at the age of 64. Uncle Anthony deserved and would’ve benefited from an authentic public infrastructure. I refer back to the cadence of Ecclesiastes and recognize that everything is appointed a season; I believe the absence of an exploitative, privatized healthcare system – fueled by racial capitalism – would’ve given me at least another 25 years with Uncle Anthony. His early death renews my commitment to socialist organizing and mutual aid.

As I contemplate it all & exist in the complexity, I certainly appreciate the model he gave me. When I laugh, the deep bellows bring him to mind. In conversation with my niece, I employ the same avuncular gentleness that he showed me. As I continue to engage in local politics in the American South, I know his life and story will continue to push me forward. His lessons in caregiving already guide me as I begin to offer support to my parents and other beloved elders in their golden years.

I thank God for the 35 years I spent with Uncle Anthony and cherish the spiritual gifts he gave me. Rest in love and power, venerable ancestor; the work continues in your name.