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I've had the pleasure of meeting Joe a few times at rallies and conferences in Detroit, Ann Arbor, D.C and all over the place but I hadn't known his story of fighting through his own personal challenges to fight for a better world. Joe was an activist, an organizer and a hero who deserved better than this. Peace out, Joe

I recently discovered that one of our fellow BAMN organizers from Detroit Michigan, Joe Wagner, died this past summer from stab wounds to the back.

I feel it necessary to make this memorial to Joe because he played a role in building BAMN at HU. Some of you may know that the summer following freshman year, I spent about a month in Detroit doing BAMN work, and during my time there, I grew quite close to Joe, he was almost like a brother to me. I am deeply saddened by this loss not only because I knew Joe as a BAMN organizer and as a friend, but Joe had dedicated his life to BAMN. Joe felt like his purpose in life was to defend the rights for the underprivileged and the minority. Joe recognized injustice and attacked it the moment he saw it. Friendly, likeable, self-sacrificing, and an all around good guy, Joe left a positive impact on anyone he met, despite a whole slew of personal, family, and emotional problems. And on top of all that, Joe sure could hoop for a white boy.

May God bless Joe's family, and all those who keep his memory alive. I didn't know him, but he sounds like a person of great character and integrity.

I've never met Joe and I can see that this was a fantastic young man. Good God, it saddens me very deeply to see that someone so young, and with a ton of power to lend is no longer with us over something bluntly stupid, and senseless. From all that I've read, and come to understand, I'm believing that he is meant to inspire...and so this is what I'll be, inspired to join this fight and become a part of the continuing strength of the fight for equality. May God receive your beautiful soul. Thanks Joe.

I stumbled upon this site and read this news. I am saddened despite never meeting this human, nor even knowing the work he did. Despite lacking a personal relationship, I am saddened for any loss of a comrade who has commited themself to justice is a very personal loss. This is a loss that every individual in every movement and every struggle can share because we all share the goals of true justice and freedom. It is clear that Joe Wagner also shared this goal. Viva Joe and peace to all those who deeply morn his loss. My heart goes out to you all.

When I heard the news about Joe I was devastated, but immediately smiled in thought of his passion for life. I only knew Joe for a short time, but Joe has proved to be a daily inspiration, to continue his fight and his passion for life and the lives of others. Joe, I love u and I miss you and I'm sorry I forgot to call u back!

I have been asked three times about you today Joe! Everywhere I go I see you and I think about you all of the time. I keep waiting for the pain to fade, but it just isn't and it makes me think that it never will. So I have been really thinking about all of this.

Why is it that I can't spend a day without thinking about you and missing you. Why do I find myself just looking at the picture of you at the law office or at Kris' house?

I keep having flashes of memories like the time you and Tristan came to my house before a trip up to Flint to pick up paperwork and how you basically raided my fridge and ate pasta right out of the container with your fingers. And how excited you got at the Board meetings and how fearless you were in dealing with those assholes on the Board. And the statement you made at the MLK Day rally when you told those racists MCRI white guys that they had no idea who they were dealing with and that they had started something and that they had no idea how far we would go to stop them!

I also think about starting our small study groups (which we haven't had since you left) again and I don't know how I can without you there. I don't know if I can without you there.

But mostly, I just feel really sad and mad that you aren't with us anymore. All that you fought for and all that we do; it just isn't right that you aren't here with us anymore. I miss you so much and I can think of no greater injustice right now than not having you in this great world.

I love Joe. I miss you so.

I guess i will miss Joe mostly because he was always there for me if I ever needed to talk to him. Whenever we had a march or rally he would always ask me, "Are you gonna speak? And if i said no he would always say, "You have to speak, I'm not taking no for an answer". So i would go home and think what am I gonna say.

He was always there if you needed help writing or saying something. He was always honest and if he didn't like something he wasn't afraid to say it. Joe always gave me the support I needed to speak in front of a big crowd. It's Joe's care that brought me where I am today. I will truly miss Joe and hope he's happy and wish him the best. Here's a poem i wrote for him.

Goodbye

god took you away it doesnt seem fair
but in the back of my mind you always be there
you weren't a close friend but our paths did cross
and that is why your absence in this world is to me a great loss
you were too young to die to to feel that pain
but only heave benefits because you it has gained
i may think of you a little less with each passing day
but your strength is something i wont forget
you changed me in a way
i wish for you eternal peace thats what you deserve my friend
i hope i lead my life well enough to meet up with you in the end
i'll miss joe and i know you
alot of others will too

It has been a month, and yet there are times when I have to remind myself that Joe has passed away. When I think of a BAMN meeting or event that is soon to come, I immediately see Joe in my mind's eye, participating in the meeting or leading a march or doing class presentations or canvassing or participating in a study or petitioning.

The fact is that no matter what was needed of him, Joe gave selflessly of himself in order to do what needed to be done. The fact that I am constantly shocked by recognizing that Joe is gone is the very reason why I am shocked. Joe will never be gone. As long as I fight for what he fought for he will never be gone. Joe mobilized people of all ages and races and creeds to fight for what should not have to be fought for but nonetheless needed to be fought for.

I will never forget Joe because to me, Joe never left. It will be difficult to continue without him. But continue I will. To do anything other than try my best to follow his example in order to continue the fight he lived for would be a disrespect to Joe's memory and to his legacy.

Hi Baby Joe-Joe,

Last week we went to the BAMN house and got your stuff from your room. It felt good to bring your things home...kind of like we were bringing you home like we always wanted to do. We hear that you used to spend many hours reading allowed to yourself in that room, you were learning so much!

I am so proud of you for all that you were learning and all of the hours that you spent fighting for all that was right. Two days ago Adam, Noah, Dad and I went o Lansing and saw the 5 bus loads of kids from Cody High School and the Hearing in front of the Board of Canvassers. You would have had so much fun and been so proud of all of your friends and of what Shanta said. I wish that I had realized all of who you were when we were together...there are always so many ways that I would have loved you more if I had known that we wouldn't ever be able to see each other for a long time. You know the old saying, "You take your anger out on the one's who are closest to you, because you know that they will always be there."

That saying is totally wrong and you have shown me that. I know that because I can't "live" with you anymore, I will live "about" you with my whole life and take all of these lessons with me through my whole life.

Everything is different without you, baby! I used to always try to tell you how much I loved you...and that probably was a little tiring...and then when I would try to hug you...one of your big shoulders would somehow catch me in the neck and make it difficult to get a good hug. But, this is the life that we live...and I will live it different without you. I love you so much and am crying alot more now a days.

I love you so much Baby Joe-Joe,

For Joe
A Fallen Comrade

I. In this grand, cold, unjust, chaotic world...

We are the slow trickle of water
Through the shallow ravine growing
Steadily deeper in the forest floor.
With each drop added,
We come closer to being
The mighty river flowing
With such force, you forget
Anything else was ever there.

II. Interrogation on your transformation and senseless demise...

What would you have lost if you stayed?
     Myself.
What did you lose by leaving?
     The ability to ignore.
Where had you been?
     Not living.
How did you decide?
     Was there a choice?
Why did you decide then?
     There was no reason to wait.
Why did you live so impatiently?
     Is there another way to live?
In which direction was your road?
     Direction was never relevant.
Then where were you going?
    To make a difference.
How did you decide?
     I heard the voices rising.
How will I find you?
     Follow the paths we carve into the streets.
Where will you be now?
     No longer where I planned.
Where will you be?
     Dancing in the rhythms of your chants.
Will you remember?
     I can't. Will you?

III. Sorry I never called you comrade...

I never stood beside in battle
But I would have been safe,
I would have been lucky.
The faceless enemies before us
Wouldn't know to be afraid
I imagine a bandana covering
Your face, your hat pulled low.
Your eyes would have been alive
With anticipation, our power,
The magnitude of where we'd stand.
You would have seemed to match my step
But arrive first at the blinding, spinning canister.
Unable to breathe, you'd hurl it forward.
Making them scatter, making them weak.

IV. You made yourself essential...

You walked the path of the
Righteous generations before
But were unique in your courage
To be there by choice,
Not a benefactor of circumstance.
The choice to be indifferent
Is always a conscious one.
You never allowed yourself a
Luxury of such consequence.
You stood with us in understanding
But with the enviable ability to turn
Knowledge into deep drive and conviction.

And on that slowly approaching day of
The last inevitable battle, I will
Fight in honor of your determination.
I will remember you should be there
As one massive and united fist
Delivers the final decisive blow of victory.

I met Joe multiple times and like how he was very nice person and very integrated. It makes me sad that he died in such a horrible way. Worst of all it makes me mad that the person who stabbed Joe did it without confronting Joe and rather stabbed him in the back like a coward than facing Joe himself. The Joe I knew was someone who was carefree and had very little bad to say to anyone. I hope he rests in peace.

I had the chance to work with Joe as a BAMN member. He was a very nice person and he was really down to earth. I send a lot of love and caring feelings to his family and friends. All of us at Crockett High School who attended BAMN will really miss him.

As a mother, my heart goes out to his family. Although, I never had the opportunity to meet your son, from what I read about him and his fight for equality in the educational system he was a remarkable human being. His legacy must endure throughout time.

I spent much time with Joe during his last hours. I enjoyed that time with him because I had the opportunity to watch him try to dance. :) Despite his rhythmless moves during the dance at the carnival, I could tell by the smile on his face that he was having a good time. You could always tell that he was happy by that huge smile that went from eye to eye. I will truly miss his free spirit.

I will forever admire Joe Wagner because he was such an honest guy and he was genuinely excited by the prospects for change and justice in this nation. He was one of those rare humble people who was completely committed to finding and developing his particular strengths as a leader. But beyond this Joe was just a great guy to know, to talk about sports or popular music with, to have over for parties and holidays. I liked that I could always get a laugh out of him and how every time I left a conversation with him I got to thinking about my own capacity to strive for more than anyone has ever said possible.

I'm glad that Joe found politics and that politics found Joe. He has had an impact and influence far beyond himself. He will be greatly missed.

I have never met Joe, but I feel like I know him. I learned about Joe through my brother, who also works with BAMN, and after reading the articles, I am filled with great sadness. Joe was not only a decent young man, he was a great human being. My most heartfelt thoughts to his family and friends.

Joe Wagner exemplified the hope, anger, and thirst for justice that characterizes the best of youth leadership. We are all richer for having had the honor of knowing and working with Joe Wagner, and the movement is stronger thanks to his selfless contributions.

The first time I met Joe, he was a freshman at EMU and had just become involved with BAMN. He was politically curious, honest, and undauntable. He and Tristan were discussing a political article. Joe was asking a million questions, and demanding that his questions get answered. At the end of their discussion, Joe said to Tristan with his eyes shining with excitement, "Yeah, I want to read more…!" His commitment to learning and understanding the truth so that he could apply that understanding to the world was truly inspiring.

Joe came to LA last October to help build a civil rights march to stop raids and deportations of undocumented immigrants. The march had thousands of people, mostly Latino and Spanish speaking families from the LA area. Joe's energy and excitement radiated from him. With a huge grin on his face, he worked each end of the march to get flyers to every person possible. He was able to communicate, one way or another, with every person that he tried and give them an opportunity to learn more about the movement that we're building.

Joe had the ability to make everyone feel comfortable around him, because Joe had utter respect for people, especially young people in the movement. He had a commitment to the prospect of social change and improvement, and he won the respect and admiration of those around him by challenging all of us to become who we could be-better leaders, fighters, human beings relating to each other with a common struggle for progress. He was the kind of leader who didn't hesitate to provide new young leaders with all the opportunities and lessons that he could share.

For Joe, integration was something that he fought for because he recognized that his own life and fate were tied to the fates of people of all races. Liberation for all of us was the key to his own. He was prepared to not only recognize that, but to act on that understanding and fight to make integration and equality a reality. As a white anti-racist organizer and leader, he always openly expressed his own understanding that his own future was vested in the future and well being of all people, black, Latino, Arab, Asian, Native American, and white. He gave all of us and countless others more confidence in our own ability to build an integrated movement against racism and all forms of oppression.

Thank you, Joe, for giving all of us the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by your boundless determination to build this movement. You were taken too soon from us. But you were not taken from us before you could give us the chance to learn from your example.

We will keep you and the wonderful things that you taught us in our hearts, our minds, and our souls, and honor you by continuing to build the movement work that you had committed your life so that we can make this world one where we can all stand together, truly equal.

letters@bamn.com
313-438-3748

Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, Integration & Immigrant Rights
And Fight for Equality By Any Means Necessary (BAMN)