(December 29, 2020) Today, we at SoulTracks mourn the passing of one of the great soul music media personalities, Kimberly Washington of WPFW-FM, in Washington, DC. We knew Kimberly best as the co-host of the popular Soul Conversations radio show with longtime SoulTracks friend, Jay Stewart, aka DJ YZO.
To celebrate Kimberly’s life, we have received this reflection from Katea Stitt, Program Director for WPFW:
On this first day of Kwanzaa, Umoja, unity, it is with a very heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Kimberly Washington.
Our beloved sister, friend, and colleague, founder and co-host/producer of Tuesday evening’s Soul Conversations Radio Show with Jay Stewart (DJ YZO), made her transition all too soon on Christmas Eve.
(December 29, 2020) Today, we at SoulTracks mourn the passing of one of the great soul music media personalities, Kimberly Washington of WPFW-FM, in Washington, DC. We knew Kimberly best as the co-host of the popular Soul Conversations radio show with longtime SoulTracks friend, Jay Stewart, aka DJ YZO.
To celebrate Kimberly’s life, we have received this reflection from Katea Stitt, Program Director for WPFW:
On this first day of Kwanzaa, Umoja, unity, it is with a very heavy heart that we share the news of the passing of Kimberly Washington.
Our beloved sister, friend, and colleague, founder and co-host/producer of Tuesday evening’s Soul Conversations Radio Show with Jay Stewart (DJ YZO), made her transition all too soon on Christmas Eve.
Kim had been quietly suffering from a rare form of cancer for several months, causing her rapid demise. If you knew Kim, you knew that she was a private person, and the manner in which she wanted to face this challenge was no exception.
Kimberly Washington was one of the kindest, smartest, and fiercest spirits we’ve ever known. She beamed, and her love for WPFW and her family was boundless. Kim was a wife, mother, friend and producer, executing each role in such a beautiful and genuinely loving way.
It’s fitting that this message comes on the day of Umoja! Through her love and knowledge of music and poetry, she brought together so many folks and communities. Kim constantly introduced us to new and wonderful artists on the journey that remains Soul Conversations!
In honor of Kim, aka DJ Kimmy Wah:-), Jay will present her last Soul Conversations program, this Tuesday, December 29, 8-10pm.
On a personal note, I will miss Kim’s positivity, warm smile, and laughter. We first met when she was a producer for WHUR 96.3’s Joe Gorham booking poets for his show and I was managing Sekou Sundiata. It’s been a blessing to call her friend ever since.
Most importantly, our hearts go out to you, Jay, Derrick Weston Brown, Sherri DéPollar, and the entire Soul Conversations crew, as well as her wife and son, and all the listeners and fans across the globe who will miss her musical acumen, her lush voice, and her easy presentation.
Kimberly, we wish you a smooth journey to the other side. May your spirit be peaceful, and may you feel the love of us all as we release you! Ashé!
Condolences from all of us at SoulTracks to Kimberly's family, co-workers and friends. She was a true soul music warrior.