RIP, Mr. Lou
A Coney Island mentor is remembered by pro baller Jamel Thomas.
Some of you saw the story that slamonline linked to yesterday about Robert “Mr. Lou,” Williams the Coney Island basketball coach/mentor who passed away while Stephon Marbury was in town after leaving the Knicks for 36 or so hours. Few CI products knew Mr. Lou better than Jamel Thomas, the former Providence star who had a brief NBA career and is now a star in Europe. Jamel also has a burgeoning writing career, and may be doing more with SLAM in the future. While no one wanted his debut to be an obituary of sorts, when he called me from Italy and asked if we would run a piece he’d written about Mr. Lou (whose funeral is today), I said of course. Read and learn.—Ben Osborne
By Jamel Thomas
I would like the opportunity to inform the world about a great man, who has touched my life and so many others in my community during his time here on earth. His name is Mr. Lou, and he is the one who is responsible for almost all the good and talented individuals that come from Coney Island. It’s because of real caring people like Mr. Lou that kids who grow up in harsh environments like the inner cities can have a chance to be somebody special in their lives. From the very first day I met him as a teenager, and all throughout my years of growing up into a man, Mr. Lou always found the time to make sure that I was doing good. I love this man like he was my father and I often thank God for blessing me with his presence in my life experiences. So there’s absolutely no way I could allow Mr. Lou to move on into his after-life, without letting people know who I strive to be like every morning I open my eyes and start my day.
The Gardener…
Since there were so many great basketball players that came out of Coney Island, I thought it was only right to represent my court— nicknamed ”The Garden” after the world’s famous arena Madison Square Garden—in the right way. First of all, there’s no way this basketball court would’ve became one of the most popular places in NYC if it wasn’t for a great man my family & friends call Mr. Lou. He was one of the wisest men out there teaching basketball and life skills to the kids throughout Coney Island for decades! In my opinion, although he didn’t plant the seeds there in The Garden…he definitely was the one who watched over us and made sure we grew into the most beautiful flowers we could be in life.
Mr. Lou has influenced a lot of talented guys and great basketball players like myself, D Flight, my cousins Corey/Louis & Willie Johnson, Spice, Silk plus a lot of my friends like Daryl Flicking, Maurice Brown, Big James, Shawn Pratt, Reuben, Merk, Clay, 2-Sweet, Wayne, Arva, Perry, Paul, Billy, 2-Cent, Ed, Hardin a.k.a Bob, Wiz, Tim a.k.a KJ, Squeak, Moses, P-Free, Don Juan, Maine, House, Snoop, Mikey, Juice (r.i.p), John Quintana Sr. & Jr., Fufuss, Buck, Disco, Smooth, Dream(r.i.p), Strawberry, Vanilla & Chocolate(r.i.p), Bassy, Fludd, Slice and Tiny, Lil Vee, Sharaya, Norm Rich, Idris, Lunch Box, Breeze, Doyin, Tac, Mellow, Justice a.k.a Coney Island’s new ref, Ethan, Killy, Bumper, Slop, Speedy, Shake(from 2940), Lil Guy(r.i.p), Donald(Ed), Nick, June-bug, Dale, Jock, Scar, Smitty, Jim-Ski, Flash, Supa-Sed, Stephon, Juju & Don Marbury, Ezzo, Haron, Cee Cee, CB, Brodie, Dray(r.i.p), Tyrik, Pop and even more good dudes who came through to play some ball right there on our basketball court in Mermaid Housing Projects.
I want people to know that Mr. Lou gave us all the protection, guidance and motivation we needed to expand our minds, so we could grow up into decent young men and women. This is a man who didn’t have to give any of us his time or positive energy and yet he continued to bless us with his wisdom as often as possible. So this is why I think it is only right that The Garden be officially dedicated to Mr. Lou…Coney Island’s very own faithful Gardener.
Now imagine what I’m actually saying to you about this great man, because I want you to be very clear on why I have so much love and respect for him. He didn’t get paid by anybody to work with us at The Garden, but he was there everyday after his real job as if he was going to be compensated for his valuable time. He even extended himself to the guys who were out there hustling and dealing drugs since some of them had skills on the court too. I bet he did that to try and talk them into changing their ways, so they wouldn’t ruin their lives or even lose them more importantly. I guess those types of guys were like weeds trying to grow in The Garden and like the hard-working Gardener he was…he was busy trying to pull them up.
Now are you getting a better understanding of what I am saying about Mr. Lou? He wasn’t playing no games out there being a father-figure to a lot of the kids growing up in Coney Island. He could already see their was a lack of good parenting and attention that kids like myself really needed while we was trying to live in a tough environment like my hood. I wonder sometimes how he may have felt to see a young girl or boy get beat-up, shot or killed around The Garden when he was trying so hard everyday to help them grow. Still I guess he was able to deal with that, because it didn’t discourage or make him give up on his preciousl little flowers. Can you imagine what kind of heart Mr. Lou has that allowed him to try and raise generations of children in Coney Island through basketball? Well that’s why I consider him to be one of the Good Guys, because they say those are the ones who always finish last…well not this time…he’s coming in first place every time in my book!
We definitely owe this man a lot of recognition, respect, honor and love in return for his positive energy that almost never seemed to burn out. I know a lot of parents who left their kids outside to play and didn’t even know their children were being watched by one of God’s angels, until it was time to go upstairs and get ready for bed. The last time I checked that was called baby-sitting and nobody ever asked him to do that. So you have to give it up to Mr. Lou for using the quality time he could’ve been spending with his own wife and kids, on us just because he figured we needed it. If I had to think about what his name means it would go something like this…Mr. LOU: Loving OTHERS Unconditionally. There’s no doubt in my mind that I want to be just like him as I become more of a mature man in my life. I can see a lot of my ways comes from this man, because deep down inside I really just love helping OTHER people and no I don’t look for anything in return…well just some recognition to be honest. It’s just a great feeling when you know the help you offer to people is appreciated, so to Mr. Lou…all this love is just for you!
· Thank you for all the time you gave
· Thank you for teaching us how to behave…
· Thank you for watching over us
· Thank you for offering your support and trust…
· Thank you for being the man you are
· Thank you for encouraging us to go real far…
· Thank you for giving your precious time
· Thank you for preventing violence and crime…
· Thank you for all those important lessons
· Thank you for dealing with the Smith & Wessons…
· Thank you for opening up your heart
· Thank you for being there right from the start…
· Thank you for great advice on the court
· Thank you for showing us you can’t be bought…
· Thank you for spreading so much love
· Thank you for being like the one above…
· Thank you for all your countless hours
· Thank you for watering all your beautiful flowers…
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you so much for Loving Others Unconditionally!
63 Responses to “RIP, Mr. Lou”
Nov.16 at 3:51 pm
Candice says:
Beautiful.
Nov.16 at 3:53 pm
white hot eboy says:
Wow. Very nice work, Jamel. RIP Mr. Lou.
Nov.16 at 4:01 pm
Ryan Jones says:
Horrible circumstances, but Jamel is a great addition to the SLAM fam.
Nov.16 at 4:09 pm
sjeeezy says:
wow, that was deep
Nov.16 at 4:13 pm
teresa says:
beautiful job 530.i know how much he meant to you and to coney island.
Nov.16 at 4:22 pm
John E. Sanford says:
That was a great read. RIP to Mr. Lou.
Nov.16 at 4:27 pm
Captain America says:
Thanks for sharing. No greater love than giving of oneself for others.
Nov.16 at 5:03 pm
Cheryl says:
wonderful eulogy for a wonderful mentor. nice work, Jamel.
Nov.16 at 5:06 pm
TADOne says:
Great work, Jamel. RIP Mr. Lou.
Nov.16 at 5:18 pm
The Best Yet says:
Captain America said it for me. Great work. RIP Mr.Lou.
Nov.16 at 6:26 pm
Lang Whitaker says:
Great stuff, Jamel, and I’m glad we’ve got you on board.
Nov.16 at 7:03 pm
Angie says:
Beautiful eulogy nice work jamel no one couldn’t of said it better.
Nov.16 at 7:19 pm
Kabeer says:
No doubt 5… I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Lou and everything you said is just how I remember him. I hope you and others follow in his footsteps and help out CI and kids from all over to be the best that they can be.
Nov.16 at 7:31 pm
Kisha Ipek Kiper says:
Im so sorry about your lost Jamael.. Nobody could have told it better.. You know God is always in control even though sometimes we dont agree with some of his decisions. May your mentor rest in peace… Greetings from Turkey
Nov.16 at 7:34 pm
RM # 0 says:
I read about mr.Lou in ‘the last shot’ RIP………
btw does anybody what Corey Johnson, Russell Thomas and Tchaka Shipp have been up too ?
Nov.16 at 8:16 pm
ANGIE says:
THAT WAS ABSOLUTLY BEAUTIFUL JAMEL.
Nov.16 at 9:04 pm
lil tee says:
Mr.lou was a cool dude. He always helped me and all my other friends with our game and we always listen to him. 530 that was a beautiful article and I don’t doubt that when you get older you will follow in his foot steps.You are a great man just like him and I love you both for that. R.I.P Mr.lou
Nov.16 at 10:48 pm
scar says:
Job well done 5. We all know how proud he was of all of us. He was especialy proud of you and your accomplishments. God Bless the Williams Family in their time of need.
Nov.17 at 12:06 am
T-burke says:
Love is Love, but this is one of many ways to show repect for the late great Mr. Lou.
R.I.P. Mr Lou
Nov.17 at 2:38 am
Deon thomas says:
well tchaka teaches and corey johnson does alittle modeling
GREAT BIG Brother just GREAT. As i said MR. Lou has had a ripple affect on coney island. He did not have to come in direct contact with u to affect you. The one he made contact with you brought the lessons learned and shared it with others. R.I.P. MR. Lou and thank you. For watching over my big brother Jamel who interned watches over me and everyone else. My your soul be at peace.
Nov.17 at 4:06 am
Ebony says:
Jamel, I am so glad that you took the time to show the world what Mr. Lou was all about. You are doing a good thing. If I can help you in any way please don’t hesitate to ask.
Nov.17 at 5:43 am
Drumroll says:
As of 2004, Corey has held down many jobs over the years, living all over, and recently had been working to publish his book of poetry, as he’d long dreamt of becoming a writer. Shipp lives in Vegas and works as an electrician and plumber. Sadly Russell’s story is a very sad one. Many of the emotional issues he had as a kid in the book only worsened once he left Brooklyn and his career began to vanish. He had many problems while going to school out in California, and eventually was living among the homeless collecting cans and trying to preach the good word. He had lost all contact with friends and family in C.I. and NYC for the most part, including a wife and son in California. On Jan 18th 1999, Russell was walking on some train tracks in San Clemente with his walkman on, and was struck and killed by a train. Darcy Frey in the closing sentences say that many believe and believe it to be intentional.
Nov.17 at 7:17 am
Tyson Wheeler says:
That was a beautiful and straight from the heart piece. R.I.P. MR. LOU. Great Job Jamel. We need more men like you in the world
Nov.17 at 7:19 am
nothin _personal says:
He could also be a huge boost to the office’s basketball team’s scoring. The dude is an amzing player, and I guess that’s also saying something about the man that help him get the chance to be what he is.
Nov.17 at 10:38 am
tye knight says:
yo 530 ur words is touching cause any1 who knows mr lou knows that ur speakin nothin but the truth
Nov.17 at 12:45 pm
B-Fine (Full Force) says:
This story truly made me reflect and appreciate people who appreciate other people. I mean, I’ve learned in life that you can love almost anyone…but to love and RESPECT them is a whole different ballgame. I truly respect you Jamel (aka my man “Five-Toity”) for being a brother that gives a damn - and loves and appreciates those who give of themselves. Some people have short memories…fortunately for people like Mr. Lou, you don’t! I’m proud to know you, Jamel. Much love to you and wifey (Neeky-Neek!)That’s real. RIP Mr. Lou, God got’you… you good 4ever now.
Nov.17 at 3:30 pm
Louis Frye says:
I’m sure Mr. Lou would appreciate the heartfelt words you shared. As well as the work you’ve done and will continue to do within your hood’. And how in so many ways are picking up where he left off.You are exctly what Mr. Lou envisioned for all kids growing up within the inner cities of America. My condolences to his friends and family.
Nov.17 at 4:41 pm
Basketball Is Life says:
Brooklyn Basketball is all about encouraging thr youth, eliminating the troublemakers. Brooklyn Basketball+Pride+Hardwork=Family
Nov.17 at 8:29 pm
breeze says:
Yo! dirty it’s ya boy, the big homie. I just wanna say that, that was a masterful job U did.U didn’t just shine,U illuminated the whole show!!! LUV 4 LUV BIG HOMIE!
Nov.17 at 8:55 pm
Pee2940 says:
I couldn’t have said it better myself. 1 LUV 5:30!!!!
Nov.18 at 9:12 am
Fairy Malone says:
Jamel, I love you for who you are and the man you’ve become. Right now, I am in tears because I am SO proud of you and your mom would be too. May God continue to bless you and yours. Keep up the good work. I am honored to be your cousin.
Nov.18 at 3:03 pm
Randy B. says:
Jamel, this is such a great picture of Mr. Lou you just painted. With great detail, great visual and everything. It’s so hard to let great leaders like Mr. Lou go and for that reason we will never let him go in our hearts. Mr. Lou was truly a great man that we all were very blessed to know. As for you Jamel, Mr. Lou was proud of you and I’m sure he already knows what great things you plan to do in the near future. With people like you, D Flight and a few othters, Coney Island still has great people “Like Mr. Lou” to look up to. Thank You Mr. Lou for your time and your love.
Nov.18 at 4:41 pm
Tanya says:
Damn, jamel, that was deep as usual, I don’t think anyone else could have expressed it any more clearer, you hit the nail on the head! Thank you 5, for never,ever forgetting the people who influenced you, and it’s not only the ball palyers the C.I. community period!
Nov.18 at 7:36 pm
Mo Brown says:
5 thank you for that piece, those who read this article that did not know Mr. Lou have a great sense of who he was. I personally thank you for allowing the world to understand what a great man he was and still is because his legacy lives on through us. R.I.P Mr. Lou
Nov.19 at 12:11 am
JEFFREY SLICE MORTON says:
THIS STORY WAS SO TRUE, I WAS ONE OF THE KIDS LOU HELP FROM WHEN I WAS A GOOD UNTO I TURN BAD NAD BACK GOOD , LOU ALWAYS TALK TO ME ABOUT MYSELF OR BRODAY. HE WAS A FATHER FIGURE TO EVERYONE,WORDS CANT EXPLAIN THAT MAN IM FORSURE GOING TO DEDICATE BRODAY TO HIM, LOUDAY HE WILL NEVER BR FORGOTTEN NEVER. FIVE DIRT YOUR UNBELIEVABLE, FOR THIS ONE! RIP MR LOU
Nov.19 at 9:42 am
Big Z says:
Good stuff 530 make sure you follow in his foot steps. Stay Bless
Nov.19 at 4:39 pm
Big Slop (Pink Building) says:
Splendid job 5:30. Your words were not only true, but they will forever be remembered in the mindes of those who like myself and others from Coney Island will always be remembered. Respects to Booby and Family. I too could say that Mr. Lou has had a lasting effect in my life with respect to basketball and reaching out to the youth. KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DO AND MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU. One Love.
Nov.19 at 4:45 pm
Big Slop (Pink Building) says:
Splendid job 5:30. Your words were not only true, but they will forever be remembered in the minds of those like myself and others from Coney Island. He will always be remembered. Respects to Booby and Family. I too could say that Mr. Lou has had a lasting effect in my life with respect to basketball and reaching out to the youth. KEEP DOING WHAT YOU DO AND MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP YOU. One Love.
Nov.19 at 9:43 pm
p-free says:
I wanna thank u for saying what i was thinking. He helped so many of us through the years and its great that u will not let him be forgotten because niether am i. I just hope we can be more apprieated when we are alive. I wanna especially thank his family for letting us share him, that took alot. I LOVE YOU MR LOU!!!! RIP. Five we got keep his dream alive thats what it is about.
Nov.20 at 10:20 am
Phil "PJ" Dudley says:
5, that was definitely heart-felt. When you emailed me about Mr. Lou’s passing, that was exactly what I said…”we just lost a great man”. Mr. Lou use to sometimes meet me on the court to workout at 8am on Saturdays & Sundays in the hot summer. He definitely could’ve been doing something else or just sleeping. He’s definitely part of why I often go out of my way to help others. Mr. Lou is definitely one of God’s angels and will be dearly missed here on earth…
Nov.20 at 11:50 am
each1teach1 says:
I understand Jamel and Bassy’s grandmother passed away yesterday, on top of this. When it rains it poors,as they say. Stay strong, stay safe, stay healthy. 1luv …
Nov.20 at 2:16 pm
Big Ace says:
Big 5 I want to thank u for the piece udi on a great MAN as in MR.LOU. ME and my son DONTE’ were one of the many lives that he touched a great deal. We’re proud and blessed just to say we knew the GARDNER. We’re also proud that we know you.Keep your head to the sky and keep doing what you’re doing. I vote for a MR.LOU week!!!!! I LOVE U BIG FIVE.
Nov.21 at 5:57 pm
Andrew says:
Proud of have Jamel Thomas playing for the team of My City… R.I.P. Mr Lou
Nov.23 at 9:44 pm
Tanya says:
Thank you for letting the stars SHINE through YOU BE BLESSED
Nov.25 at 3:03 am
jojo says:
jamel>>>you have brought a great mans deeds to the frontline!!! this small basketball community has lost a special human being, Mr Lou has been like a indian chief of the village of coney island and will be missed. most people gripe about what others have not done and what others should being doing but Mr lou did neighter!!! he got invovled and touched so many young lifes. his family should be proud of his legacy-i know i am!!! a father - a role model -a chief!!!Mr lou lives on and the hearts of so many.
Nov.25 at 8:07 pm
B.O.B says:
yo five words can’t express the love that we all had for mr. lou but you seem to have done a wonderful job saying what we all wanted to and mean to say about mr.lou. job well done , 33rd street should be change to mr.lou street. ONE LOVE BOB
Dec.8 at 11:46 pm
brooklyn says:
this was hard news to take, but 5 you did a wonderful job. we have lost some great people this year (5 and bassy’s grandma, now steph’s dad) I say we, as a community. I spent everyday with flick out here in cali. before he went home, “doing what we do”. Love is Love
Dec.11 at 10:38 pm
Tom says:
MR Lou you will be missed and thank you for everything MPB will never be the same with out you
Dec.18 at 1:41 am
Speez says:
RIP MR. LOU
Dec.18 at 8:55 pm
Canary says:
That was so beautifully written, with so much feeling and love…i know Mr.Lou is smiling down at you, so proud of the man you’ve become. A responsible respectable, loving, caring human being. Qualities that were passed on from he to you. Now do your best to continue on with the legacy. Be the superman to children that he was for all of you. God Bless Mr.Lou!
Dec.25 at 12:59 am
Joylisa says:
I didnt know Mr. Lou, But from what you have written about him i can tell he was a very honorable man who you had a lot of respect for. Lovely Mr.5
Feb.24 at 2:41 pm
Butter says:
to Mr Lou R.I.P. to Jamel much love my brotha
Feb.25 at 3:40 pm
d-nice says:
Jamal has great talent not only in ball but in writing too
Feb.25 at 3:42 pm
dario says:
My dude jamel is a G and shoutout to my dude bassy…. cakin it in da NBA.. RIP mr. Lou i now him like penut butter knew jelly lol lmao
Feb.27 at 11:10 am
muhammed says:
Thats my grandad i havent seen him in over 2 years give my love i lve in medicine square garden.
Mar.18 at 2:34 am
JaY.KeY BabY says:
jamel u got game, hope ur bro bassy becomes a pure point guard in da nba, idolize him to da max afta da through the fire movie… uz both got game n u guys r gna go along way
Mar.25 at 6:29 pm
lil boob says:
this is my real grand dad i miss him so much love u pops chris
Mar.25 at 6:35 pm
lil boob says:
AND JAMEL THANKS FOR TAKING MY GRANS TO ITALY…
Apr.6 at 6:34 am
thebeautifulstruggle.net » Blog Archive » TheBeautifulStruggle says:
[…] http://slamonline.com/online/2007/11/rip-mr-lou/ […]
Apr.10 at 10:48 am
Demi says:
RIP MR Lou thank you for everything you ever did for me and every other kid in CI. I miss you very much. The Stephon Marbury Tournament isnt going to be the same without you, I just know you are going to watch over us. I love you. Thank you for believing in me since I was a little girl and never giving up on me. You always pushed me and told me to never give up. I will always keep in you in my heart and every shot I make is dedicated to you. Much love always
Demi
Apr.28 at 11:14 pm
Atrain says:
I first found out about Mr. Lou via the book The Last Shot when I first read it about 10 years ago. The world seemed a better place with him. RIP. Jamel hope to hear more from you soon.
Jun.6 at 3:52 pm
eagle baller-33 says:
that was great. RIP Mr. Lou
Jun.9 at 3:44 pm
Big Grim says:
R.I.P. Mr. Lou. I know D-Flight use to get it in back in the days through out brooklyn and the PSAL.