One of my earliest memories of Baraka is from our English class in high school: I was at the front of the class presenting, terrified, and I looked along the row of faces, and there was Baraka- leaning forward, smiling and nodding me encouragement- and suddenly I wasn’t so nervous. To have known Baraka is to have known the amazing presence she had. She was insanely intelligent, yet extremely humble, and she had the unique skill of making the people around her feel instantly at ease. Her smile is unforgettable, her energy was infectious, and I am certain she inspired every person who came in her path. I am so glad to have met you and you will be missed dearly, BK xxx