Birth date: Jul 26, 1948 Death date: Apr 7, 2026
Brooks Funeral Home announces with deep sympathy the passing of Mr. Yuse F. Mgeni, who was called from labor to reward on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Gathering will be held on Thursday, April 30, 2026 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at St. Read Obituary
My favorite Boss I remember when Yusuf had got a 125 honda motorcycle he looked like a giant on that little motorcycle
I grew up in the same neighborhood, as Yusef. What a gentle giant, with scholarly attributes we all admired. I wish to impress upon the Family my utmost respect and condolences. He will be missed
‘ course We don’t know
the road We take
to be the one We s’pose to travel.
We all work our way to Heaven, different. We born to take different paths. We march, in rhythm, most differently. We live, we love, we grow, some most tall. We be Us.
‘ says some more wiser and more knowing than We. He chose to take the high road, most days. Mostly, cuz, ‘cuz he could see farther from his vantage point. ‘Cuz he could reach farther towards the Master plan. ‘Cuz he could be seen.
‘ cain’t hear tribute? Of course, ‘ can. Sure as the blind see rainbows and the mute spout tributes and the deaf hear the coursing of mad river flow. He hear. He happy We remember him so. He laugh. He say yeah and tap his toe and nod to the rhythm. He say, Say it! You got that right.
Play on, Playuh. Play on.
‘ pass on, but he never leave us.
He up there arranging stars
to guide us to our next beyond.
Always the Conductor:
Brother Yusef Mgeni,
Forward
In Power.
© 2026 Brenda Bell Brown,Our Beloved
To Aisha, to Nia, and to your family
We may not have known him personally,
but we feel the love he left behind.
A life like his speaks through legacy
through strength, through you.
We pray peace over your hearts,
strength in every moment,
and comfort when memories rise.
Legacy lives on.
Love never leaves.
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” — Psalm 34:18
With love and respect,
Troy & Tanisha Williams 🕊️
A favorite memory I have of Yusef is one that has occurred every time I've talked to him, but it occurred again during his most recent visit to the hospital. I called to check on him and as we discussed different topics, it was like I was listening to an audio history book. Yusef proudly shared stories about his parents and grandparents, including their roles, challenges, achievements and contributions to St. Paul and Minnesota. He also recounted historic facts about the city and state as if it occurred last week. It was so interesting, that I literally wrote down some notes.
Yusef always had an uncanny and brilliant way of naturally pouring out knowledge, perceptions and impact about/on people, places, and things. His memory, wisdom and insights were incredible! Yusef has now made history through his exceptional contributions and undeniable impact on all of our lives and the universe. We appreciate the remarkable and resilient human being that he was and all that he has done! Yusef will truly be missed but never forgotten!!!
My heart, thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Yusef was a wonderful friend and mentor to me from our very first meeting in the early 90s. I was new to the Twin Cities--a transplant from Chicago. As a young, Black woman in a very white philanthropic community, Yusef was always affirming, willing to lend a listening ear, and generous with his words of wisdom (and strong opinions)! He introduced me to so many people whose relationships I now truly treasure as friends.
Rest in peace, dear Yusef, and thank you for being part of my Minnesota journey.
Love,
Karen Kelley-Ariwoola
I don't have words to adequately express the gratitude, admiration, respect, and love we will always have for him and his legacy. Yusef was a beacon of knowledge and wisdom and thoughtful, truly transformational ideas and ways of improving the lives of people, families, and their communities. He was a renowned and extraordinary servant leader in local and global struggles for racial equity and social and economic justice. His courage, righteousness, kindness, generosity, storytelling, and fabulous sense of humor were always offered to those seeking his guidance and support. I was deeply blessed that Yusef and I were the closest of friends and brothers for over 50 years. Even so, I prayed for much more time for us to be together and hear him say have a blessed day.
