He had an uncanny knack for communicating with those who mainstream society had given up on – troubled youth, addicts, mentally challenged and homeless are among those groups he targeted. It comes as no surprise that the world was the stage for this unconventional artist/advocate to practice his craft. It was not unusual for him to strike up conversations, lectures, recite poetry or use music on some of the cities roughest bus routes to get his “Make good choices!” message across to the type of young people most adults do their best to keep away from. Although Amad was always a pleasant, caring individual, clean, well-groomed and a sharp dresser – life had been a bumpy road for him. He was born Charles Keith Thompson in Cleveland, Ohio on September 16, 1957 to the late Robert W.Thompson, Sr. and Octavia - the youngest of three children. He grew up in a loving Christian home and a home that
was saturated by the arts. Family meant everything to Amad; he was devoted to his mother and had a very strong relationship with his older sister Sherree Marie. Even still Amad admittedly became a victim to the lure of the streets. This resulted in incarceration and other issues that seemed to plague him all his life. While this may have made some people bitter or turn inward, Amad used these experiences to help young people. His mission was to get young people to start exploring their options and change negative behavior so they could lead successful lives. Amad was still reciting poetry, making music and volunteering with youth when he was stricken with ALS better known as Lou Gehrig’s disease in October 2015. He succumbed to his illness on August 16, 2016. Amad leaves to cherish his loving memory his mother Octavia; children Tierra and Noah Keith; siblings Terrence (Sarah), Robert Jr. and Sherree (Ronald); Aunts Helen McDowell Allen, Linda Lamb; uncles Lloyd Lamb and Richard Claytor , and a host of cousins, great nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He will also remain cherished by a special love A. Michelle Smith and a true best friend Wayne “Seti” (Dana) Richardson. So when you look into a star-filled sky think of Amad - Charles Keith Thompson, he was one of UMADAOP of Ohio’s brightest stars. If you look very carefully you can almost see him standing among a group of young people, reciting poetry… and on a very quiet night you can almost hear his trademark close – “I am Somebody.”… and he truly was.
“I am Somebody.” … and he truly was.
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