Don’s biological family
December 31, 2009 | Posted by admin The public should know that despite previous media reports, Don’s biological family is alive and has been reached thanks to the work of his local friends. The family loved Don very much and they are hoping to have their voices heard and stories told.
Categories: Don Belton | 
Tags: | 
29 Comments »
Leigh Wise-Harold (cousin of Don Belton) Wise Family in Philadelphia, PA
Don Belton, son of Doris Wise and Charles Belton, was a beautiful person! He was a very talented, intelligent, and loving person that encouraged his family to love each other, to seek education and to learn their culture. He would never hurt anyone! The lies that are being told by that monster that murdered him are just that! LIES! What was done in the dark will come to the light! We pray that Michael J. Griffin will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law! His life meant nothing to him but it meant so much to so many! His mother was 1 of 11 siblings, so he leaves behind a very large family to mourn him! And we will see that justice is served!
Rest in Peace Don! We loved you then, we love you now and we will love you forever!
Thank you for stepping up as a family member. Being gay my whole life I am still unable to comprehend the atrocities hurled at those that want to destroy us. I hope the killer is tried by a jury understanding that Don was another human being, just like them, or their loved ones.
My condolences,
Tommi
Don loved mothers. He sought us out to comfort him. He obviously loved his own mother very much. He recently told me that when his mom was the cutest (”well, she was always cute, but when she was the extra cutest”) was when she would wear his fathers shirts when she worked around the house.
My heart goes out to the family of Don.
I am a member of the extended family of Don Belton. My Mother was the Eldest of the Wise Sisters. Don’s Mother was my God-Mother. The Don Belton I knew was a gentle soul who showed early signs of a very stong intellect. He was not an indivual who was prone to violence of any kind. The nonsense being spewed by his alleged assailant is vicious, slander which I know in my heart will be shown for what it truly is, complete fabrication. I thank the Bloomington family for sounding out a rallying call and demanding justice for my dear cousin. Though he has been snatched from us much too soon, his spririt lives on by his work and the lives he touched with a message of peace, love and harmony. ~Virgil Woodward.
I knew Don Belton. In fact, he was one of the last people I spoke to as I left for the semester. DON BELTON WOULD NOT HURT ANYONE! He was a very gentle man and was very excited about being in Bloomington (unlike me who is very uncomfortable in Bloomington). I am deeply saddened by his passing and am appalled at what I have seen and heard on the web.
I am Renee Wise, as well as Virgil Woodward, I am a first cousin of Don Belton. My mother was Evelyn Wise-Hopkins, sister of Doris Wise-Belton. The first memory that comes to my mind is the Thanksgiving after my mother’s death in 1996, when Don came to my mother’s home, where my daughter Leigh and I had prepared dinner. When he came in with his huge smile, he hugged and kissed everyone and the first thing that he wanted to do was gather all of the young children together in a circle on the living room floor and teach them not only of their family history, but about their African-American history. He taught them about the importance of education and loving each other unconditionally. Don was a gentle and wonderful person that was taken from our family much much too soon. We will hold on to everything that he shared with us for the rest of our lives. Rest in Peace Don, we love you.
From cousin’s Shawn & Tyler Wilson
Kind hearted, soft spoken, loving, very intelligent, gifted writer, intoxicating smile, hearty laugh, always in search for unconditional love. These are the things that come to mind when we reflect on the life of our cousin Don Belton. He sang songs at family gatherings, he read poems to our family’s youth, and always gave praises to his mother and aunts with great admiration, ” The Wise Girls” from which our family connection was created. Don loved the simple things in life, his family, his friends, a classic movie, and great books. Education was his passion, he was always willing to help someone achieve and expand. He told it like it is whether we liked it or not, never out of malice always to encourage greater growth and enlightenment to the family that he loved so much. Don was loved by many his death is a great lost to our family.
Dear Cuz you will always be remembered in my heart. The laughs we shared around my diiner table. May you rest in peace. A wonderful spirit.
The color of his skin and his sexuality were not the defining characteristics of Don C. Belton. As one of his many 1st cousins, who actually lived with him for a short period of time, I can personally say Don was a gentle boy who grew into a gentle man who could sit up all night laughing and reminiscing about our childhood and family while drinking fresh brewed coffee and eating raw peanuts. His winning smile was a reflection of his love for life, people and his pursuit to educate the world. I feel blessed to be one of many who would never allow the lies that have been told by Mr. Griffin to tarnish or destroy the outstanding legacy that my cousin leaves behind. I will always cherish the loving memories.
Mrs. Gladys Murchison sister of Don’s mother Doris eldest living aunt to Don, 89 years young, Stephanie K. Hicks and Maceo T. Murchsion, first cousins to Don.
As previously stated by other family members we would like his friends and colleagues to know what a kind and considered human being Don was. His passion for education was neverending and at no time in his life would the Don we knew and loved perpetrate the violence that his alleged assailant has claimed.
We hope that all that knew him in Indiana believe the same.
He will forever be in our hearts, minds and spirits
Rest in peace Don
Don was the youngest son of my sister Doris and Charles Belton. I loved Don for his generous heart and his love for his family. He was always after me to tell him stories of the family so that he could write about them. I regret now that I didn’t tell him a lot of stories that I could have. He not only loved his family, but he loved people and always respected them. I will miss my very loving nephew, but I know that he is in God’s hands. The one who sits high and looks low.
Very missed by his loving Aunt Barbara
There is a reporter from the Philadelphia Inquirer who is trying to write an Obituary for Don and would like information from the family, if possible. Please contact Sam Woods at 215-854-2796 if you have pertinent information that may not be obtainable from the website here or at Indiana University.
[admin note: have passed this along to family via email]
Professor Don Belton…:(
Seems like yesterday when I was crossing sidewalks with him and he was making sure I was doing good in and outside of college. His autodidact teaching strategies and love for educating others, made it nothing but a BLESSING to be apart of his class. One of the most influential individuals, a man of standards, and carried a smile like sadness never existed. Professor Don Belton can not be forgotten or refuted if one wanted to. Verbally illustrating to me how success is destined for all…I WILL NEVER FORGET YOU. He played the role of a friend and a father figure without me having to tell him that…
P.S. I Know You Still Got My Back Like My Shadow!!!
Love Ya Professor
I HAVE NOT SPOKEN UNTIL THIS TIME BECAUSE THE PAIN THAT HAS TORN THE LIFE OF MYSELF, MY WIFE (DARLENE), MY DAUGHTERS (DON’S NIECES -DANNIELLE, CHRISTIAN, AND PEARLINE) HAS BEEN AND IS TOO TERRIBLE FOR PUBLIC DISPLAY.
BUT, I WANT THE WORLD TO KNOW THIS, MY BROTHER IS YET LOVED AND NOW FOREVER MISSED BY US. WE LOVED MY BROTHER, THEY LOVED THEIR UNCLE.
DON WAS A GENTLE MAN, AND LET NO-ONE TELL YOU DIFFERENT.
DON WAS GENUINE. NOT A PERSON OF PRETENSE AT ALL. YET HIS ABILITY TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE WORLD IN WHICH HE LIVED HAS BEEN CUT SHORT BY THIS BARBARIC ACT.
THOUGH GEOGRAPHICALLY SEPARATED DON REMAINED LOVED AND CHERISHED BY US. WE WILL BE HOLDING A MEMORIAL SERVICE HERE IN THE PHILADELPHIA PA. AREA TO HONOR THE GREAT MAN DON WAS, AND TO LAMENT THE CUTTING SHORT OF HIS LIFE. WE DON’T HAVE A DATE YET BUT I WILL POST ONE ON OUR WEB SITE AT THE PROPER TIME. MY THANKS TO ALL WHO LOVED AND PLAYED A PART IN MY BROTHERS LIFE
WAYNE
I SEND MY LOVE TO MY COUSIN WAYNE B. BELTON & FAMILY. I PRAY THAT THE LOVE OF JESUS CHRIST WILL FALL ON THE WISE FAMILY & KEEP US IN THIS TIME OF GREAT LOST.I REMEMBER AS A YOUNG CHILD GROWING UP, AT FAMILY GATHERING HOW DON LOVED TO DANCE & SING.THE LAST TIME I WAS WITH MY COUSIN DON, WAS AT MY AUNT THELMA’S 80TH BIRTHDAY PARTY YEAR’S AGO.I REMEMBER STANDING OUTSIDE TALKING WITH HIM HE ENCOURAGED ME THAT NIGHT,ONE I WILL NEVER FORGET.DON’S SMILE & THE LOVE HE HAD FOR FAMILY EDUCATION & FRIEND’S WILL GREATLY BE MISSED.
LOVE THE SMITH FAMILY
Deidra Rivers (Russell) cousin of Don Belton of the Russell family in Philadelphia, PA
My cousin Don, when I think about you I think about your warm smile. I can remember you singing, “HAIL! HAIL! The gangs all here!” Your spirits were always very uplifting. I can remember during every family gathering, how important it was for you to have an educational piece and a moment for all the children to tell what they know about their BLACK history. Words can not even express how you will be missed. May you forever rest in peace.
Love Deidra Rivers and Family
I am deeply saddened by the news of the BRUTAL MURDER of my cousin Don Belton,and appalled at the way it is being reported in the media..This was MURDER and despite the lies being told about Don, I am confident the truth will come out. Don Belton was a kind soul who was loved,and respected by his family and friends.I am praying for swft justice to be handed out to the MURDERER AND THAT MY COUSIN WILL REST IN PEACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE DUNCAN FAMILY
The death of my cousin professor Don Belton saddens, and reminds me of the brevity of life,and unfortunately the reality evil. Don was graced with a creative and thoughtful brillance that distingushed him among the members of his family and the academic world. Even now, in the time of mourning, don teaches and reminds us (me) to love each other intentionally, unconditionally and without reservation. Don possessed in no small measure, a kind of courage that few ever acquire. The impact of his life and its lost for the indiana community has been wonderfully demonstrated, the impact of his life and senseless death on this family however, cannot be measured………..he will be missed.
As a first cousin to Professor Don Cornelius Belton, (his mother and my mother were sisters), it offends me to read news reports that suggest he sexually assaulted anyone. While I did not know Don well in our adult lives (as growing up tends to take us in our own individual directions ), I knew the measure of his character, and I know that did not change. After reading an account of what allegedly happened, it is clear to me, that while my cousin may have felt he’d met someone special, what he had actually encountered was a cowardly closet queen who is afraid to accept what he is. In order to make it seem like the brief encounter they shared was one -sided and unwelcome, this person chose to concoct a scenario that leaves him appearing as an innocent. Any clear thinking person can read through the subterfuge, and recognize this spineless person for the murderous fraud that he is. Justice will prevail.
Rahbi (Another Season, http://www.Rahbi.com)
Los Angeles, CA
What happened to the posting by Haki Madhubuti that I read here yesterday? I can’t find it today.
Was it taken off?
He was a contributor to Don’s book Speak My Name, and his comments belong on this site.
Thanks.
Mara
For me what stands out most in my mind about my sweet dear cousin Don, was all the Xmas parties we as a family all enjoyed at my Aunt Doris and Uncle Charles home on Christmas day. Lot’s of love, food, music, fun,laughter. That hartey laugh Don had even as
a young child.My Aunt Doris always called him Don Cornelius WoW!!! What a blessing to have known this gentle man whom, I’ve had the great privilegde and pleasure to call my cousin and friend. I trust that the prosecutor, and the jury will see through the perks lies.
I love you Don. Rest in peace my dear sweet cousin!!!!!!!!!
Mara — no comments have been deleted from this site after they were published. Do you remember which post it was under? It’s possible WordPress has buried an earlier post and I need to ’stick’ it to the front page.
To the family of Don Belton,
My heart goes out to you and I am one of Don’s many artistic friends here in Philly, working on a tribute to him. Feel free to contact me if any of you are interested in sharing in this program. I am also interested in attending any services that you are planning as well. Peace and blessings. (215)219-8769
My family will miss Don’s humor, intelligence, kindness, sarcastic wit, and joyful nature. He will be missed form many reasons. My joyful memory for the moment will be picturing Don as he arrived at our shore house in Ocean City NJ for a few days of R & R. He was wearing a straw hat, was fully dressed in a summer suit (with a suit jacket – in the 90 something degree heat) and carrying a bag of books for “light” reading on the beach. He looked like he was getting off a cruise ship in Bermuda. R & R soon turned into margaritas, and we all had a great time – as was usual when spending time with Don. We would like to be kept in the “loop” regarding any memorial in the Philly area for our friend.
The McFadden Family, Andy, Joe, Torrie & Matt and the Renzi Family, Cass & Tony
I am both a cousin of Don’s and a Christian, and now that the anger of my flesh has passed thanks to lots of prayer and meditation, I can respond to a lot of previous comments with a much lighter and more Christ-like response. There have been several comments posted that were both insightful and stemming from an obvious perspective that this was indeed a tragedy on both sides, which is true. While Don was neither a violent or vengeful person and therefore would not be seeking vengeance, he did believe in honesty and fairness, he followed the laws of the land, and he was raised to know the difference between right and wrong. This was definitely wrong on many levels. However, when all is said and done, what happens with Michael Griffin’s sentence is not up to Don, it is not up to Michael Griffin, it is not up to the family or the friends of Don, and it’s not even up to the jury or the court officials. GOD HAS THE FINAL JUDGMENT. While we are all speculating, assuming, wondering etc., God knows exactly what happened on that day, before that day, on the days following that day and he knows the outcome of it all. God will be present in the minds, hearts and spirits of the jurors, God will be present in the minds, hearts and spirits of the court officials and God will be present during the final rulings. That being said; God’s judgment may not always match what the people desire but I never question him. A great reason for never questioning God is because he sees the ENTIRE picture where we only see a small piece of it. God is omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent; how can you question someone with all of those attributes? I surely don’t profess to have anything close to any of those profound characteristics and I don’t know of another person on this planet who has those qualities either. While surfing the internet I see that some people want Michael Griffin to be put to death, some want him to go to jail for life, some think that he should get a lessened sentence for various reasons, some think that he should be put in a mental institution and some think that he shouldn’t go to jail at all. Everyone has an opinion and everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but in the end none of them matter in regards to Michael Griffin’s sentence because God has the only opinion that really counts. No one but God has the right to take someone’s life, which means God was surely displeased with his decision to take Don’s life, but I’m sure that he’s also displeased with the various people, entities and forces, whether biological, emotional or spiritual that controlled his decision. I have no doubt that God will judge him accordingly so I will be pleased with any verdict that is handed over. Now some may say what if he gets a lesser charge and therefore a lesser sentence, then what? I would say to them that punishment comes in many different ways. Some people may get a jail sentence that is lenient, when considering their crime and upon being released from prison they suffer physically, emotionally, psychologically, financially etc. for the remainder of their lives. Some are removed from society for life and suffer in all of those ways inside of the prison walls. Who really knows which is worst? In my life, I have encountered several people who are not in jail but are still imprisoned because they are prisoners of themselves for various reasons. It’s usually due to either their bad choices, their mental state, their physical disabilities, their financial struggles or a host of other reasons but those are the predominant issues; which actualize the statement that freedom doesn’t always equal peace.
On the other side of the token and it may seem strange to some but, I pray for Michael Griffin. I initially pray that he actually realizes the magnitude of what he has done, becomes remorseful and begins to sympathize for Don, his family and his friends. I then pray that he accepts God and then humbles himself enough to cry out to him for forgiveness for his crime and that he will be completely honest to everyone about this case. Then and only then will God be merciful in his judgement on earth and in heaven and begin to both help him to forgive himself and cope with his punishment.
Don is already at peace with the Lord and I hope that when this court process is over the healing can begin for all of Don’s family and friends. It has already begun for me because I know that God has both Don and Michael Griffin in his very capable hands.
I am also a cousin of Don’s. Words cannot describe how passionate my cousin was. He was a beautiful person no matter what anyone says. God knows he will be missed.
I was shocked and saddened to learn of Don’s death. I just found out this morning from a newspaper story in the Philadelphia Gay News. Don was an extremely talented artist, a kind person, with a generous spirit. We will miss him.
His murder is deeply troubling. What kind of culture do we live in when the alleged assailant could possibly think that killing this beautiful spirit could ever be justified? We must speak out against homophobia.
Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues of Don Belton,
There is a tribute schedule for Philadelphia on Wednesday, February 24th from 6-8pm. The tribute with be held at The Moonstone Arts Center, 110A S. 13th Street, between Chestnut and Sansom Streets in Center City, along with the support of Art Sanctuary. Please show your support by spreading the word.
I can’t believe it’s been almost a year. I miss you Don.