Haiti Action Committee sends our deepest condolences to the family, friends and comrades of Gus Newport, who passed away on June 17th. Gus was a lifelong internationalist who stood in partnership with struggles all around the world — from Palestine to Central America to South Africa and Haiti. He was a consistent supporter of the grassroots movement for democracy in Haiti, raising his powerful voice in protest against the two coups that overthrew the democratically elected Aristide administrations in 1991 and 2004. In 2011, Gus was one of the first people to sign on to the international campaign to return President Aristide and his wife and colleague, Mildred Trouillot Aristide, from forced exile in South Africa. His commitment to Haiti never wavered. Like so many others, we treasured his passionate dedication to social justice everywhere. We honor his memory and legacy today as we share the following statement from the Gus Newport Project.
The Roaring Lion
Eugene “Gus” Newport
April 5, 1935 – June 17, 2023
On Saturday, June 17, 2023, we lost Eugene “Gus” Newport, our friend, brother, coach, fighter for justice, bridge builder, activist, organizer, connector, and beloved community architect. The late Rev. Franklin Florence affectionately called Gus “The Roaring Lion” — a name that Gus rightfully earned during his time in his native Rochester, New York, as he provided uncompromising and fearless leadership to the Monroe County Non-Partisan Political League in the early 1960s.
Gus’s lifelong quest for justice was intentional and infectious. His commitment to seeing the humanity in all people challenged anyone who knew and loved him to do likewise! Words cannot fully capture the breadth of his indomitable spirit, his relentless pursuit of justice (in the U.S. and beyond), and his brilliance. His unmistakable lion-like voice, unwavering commitment to deep analysis, sense of humor, razor-sharp wit, and candid assessment of complex problems (large and small) will be greatly missed by so many who knew and loved him.
While we deeply grieve the loss of his physical presence, we are eternally grateful that he left us with a legacy of grace, love, truth-telling, compassion, creativity, memorable stories, and priceless collective and personal conversations. We are honored that for the past four years, Gus entrusted our team to curate some of his extraordinary life, allowing us to be witnesses to his untiring effort to make our world a better place. We remain committed to following his example of Beloved Community Storytelling and sharing his incredible journey with all who will listen! He was truly a gift to us, and the world will never be the same because of his stellar example of living his outer life from the inner sanctuary. He is gone too soon, but he will not be forgotten.
With love, gratitude, and hope for a better world,
Damien Durr, President of the Gus Newport Project
Gus Newport Project Team
