Francine R. Rowley

Francine R. Rowley, known lovingly to her daughters as “Amai” and to others as “Fran” or “Saru” made her transition on November 3, 2021. 

Amai was born in Pittsburgh, PA.   Born of West African, Native American, Thai, and European ancestry, her multi-ethnic heritage along with a multi-racial extended family created a rich cultural tapestry that would shape the course of her life.

Amai began her studies in Catholic School, and graduated from Allegheny High School in 1967.    Vivacious and outgoing, she enjoyed various activities, particularly music.  She loved Jazz and notably, was chosen to sing in the All-City Choir with a friend who was later known to the world as Phyllis Hyman. 

In a city that produced esteemed artists and intellectuals, she held her own.  A graduate of Chatham College with a degree in Communications, she was engaged in social activism, education and the Black Arts Movement.   Lending her creative talents along with contemporaries such as August Wilson and Rob Penny, she helped to launch the Kuntu Writer’s Workshop.   Later, before spoken-word events were advent garde, she co-founded a scintillating fusion of poetry and Jazz called “the Tree of Art.”   In 1977 she showcased her literary talents in a book of poetry called “I am Soul” and a play called “Free Girl”.

Later Amai, founded SiSi Watu (Swahili for “Us Together”) as a creative vehicle through which to expand and demonstrate her aesthetic and cultural vision.   This vision represented a coalescence of arts and education that fostered critical thinking, self-awareness, cultural pride and humane action.  A second book of poetry was in the works when she passed.    A critical thinker, with a deep passion for multiculturalism and social justice, she lent her intellectual and creative talents to initiatives intended to celebrate the cultural legacies of various ethnic groups.  Notably, she served as a Reggae Ambassador organizing shows and concerts that helped to expand the cultural footprint of Jamaica generally and Roots Reggae specifically, in Pittsburgh and beyond.

Amai loved animals and cared for Fayola, her beloved Pug for over 10 years.  She also enjoyed family gatherings and attending/planning cultural events.  She loved fried plantains, channa masala, Ethiopian njera, potato salad and macaroni-and cheese and was often teased by her girls for having a cupboard full of Ginger Beer and Bengal Spice tea.

Amai’s devotion to spiritual cultivation, evolution and self-mastery led her to study various religions including Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism, Kemetic traditions and the Yoruba religion.

She will be remembered by all as a beautiful classy lady who always dressed well and carried herself with vivacity and style.   She is survived by her beloved daughters Chishamiso and Amisha, her brother David and many nieces and nephews and cousins.

Services will be held at 1 pm on November 20, 2021.  (Viewing 11 am to 1 pm)

Location: Veterans Funeral Care, 830 N. Belcher Road, Clearwater, Florida 33765.