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Memorial Keepers(1)
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Dana Saxon
Shani's Sibling
Shani Lynn Saxon
May 11th, 1973 - December 8th, 2025
May 11th, 1973 - December 8th, 2025
"Freeing yourself was one thing, claiming ownership of that freed self was another." — Toni Morrison
On the morning of December 8th, Shani transitioned after a brief but fierce fight with cancer. We, her family, have created this space to share information about her memorial which we are currently planning. It is also a place where all of those who loved her can share tributes, from memories to photos. In addition, we ask those who are able to please donate towards the cost of the celebration of life at the link below.
We want to thank everyone who has reached out to us to offer love and support at what is a difficult time for everyone who was fortunate enough to laugh, spend time with and know Shani. We miss her deeply.
Events
Create an event page to coordinate a gathering in honor of Shani
Tributes
Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Shani’s life with a heartfelt message.
Daniel and Josephine Webb-Danielson
Its hard to come up with the words. I guess the best ting that we can say is Thank You Shani, for believing in us, our work, our little film. We just met Shani this past summer we are overwhelmingly grateful for her presence in our life. As many of her friends and family well know, it was her candor that struck home first. Her uncanny ability to "keep it all the way real" while still letting us know that we had her 100% support. That pouring of power into us meant and still means everything as we continue our journey. We promise to carry your legacy Shani, as dedicated as you had been to everything you did, we recognize your pedigree and we raise you one! Thank you for carrying the culture with pride, integrity and dignity. Thank you for believing in us! May You Rest In Power, we will take it from here!
Melissa Cooper
+1
We were mothers of toddlers and tots when our friendship blossomed. I am so grateful to have experienced and known all of the brilliance, beauty, grace, creativity, courage, and sheer goodness that is Shani. Her bright light is her legacy--may it be a comfort to us all.
Akiba Solomon
My fondest memory of Shani in our adult life was post 9-11. She, Yani, Stacey and Kim went to Negril to relax after the horror. Shani made sure we had ital food to eat by simply asking at our hotel. She hiked up a hill twice and made friends with everyone around. We didn't talk often, but her presence was deeply felt.
Meegan Barnes
I met Shani during the Vibe days, like so many of her long lasting friendships. I was the nervous new girl but she smiled at me and we instantly clicked. She called me Meegaaaan and I called her Shanaaaay and those were our nicknames for the next 30 years. In 2015 Shani and Yani asked me to illustrate a children’s book they wrote called 'Yani and Shani’s Rainy Day'. It was a joy to be working together again and such an honor to help bring their amazing vision to life. Also, the genuine, supportive and collaborative friendship between Shani and Yani was just beautiful to witness. When I think of Shani I remember all the giggles and belly laughs. She was fun, funny, warm and a beautiful person who I feel lucky to have called a friend. Huge hugs to her family and everyone who will miss her dearly.
Margeaux Watson
+1
I met Shani when I interviewed for a 1996 summer internship at Vibe and we instantly hit it off. Both Tauruses, our birthdays were days apart and we quickly formed a lasting friendship rooted in our shared core values. For many years, we were next-door neighbors in a Brooklyn brownstone where she helped me land my first apartment after college and introduced me to the neighborhood during long walks around Prospect Heights and Park Slope. From then until the end, she was a loving, supportive friend and a foundational member of my chosen family. I truly loved Shani like a sister and I’ll keep her in my heart forever.
Fred & Tyrus
We know we joined a growing village of friends, colleagues and loved ones who send condolences, prayers and thoughts to Shani’s family. It is our hope that the healing takes place and the memories forever stay in everyone’s hearts. May she rest in perfect peace.
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