Willi Ninja, the internationally lauded voguer, died on September 2nd at 45. He was best known as one of the stars of the documentary Paris is Burning and as the muse for Madonna’s Vogue music video, and he was considered by many as the godfather of voguing. If you browse the outpouring of love from the blogosphere, however, you realize Willi Ninja was more than an artist, more than an icon—he was a force for good. Throughout his self-made career as a dancer, Willi took under his wing countless young gays and lesbians throughout New York City and elsewhere. He taught them to dance, and nurtured them emotionally, spiritually, and creatively. In the 1980’s he founded the House of Ninja—a family of dancers and apprentices who he fostered and there are now branches of the house in several American cities. Willi Ninja was not just a community leader, he was a community builder. His lifelong display of courage and compassion is an inspiration.


For thorough coverage of Willi Ninja’s inspired life and details about his death, I recommend this post on www.keithboykin.com.