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Continued: Karl Gerald Banks (Oku Kilolo) was the second child of John HenryBanks and Frencella Hudson Banks Bonner.
Karl attended Morgan State College in Baltimore, MD and was attendingWashington University, studying in Braille, seeking his Masters Degreein Sociology at the time of his death.
Commencement Announcement: "Joseph and Frencella Bonner proudlyannounce the graduation of their son Karl G. Banks from The Departmentof Speech and Theatre, July twenty-seventh, nineteen hundred andseventy-five at two o'clock in the afternoon, Lincoln University,Richardson Auditorium".
Karl was very active in local theatre and demonstrated a stronginterest in promoting the Arts and entertainment in the St. Louisarea. Karl Banks in conjunction with Chic Productions and The SaintMargaret's Guild of All Saints Episcopal Church also presented"Bubbling Brown Sugar", a musical review of Harlem, 1910-1940.Specific details regarding the date and place where the performancewas given are no longer available in the program. The musical waswell received when presented in St. Louis in the early 1980's.
Karl Banks, who had assumed the name "Oku Kilolo, was cast in the roleof John Williams in the play "The River Niger" by Joseph A. Walker,directed by Ralph E. Greene. The play was a production of the KutanaPlayers and the Performing Arts Training Center of Southern IllinoisUniversity, East St. Louis, IL, Miss Katherine Dunham, Director. Theplay ran 13-16 Nov 1975.
On Friday, 7 Mar 1980, 8:30 PM, Chic Productions and the United NegroCollege Fund presented Ronnie Laws, well known saxophonist, and RamseyLewis, pianist, in a benefit concert at Powell Symphony Hall, St.Louis, MO. Karl Banks was a co-founder of Chic Productions and wasinvolved in the presentation. The affair was well attended.
Newspaper Article: "Black Rep Presents 'The River Niger'", 3 Apr1983, St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
"The River Niger," by Joseph A. Walker, will open a three-weekend runnext Friday at 8 PM under the auspices of the St. Louis BlackRepertory Company at the group's theater, 2240 St. Louis Ave. Theplay continues next Saturday and Sunday and April 15-17 and 23-24,1983 with curtain at 8 Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 PM on Sundays".
"Ron Himes directs the drama, which takes its title from a poem byVachel Lindsay and discusses the problems of blacks trying to create alife in the midst of various problems. The cast includes Karl Banks,Jerome Davis, Marion Flowers, Celia Gordon, Linda Randall, Nat Shippand Michael A. Smith. Bill Murphy designed the set, with costumes byJennifer Beavers and lights by Rochelle Patterson".
Newspaper Obituary: Karl departed this life at 6:58 AM, Monday, 24Oct 1988 very unexpectedly.
He is survived by his mother; father; step-father, Joe T. Bonner; abrother, Armose' Zu-D'Ammon; one sister-in-law; five half sisters;Collette Smith, Patricia, Jackie, Carla and Joanne Banks; a halfbrother, Brian Banks and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the United Negro College Fund.
Karl's funeral service included a solo," Amazing Grace", by Ms. LouiseArmstrong and two solos, "Battle Hymn Of The Republic" and "An EveningPrayer" ("It Is Well With My Soul") by Mr. Larry Massey. MinisterHarold M. Brewster gave the Eulogy.
Karl died of Arteriole Sclerotic Heart Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, andacute intoxication. His death was considered accidental. He waspronounced dead at 7:33 AM at St. Louis Regional Medical Center. Theaccident occurred at a motel located at 5720 Natural Bridge, St.Louis, MO. Karl's usual occupation was listed as a teacher, Board ofEducation. Wade Funeral Home handled his services.
Karl was buried in his own personal clothing. Total costs for hisfuneral were $3,779.53.
Karl has two tombstones. His original stone is flat and lays flushonto the soil due to a policy of Valhalla Cemetery. It reads:"Beloved Son, Karl G. Banks, Apr 9, 1954; Oct 24, 1988; Forever In OurHearts". This stone had a flower vase which was removed by vandals.
Karl's second tombstone is an up-right one with the inscription: "Forever In Our Hearts; Karl Gerald Banks, Apr 9, 1954; Oct 24, 1988;Luna Morton, (Great Aunt). Karl's grave site is a double one and AuntLuna will be interred in the family site next to Karl.
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