- Date Of Birth: August 19, 1954
- Date Of Death: June 5, 2021
- State: New York
Carl Joseph (Qadir) Benson was born to Rose and Henry Benson on August 19, 1954, 66 years ago in Harlem, NYC. He entered into the Afterlife on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 6:50 am. Carl Benson was educated in the NYC Public School System and attended PS 127, IS 145 and Bryant High School; Qadir obtained his Bachelor in Science Degree in from SUNY Empire State College in October of 2009 and went on to achieve a Master in Public Administration from Metropolitan College in September in 2010.
Carl (known as beloved Qadir) was endowed with an Entrepreneurial spirit gifted from his late father Henry John Benson Sr. where he worked in the grocery store located in the heart of Harlem, 132nd street between 7th & Lenox Avenues; Qadir was blessed to have started and owned several businesses where he was able to employ his brothers, nephews, cousins, and young adults from the community.
Qadir’s spiritual roots were grounded in the Baptiste (church) tradition beginning in his early years with his Great/Grandmother who were deemed the “Mothers” of the Southern Baptiste Church located on 108th street in Harlem; Qadir being a man of many spiritual paths was intrigued with Islamic Faith where he decided to become a Muslim; thus, changing his name officially to Abdul Qadir Muhammad, hence, Qadir.
Qadir was a carpenter (in his mind by trade), photographer, and had 36yrs as a baker and could make a cornbread from scratch like no other! He built a bench for his youngest sister “Kim” and until this day the bench exists within the family’s memorabilia. He built a music studio (Brickwall Studios) in his apartment and redesigned his bedroom – his Aunt Joyce who called him Carloo said “Carl could build a anything from a door to a floor.”
Qadir loved music and would often speak of how he was in a singing group in the basements of his childhood friends’ home as he was known as “Inch” because he was the smallest and youngest of the group. He was in possession of several musical instruments ranging from horns, strings etcetera; he was a “One-Man-Band.”
Qadir met Kim, his wife on November, 23, 1993 in a fellowship of men and women where they both vowed to change their lives and follow “Good Orderly Direction (GOD).” They decided to form their union with one another under GOD on May 30, 1997, in total they were together for 28 years. Ride or Die – Back Love At its Finest.
Qadir was known in the community as Mr. Benson, Muhammad, and “Ole G” everyone knew him and said he was a great man, a loving father and loving husband – wherever he was his wife was there! He went out of his way to care for all – he will be immensely missed but his spirit embodies what Manhood and Honor personifies. He gave and continues to give inspiration and his favorite quote (anonymous) is “Can’t make it come no quicker, or last any longer.” He lived every moment of his life the way he sought fit never apologizing – he was an unapologetic Black Man.
Qadir leaves to Live…his wife, Kim Andera Benson his two beloved sons Wesley and Gregory, and his daughter in law Joan, his 7 grandchildren, Tristen, Andrea, Charlotte, Chelsea, Alex, Wesley II, and Liham; his brother-in law Kirk; sister-in law Shirley, and twin nephews Grayson and Julian; his Parents-in-Law Florence & Artie; his siblings Johnny & Charles, Carolyn (Sista), Diane and Kim.
A host of Aunts/Uncles Nieces/Nephews; sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws; extended family, his wife’s friends who were his best friends; he now joins his brother Larry, Henry (Snooks), his mother Rose and father Henry.
HE WILL FOREVER BE!
