When Steel Talks extends condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Horace Morancie.
Mr. Morancie passed on the morning of Wednesday February 4, 2015. Mr. Morancie was always great supporter of When Steel Talks.
Mr. Horace Moranice, above, with wife Gloria Morancie
Morancie's more than 50 years of involvement in West Indian community affairs in NYC included some significant and historic steel band happenings. These included: managing New York's first large steel band (more than 20 players), BWIA Sunjets, which was an outgrowth from the band he had earlier managed that was affiliated with the West Indian American organization he headed; a key role in the appearance of T&T's West Side Symphony's long run at Radio City Music Hall in 1965; and principal organizer of two Panorama competitions in Brooklyn in the early 1970s, while serving as Director of Central Brooklyn Model Cities -- a position to which he was appointed by Mayor John Lindsay. Overall, Morancie had a long, sustained interest in the steel band culture. (Les Slater)
Replies
On behalf of my family and many in the pan community, I offer our deepest condolences to Horace's wife Gloria, and family members. Horace was a man very passionate about the Caribbean culture and it's legacy. He served with me as an Officer in United States Steel Band Association in 2001 and 2002, he was very instrumental with the panorama show, held by USSA those two years, he was very often misunderstood, but you will always find his name associated with any event in New York that paved the way for the Caribbean Culture and Heritage to progress. REST IN PEACE MR.MORANCIE,YOU HAVE CERTINALY DONE MORE THAN YOUR SHARE OF WORK FOR US!
Not only did Horace Morancie play a pivotal role in the cultural movement in New York City, especially around the Steelpan, he was also a stellar champion in the political arena. He was one of the key figures in the redistricting of our communities which created avenues for Caribbean candidates to become Elected Officials in City Council, State Assembly, Senate and Congress. He was a dedicated political strategist who helped many politicians in New York to gain and maintain their seats. He will be missed. On behalf of J'Ouvert City International, Inc I Yvette Rennie send my condolences to his wife Gloria-Church Morancie, his children and extended family.