TRIBES Magazine is dedicated to the memory of TRIBES Co-founder Sandi Freeman

So young and at the peak of her life, TRIBES Co-founder, Sandi Freeman, passed away suddenly in March 2008. She was 43 years old. Sandi devoted her life to supporting, loving and caring for her friends, family and community. Her overwhelming love for all people, especially children, not only shaped her personal life but was the motivation and meaning behind her work, as well. While never easy, her life’s experiences sparked Sandi’s ambition to become an Educator and a Minister.

After almost 20 years in the IT Management profession, Sandi left the corporate world and returned to college to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. She worked diligently to get through her course work while caring for her ailing mother and youngest children, including her beloved Rajus (13) whose special needs required her constant attention. As a result of her work with her own children, Sandi became an activist for all children, especially those in need.

Sandi also started and co-founded, Realtech Solutions (IT) and TRIBES Magazine respectively. She was recently participating in a women’s writing group in order to work on a novel based on her life experiences. Anyone fortunate enough to have known her would attest to the fact that Sandi was a remarkable woman and her life was richer than one could ever imagine. Though her schedule was always full, she was always able to find time for others even if it meant sacrificing her own. Everyone she knew became a better person from knowing her.

Sandi began working with TRIBES Magazine in 2004. She deeply believed in the mission and worked tirelessly to help manage and market TRIBES in urban communities nationwide. Sandi was also on her way to completing her Bachelors of Arts in Elementary Education. One of the greatest challenges of her life, Sandi would have graduated from NCCU and on May 3, 2008, Sandi’s family accepted her Bachelors of Arts Degree in her honor.

Sandi was a devoted Christian, a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend; a successful business woman, a passionate writer and a tireless child activist and educator. In her spare time, she loved dancing, spending time in her backyard, playing the flute, walking, traveling, cooking, watching classic movies and her favorite team, the REDSKINS, play football.

She lived life to its fullest and left peacefully while leaving a place she loved, enjoying what she loved, with the man she loved. Although we will miss her love, leadership and laughter immensely, there is a peace in knowing Sandi is now an angel watching over us under the flawless protection of heaven — her life will inspire us all forever. ~

"We love you Sandi and will forever be inspired by your life! Thank you for your committment to TRIBES Magazine. - The TRIBES Magazine Family.