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Dr. Gerald Deas: Honoring a Southeast Queens Legend, Healer, and Cultural Light
Southeast Queens is mourning the reported passing of one of its most respected men, Dr. Gerald Deas — a brilliant physician, community servant, cultural worker, and elder whose life embodied healing in every sense of the word.
Dr. Deas, reportedly in his 90s, represented a generation of Black physicians who practiced medicine when access to quality healthcare for our people was neither equal nor guaranteed. His work helped lay the foundation for today’s fight for health equity in our communities.
Though major media outlets have yet to formally report his transition, word within the community is that Dr. Deas has become an Ancestor. For those who knew him, worked alongside him, or were healed by his hands and spirit, the loss is deeply felt.
Dr. Deas was far more than a medical doctor. He was a community institution.
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A Healer Rooted in Southeast Queens
Dr. Deas maintained a private medical practice in Hollis, Queens, where generations of families came not just for treatment, but for dignity, wisdom, and genuine care. Long before “culturally competent care” became a buzzword, Dr. Deas lived it — offering medicine grounded in respect for Black life, Black history, and Black humanity.
Former NYC Council Member Robert E. Cornegy Jr. captured the historical weight of Dr. Deas’ work, stating:
“He served our community with dignity and expertise when access to quality health care was not as available for Black people in this country — heck, in this City! He really demonstrated care and concern for us!”
Noteworthy Hollis activist Gail Johnson summed it up simply and powerfully:
“He was a Great Man and a Queens Legend!”
And that sentiment echoes across Southeast Queens and beyond.
A Doctor Who Was Also a Poet
What made Dr. Deas truly special was that his healing extended beyond the body — into the mind and spirit.
Many in the community remember him not only as a physician, but also as a poet and cultural voice. He graced the iconic Afrikan Poetry Theatre, curated by the late Ancestor John “Watusi” Branch of Jamaica, Queens — a sacred space for Black artistic and political expression.
As Southeast Queens Scoop Publisher Kamau Austin recalls:
“I knew, interviewed, and had the legendary Dr. Gerald Deas speak at the Afrikan Poetry Theatre. Yes — this brilliant medical doctor was also a poet. I was deeply inspired by his commitment to uplift the Queens community and Black people worldwide.”
That duality — scientist and artist, healer and cultural worker — is rare. Dr. Deas carried it with grace.
A Life of Service Recognized
Dr. Deas’s contributions were also acknowledged by major institutions. According to SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Dr. Deas was celebrated for his professional excellence and philanthropic commitment, supporting medical education and the development of future healers.
His life reminds us that true impact is measured not only by titles, but by how many people you uplift along the way.
An Ancestor for the People
If indeed Dr. Deas has made his transition, we honor him as an Ancestor — one whose work continues to live through the lives he touched, healed, inspired, and empowered.
For those in Queens and across the diaspora who knew him, learned from him, or were cared for by him, now is a time for reflection, gratitude, and collective remembrance.
Let us pause for a moment of silence.
Let us speak his name.
Let us share his story.
Rest in Power, Dr. Gerald Deas
Your life was medicine.
Your words were healing.
Your legacy is eternal.
Editor’s Note: This story is based on reports and testimonies from community members and associates of Dr. Gerald Deas. Southeast Queens Scoop will update this article as additional verified details regarding his passing, age, and memorial arrangements become available.
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While there are brilliant persons on the Autism Spectrum celebrated today, very little media stories focus on people, especially women of color. Our co-publisher's new bio-pic "nZinga's Spectrum In 3D," is a moving and inspirational documentary on how a young Black woman RISES to overcome her challenges.
nZinga Austin is also the Co-publisher of Our Black News Scoop and Southeast Queens Scoop. The documentary of about 1/2 hr long is getting rave reviews.Checkout Nzinga's Spectrum in 3D now Click Here. Please share
While there are brilliant persons on the Autism Spectrum celebrated today, very little media stories focus on people, especially women of color. Our co-publisher's new bio-pic "nZinga's Spectrum In 3D," is a moving and inspirational documentary on how a young Black woman RISES to overcome her challenges.
nZinga Austin is also the Co-publisher of Our Black News Scoop and Southeast Queens Scoop. The documentary of about 1/2 hr long is getting rave reviews.
Checkout Nzinga's Spectrum in 3D now Click Here. Please share
Posted by community events coordinator, Nzinga Lonstein Austin, is a prolific blogger who writes on the entertainment industry and issues for people with developmental and physical challenges.She is presently in high school looking to have a career in video, film, and media. You can see more of her entertainment writing on Lonstein Movies.
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