This poem is dedicated to Mr. Hardin “Butch” Benjamin; a beloved Langston University legend “The Original Mr. Langston.” Butch passed away April 6, 2025, having lived nearly all of his adult life on the Langston University campus.
Dear Butch,
I’m so glad I met you! Our one walk turned into a moment I will always cherish, and I’ll tell it for many generations! Don’t worry, I got you Bud lol. I plan on telling my kids how I saw you walking home by yourself while I walked home by myself. Isn’t that funny? I think it’s hilarious. I oftentimes question why we were both walking home that night, but who knew what I had in store? I knew this was a normal thing for you, but kinda dangerous. Between you and me, I think it’s cool you lived life on the edge a little bit. I remember catching you mid step to ask where you lived; you pointed and we looked down the hill, looked back at each other and a lasting chuckle let loose between us. We began our stroll together. It was a long stroll, but it was worth the while. You held a book in your hand. I think it was about New Orleans? No? Maybe San Francisco? AHHH, I was right, it was New Orleans! You rambled on about how beautiful and lively the streets of bourbon were, how every saxophone played loud and filled every room on that street with jazz. Your words made the heart of that city glow; I felt your passion for travel with every detail. Mind you, we were still walking, but your stories were a true vortex to the world you lived in before. Some would say “A blast from the past”.
When we finally made it to your humble abode, I saw your world. Hundreds of books and articles from the cities you traveled to. Although you’re not here anymore, dear friend, just know that you were loved, celebrated with honor and given the flowers you truly deserved. Your light and legacy will always be at our dear Langston. Imma let you rest now. See you one day!
Your Friend,
Jordan Sinkfield
To learn more about Hardin “Butch” Benjamin, view the following documentary about his life, produced by a Langston alum in 2019.
Jordan Sinkfield
Jordan Sinkfield is a junior broadcast journalism major.
