Sixty-three years of life, joy and imminent compassion shone bright on Feb. 1 as hundreds of family and friends gathered to honor the life of Dr. Renee Starlynn Allen, affectionately known in the DMV as “The People’s Emcee,” who died Jan. 20 in Fort Washington, Maryland.
The homegoing service — held at The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square in Upper Marlboro, Maryland — was as much a celebration of life as a moment of closure for the many individuals whose lives are forever changed by Allen’s everlasting legacy of service and empowerment.
“People will say ‘rest in power,’ and there’s no one else I could say that more about [than] Renee Allen,” Prince’s George’s Council Member Wanika Fisher (D-District 2) told The Informer. “Everything she did, she brought electricity to. She’s the emcee of Prince George’s County, and we will miss her greatly.”
Celebration of Life at The Sanctuary
Per instructions from Allen, a U.S. Navy veteran, the afternoon of honor was executed to the minute.
The memorial kicked off with a viewing at The Sanctuary, before a packed house of elected officials, delegates, and dozens of admirers gathered for mutual support and to share memories of Allen’s unshakable imprint across the DMV.
“Classy, sassy and fashionable, that’s what she was,” said Be There Magazine Publisher Russell Price Jr. “She loved people … [they] loved her.”
Guests were donned in black and pink with breast cancer symbols and floral arrangements. Service participants read empowering scriptures and musical tributes reflecting Allen’s strong belief system–a posthumous reiteration that her passing is not of sorrow, but a spiritual return to God.
Additionally, the program featured a narrated media slideshow and comforting reflections from loved ones, all culminating in a powerful eulogy from Dr. Jasmin “Jazz” Sculark, lead pastor of Victory Grace Center, which livestreamed the service.
As she sported a unique undertone cross necklace gifted to her from Allen last year, Sculark told The Informer: “It is a victory day … but it’s bittersweet. I wish I didn’t have to give a eulogy, but she’s been a great woman.”
‘Bold and Beautiful’ Voice for the DMV
After a nearly three-hour service of reverence, it was abundantly clear that “The People’s Emcee” meant more than being a well-known master of ceremonies in the DMV area.
“When we didn’t have a voice, [Allen] had a voice for us. When we couldn’t stand up for ourselves, she stood up for us,” said Sculark during her eulogy. “And just like who she is…she’s leaving on the love month. She’s leaving [in] a month that exemplifies who she is.”
Sculark was one of many speakers whose testimony not only reflected a heartfelt connection with Allen, but a deep admiration for her contributions and impact across various communities.
Originally raised in Connecticut, Allen leveraged a career in multiple fields and acts of service, notably dedicating decades to youth advocacy and education, as well as taking on leadership roles in organizations like Sisters 4 Sisters Network, Inc., We Will Survive Cancer, and American Mothers, Inc., to serve others in a broad capacity.
Her reputation as a television and radio personality, community organizer and decorated U.S. Navy veteran of 22 years precedes her, and has earned multiple accolades including the 2022 Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award.
Posthumously, Allen’s local contributions were touted in memorial citation proclamations on Feb. 1, including from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (presented by First Lady of the State, Dawn Moore) on behalf of the state, and the Maryland General Assembly who described Allen as a “lifelong advocate for the betterment of all those around her.”
“[Allen] understood that her light was so bright that it would never be dimmed because somebody else was shining — and because of that, so many of us, including myself, felt empowered. We felt that somebody saw us, cared about us, and was going to be with us no matter what,” said Prince George’s State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy, visibly emotional as she presented her proclamation to Allen’s family.
Fisher told The Informer Allen’s friendship and support was pivotal to her success as the youngest elected Black woman in Prince George’s County, saying the emcee was “a champion of women in a way that I can’t describe.”
Renee Allen’s Legacy: ‘Job Well Done‘
Beyond her professional capacity, Allen’s impact was felt among those who knew her as a proud mother to her son Chase Joseph, an eldest sister and daughter of three, and passionate advocate and servant to the people of Maryland, Virginia and the District–many of whom referred to her as “an angel on Earth,” “sister-friend,” and “lighthouse.”
“I believe God sends us earth angels for a reason and a season. These unique beings spread pure love in such a contagious way that those fortunate enough to receive it are forever changed. We met in person only once, yet your impact on me is lasting,” read a comment on the Wiseman Funeral Home’s memorial page. “Soar high to the heavens, my sister. Well done.”
Allen is not only survived by her family — her instilled spirit of compassion and courage exists in all those who continue to live openly and colorfully in her honor.
As Sculark passionately eulogized, Allen’s physical presence may have departed, but above all, the DMV will always have the People’s Emcee.
“Acts Chapter 9 Verse 36 says, there was a disciple by the name of Dorcas, AKA Dr. Renee Allen, that lived in a place called Joppa, AKA Prince George’s County, and she was full of works and acts of love,” the pastor said. “Dorcas, AKA Dr. Renee — thank you for being not just bold, but oh, thank you for being beautiful.”
Very very good ” digging your own well for African Americans “.