William Franklin Crenshaw was born on March 3, 1955. William was the third of five children born to the late Edward William
Crenshaw and Ann Louise Houser Gray in Brooklyn, New York. William departed this life on Sunday, October 1, 2023. He grew
up in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and attended New York City Public Schools, where he graduated. In 1971, William dedicated his life
to the teachings of Allah in Manhattan, New York, better known as Mecca, New York. William embraced the teachings of the Five
Percent Nation under the leadership of his teacher, Shabar, in which he later changed his name to Understanding Allah.
Understanding was loved and respected by everyone. Most importantly, he stood firmly on the beliefs of his teachings.
Understanding had many passions and hobbies, with boxing being one of them. Understanding started boxing at the BedfordStuyvesant Boxing Center in Brooklyn, New York, in his mid-twenties. You could always find Understanding lending a helping hand
or finding a way to help an up-and-coming fighter achieve their next championship goal. He constantly stressed the importance of
being prepared. Whenever he trained his boxers, he said, "Poor preparation equals poor performance. Great preparation equals great
performance." One of his proudest moments as a coach was when he had the opportunity to coach and train with the 1984 Olympic
Gold medal winner and professional boxer, Mark Breland. Being able to coach, train, or even share words of wisdom with anyone who
would listen was the highlight of his day, especially anyone he met in the boxing world. Author and photographer Jamel Shabazz
mentioned Understanding in his book. Understanding touched the lives of many people throughout New York and the country as he
traveled with his fighters. Boxing was Understanding's passion, and coaching was his life. Understanding was no stranger to hard
work. He held many jobs. In 1980, Understanding worked for the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation as a janitor. He
later became a maintenance man for the Crown Heights Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation before working for the New York City
Department of Sanitation. You could often find him doing many different odd-and-end jobs. However, you would always find him
working hard at his favorite place, doing what he loved: training at El Maestro Boxing Gym, Bronx, New York.
Although Understanding had many hobbies, jobs, and passions, the most significant and proudest moment he would often reflect
on was the birth of his children. He would often get filled with joy discussing how proud he was to have created ten beautiful
children. A topic and accomplishment he would always talk about every chance he got. Although he loved his children, he was
even prouder knowing he was a grandfather. He took particular time to build unique relationships in his special way with them.
He often said, "I love all my children; they are special to me." Understanding had a personality that would light up any room.
Understanding loved music and dancing, where ever he went he was always the life of the party. He was a very picky eater and
was cautious about eating food from anyone; however, he loved to eat. He loved eating spaghetti and washing it down with an
ice-cold Pepsi. Most importantly, ketchup was his favorite, and it went on everything he ate. He loved to relax, especially on
Sunday, and watch TV until the TV began to watch him. Understanding was a very unique and loving person with a huge ego.
However, to know him is to have loved him. Whether right or wrong, he was loved and respected by all. He was a strong, brave,
and confident man who loved to dress. He took pride in making sure he looked good. He firmly believed that he truly lived life
on his terms daily.
Understanding not only had a love for his children but he also loved his family. He had two brothers and two sisters. Wesley,
Giselle, Donice, and Basil. Sadly, Donice and Basil preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memory: his brother Wesley
and sister Giselle, ten beloved children, five daughters, Nakia, Queen, Tyika, Natoshia, and Ishaquasia. Along with his five sons,
Labar, who preceded him in death, King, Jamel, Vincent, and Ideshaun. Fifteen grandchildren, Najee, Quadir, Jamecia, Jabrel,
Vincent Jr, Jamir, Korbin, Kaydin, Marcellus, Zara, Osiris, Ke'Moni, Jazlynn, Ciara, and Karter. Understanding loved his
nieces Tamika, Vanessa, Tatiana, and Taquanna, who, in his own words, he called "his favorite niece" and always made it known
that he loved them. He also leaves to cherish his memory the brothers of the Five Percent Nation, with whom he had an
unbreakable bond of friendship, brotherhood, unity, and love that was indescribable. Lastly, he leaves to cherish his memory his
god-daughter Darnasia, a role he took very seriously along with a host of nieces, nephews, the boxing community, and friends.
Even though Understanding has left us, he will forever be in our hearts, so in his honor, we proudly say PEACE!