Photo by Andrew Withers Individuals from TN and AR came out on Sunday, August 18, 2019, to help the UMOJA Foundation Memphis celebrate the 3rd annual Benjamin Franklin Booth day and to honor Minister Suhkara A. Yahweh (rear center) who turned 81 years old the following day. Story and Pictures by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson Umoja, is the Swahili word for “unity.” It is also the name of an all-female matriarch village founded by Samburuan Rebecca Lolosoli, in 1990 on the principles of women’s rights located near the town of Archers Post in Samburu County, Nairobi Kenya. Lolosoli’s UMOJA village is a sanctuary for homeless survivors of domestic violence where the traditional subordinate position of the woman is not practiced. Umoja was the name chosen by a far-left District of Columbia political party founded in December 1993 by the then 27-year old student activist Kemry Hughes. Under his direction, the party would “focus on the specific needs of communities of people of color” including better education and government-subsidized medical services for the poor and disenfranchised, taxing non-residents working in D.C., ending tax exemption for nonprofit organizations, paying a living wage, expanding the earned income tax credit, affordable housing options, preserving the general hospital, and hiring local exclusively. The concept was a hit and the Umoji Party continued to qualify to appear on voter registration forms through the year 2000 when their single candidate was unable to secure the 7,500 votes required to retain its majorparty status in that year’s general election. The Umoja Foundation Memphis was formed to strive for and maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race by focusing on and helping to rebuild harmony in families. The organization held its 3rd annual B. F. Booth celebration on Sunday, August 18, 2019, in the Booth Park east of Florida Street on South Parkway East. The event also honored Lance “Sweet Willie Wine” Watson a.k.a. Minister Suhkara A. Yahweh, who, in 1968 was a young and prominent leader of “The Invaders,” a militant group formed in Memphis, TN. Yahweh was instrumental in the “Walk Without Fear” march from West Memphis, AR to Little Rock, AR to protest racial inequality in 1969 and was once injured by an angry mob of white men while performing organizing duties in Forrest City, AR. Yahweh is currently calling for the removal of voting machines that he says has the effect of “disenfranchising” voters of color. Call (901) 508-1343 for information. 8
9 Publizr Home