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102 Uhuru Sasa Mwalimus (Teachers) Some of the Dynamic Teachers and Dedicated Activists at Uhuru Sasa and the EAST Top row: Jitu Weusi (Co-founder & Headmaster), Al Vann, Job Mashariki, Yusef Iman, Lubaba Madison, Segun Shabaka 2 nd row: Kuumba Jamaa, Nana Baakan, Sayeed AmonRa, Yusef Waliyaya, Third row: Wakili Olimwengu, Onaje Angaza, Akua Warden, Jumibia Nyahuma. EAST Wanaharakati (Activists) &
Uhuru Sasa Students on the front lines of Activism to Combat Apartheid 103
104 Uhuru Sasa Shule Community Activism Baye McNeil, Ketemba Mchawi and toddler, Atiba Quinones Uhuru Sasa Students Uhuru Sasa students and staff ready for Community Activism Attika Jumatatu Torrence Uhuru Sasa Student and Son of Baba Robbo and Nassoma Jumatatu Torrence. No half-steppin’ Activism!
Some of the many Sister Activists at the EAST and Uhuru Sasa: 1 st row: Malika Graves, Atchudta Barkr, Ariaaemastmaat Vilson (Ariaa), Ramona Bhuya. 2 nd row: Shukuru Sanders, Njeri Judah, Waridi Rose McNeil, Nassoma Jumatatu Torrence EAST /UHURU SASA SISTER activists 105
Leading security during the protests of Arthur Miller in June, 1978. Yusef Iman *ACTIVIST: NATION OF ISLAM / ORGANIZATION OF AFRO-AMERICAN UNITY / UNITY, INC. THE EAST / UHURU SASA SHULE / THE MID-EAST / UNIVERSAL TEMPLE OF THOUGHTS BLACK ARTS REPERTORY THEATRE / SPIRIT HOUSE MOVERS / BROWNSVILLE THEATRE PROJECT HOWARD HOUSES PERFORMING ARTS GROUP / NEGRO ENSEMBLE COMPANY NEW HERITAGE THEATRE / NEW FEDERAL THEATRE / WEUSI KUUMBA TROUPE October 6, 1933 – June 23, 1987 *The great playwriter and artist, Ben Caldwell coined Yusef Iman as the “Supreme Activist” 106 Cultural Arts “InnerAttainer” Director / Actor / Singer Musician, Songwriter Political Activist, Minister, Teacher, Kawaida & Kwanzaa Advocate
Jitu Weusi and Yusef Iman with his Uhuru Sasa t-shirt and licorice stick as they collaborate on strategic “next steps.” 107
108 Yusef Iman with Rev. Daughtry in protest.
109 Yusef Iman, Haki Madhabuti, Jitu Weusi, Curtis Alexander United Leaders of Activism! Al Vann, Jitu Weusi, Rev. Daughtry, Dr. Sam Pinn
Yusef Iman books, posters & albums 110
Weusi Iman Paul Washington ACTIVIST: Martial Artist, Teacher, Writer, Poet, Security Lead, The EAST, Uhuru Sasa Shule, Weusi Kuumba Troupe, Brother of Yusef Iman and Justice Haki Weusi, Sayeed on guard for Rev. Daughtry Weusi ready! Mae Mallory speaks. On the frontlines with Dr. Karen Daughtry The Arthur Miller Security Team 111
Job Mashariki Political Activist / Educator / Director / Founder & Former President & CEO of the Black Veterans for Social Justice 112
Job Mashariki on the front lines for peace and justice. 113
114 Thoughtful, Genuine Activist The Black Veterans for Social Justice is proudly now in their 45th year. Honorable veterans assisted by BVSJ look forward to a longevity of great activism. Job’s book on his comrade, Yusef Iman, “A Model for Black Manhood” is insightful and a gracious gift to the Family.
Adeyemi BANDELE Activist, Afrikan-American Students Association, The EAST Uhuru Sasa; International Afrikan Arts Festival, Educator, Political & Cultural Organizer 115
Lumumba Bandele Activist, Educator, Organizer, Writer; Co-founder of the Black August HipHop Project; Activist Affiliations: The EAST; Uhuru Sasa Shule; National Strategies & Partnership Director at The Movement for Black Lives; Board Trustee: The Malcolm X & Betty Shabazz Memorial & Educational Center,Center for Constitutional Rights, Malcolm X Grassroots Movement, Caribbean Cultural Center; Adjunct Lecturer: Medgar Evers College, City University of New York “When I’m asked when I first became an Activist, I have to answer honestly and say 1972, when I was born.” Lumumba Akinwole-Bandele Son of Adeyemi Bandele and Khadjiah Bandele Top right photo Lumumba in apartheid protest as in bottom left photo holding sign with Attika J. Torrence on right. Top far right photo: Lumumba in front of Rev. Daughtry during protest. Khadijah Bandele in right photo. 116
117 Baba Mzee Moyo Uhuru Sasa Shule Parent Advisory Council President EAST Chef & Kitchen Manager John Shaka Taylor Afrikan-American Students Association EAST Pioneer, Uhuru Sasa Teacher Martial Artist, Court Judge in Newark, NJ Baba Robbo Jumatatu Torrence Leading Organizer / EAST / Uhuru Sasa Black Veterans for Social Justice *ANGALIA! Stance *Angalia means “Attention!” in Swahili Wakili Olimwengu EAST / Uhuru Sasa Ki-Swahili Teacher Jumibia Nyahuma Uhuru Sasa Teacher EAST Brotherhood
Bishop Prophet Isaac Stokes 118 June 26, 1926 – December 29, 1995
JOHN WATUSI BRANCH April 27, 1943 – December 28, 2013 ACTIVIST / AUTHOR / DIRECTOR EAST Family member and Uhuru Sasa Shule parent. Co-founder of the “Far East” renamed the Afrikan Poetry Theatre, Co-Chair of the NYC National Association of Kawaida Organizations (NAKO), founding member of the Black United Front (BUF) and World Afrikan Diaspora Union. Author of “Journey to the Motherland,” and “A Story of Kwanzaa: Black/Afrikan Holy Days.” The street on Jamaica Avenue in Queens, NY where the Afrikan Poetry Theatre resides has officially been renamed “John Watusi Branch Way.” 119
April 4, 1937 – January 12, 2018 “Sister Dara hovered over all and made it work, she made it happen!” Job Mashariki “We are all enriched by Dara’s life lived largely, showing us the way of love and sacifice.” Barbara Killens-Rivera Educator / Activist / Singer / Dancer / Actress Seamstress / Culinary artist / Astrologer 120
Mama Esenga Moyo EAST / UHURU SASA SHULE Parent Advisory Council EAST Kitchen Chef IAAFestival Grand Marshal Esenga’s beloved Daughter, Adenike Moyo (RIP) Uhuru Sasa Student 121
Mama Lubaba Yvonne Madison ACTRESS / POET / ACTIVIST / DIRECTOR / EDUCATOR BROWNSVILLE LABORTORY THEATRE SPIRIT HOUSE MOVERS WEUSI KUUMBA TROUPE THE EAST UHURU SASA SHULE (Headmistress & Teacher) IAAFESTIVAL GRAND MARSHAL 122
Mama Lubaba’s daughters: Amira Renee Madison, (left) Yvette Habiba Madison (right) Uhuru Sasa Students 123 Lubaba Yvonne Madison
Mama Kuumba Jamaa Coard THE EAST / UHURU SASA Activist & Esteemed Educator Mosunmola Coard Mama Kuumba’s Daughter Uhuru Sasa Student “Ibo Dada, Black & Proud!” The Spirit of Mama Kuumba lives on Always & Forever! 124
East /UHURU SASA ACTIVIST COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS Brother D & Sister Keturah Najuma Patricia Johnson Kim Alford Peggy Washington Brother Rashied Shirley Clarke Safiya Bandele Mama Diop Brother Oyo Minister Clemson Brown 125
Baba Ishangi razak December 15, 1934 – October 22, 2003 PRIEST / EDUCATOR / DANCER / MUSICIAN / SINGER/ DRUMMER Jitu Weusi (left) and Adeyemi Bandele (far right) receives spiritual offering from Baba Ishangi in front of the EAST building: 10 Claver Place, Brooklyn, NY. Baba Ishangi (middle photo) giving a libation Blessing. 126
EAST / Uhuru Sasa / Little Sun People Babies with Mamas & Babas Top left to right: Stanley Barclift with daughter Aaliyah. Her mother is Fela Barclift, Founder & Educator of independent school, Little Sun People; Jitu Weusi with daughter, Nandi; Theo Smith with baby (name unknown). Below photo: Doris Mack-Lewis and son; Robbo Jumatatu with Amira (Mama Lubaba’s granddaughter); Afiya Dawson with daughter, Makeda 127
ALBERT VANN November 19, 1934 – July 14, 2022 POLITICAL ACTIVIST / EDUCATOR / CO-FOUNDER of the AFRIKANAMERICAN TEACHERS ASSOCIATION Dr. Albert Vann, Co-founder of Medgar Evers College, former Member of the New York City Council and New York State Assembly, Alpha Phi Alpha , Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Instructor at Vassar’s College & Uhuru Sasa Shule 128
Political Activists 1 st row: Mae Mallory, Civil, Human Rights Activist; Roger Greene, former Member of the NY State Assembly; 2 nd row: Major Owens, former member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Librarian Administrator; Annette Robinson, former Member of New York State Assembly 129
Our Youth honoring the impact of this great history Alanna Jade Inde (Great-Grand Niece to Justice) I am proud to have a family that used their artistry to speak out on matters that affected Black people at that time and even now, to express their anger, their happiness, their freedom, and the profound connections that grew naturally with one another. It’s a connection we have built in our blood, a connection that holds so much power and love others wouldn’t know what to do with it. This book inspires me to have hope in myself and to speak out on what I believe in, whether I write, or communicate it. This is a book of great importance and within this book are important people who sacrified their time and energy to strive for freedom, justice and self-determination, now and always! It is a book I will share with my peers and all who are motivated to learn our history. Kazi Inendelea! TheWork Continues! The “Eyes of Justice” shows so much power! It’s a Power that has been passed on from generation to generation. When I look at these pictures I feel so much love and inspiration. The revolutionary political and cultural intensity, the dancing, drumming, and the cultural expressions all reveals a powerful message that so many people were strong, vigorous, uncompromising and unrelenting during that time. They had the courage to speak up for what they believed in, and with that, they inspired many people. 130
131 “The Black Vibrations,” Imani’s dynamic poet duet with her Sisterfriend, Jaguanana.
Photos by Justice Haki, unless noted with credits otherwise. Gracious appreciation to Mama Lubaba for her focus and diligence to help select from the five decades of extensive photos for this book.
RESOURCES Please research via your local library, internet, museums, etc., to empower and enhance your knowledge on this visual history of political, cultural and spiritual activism. Amiri Baraka: https://www.blackpast.org/african-american-history/baraka-amiri-1934/ Amina Baraka: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/amina-baraka; “Amina and the Red Microphone: https://www.forcedexposure.com/Catalog/baraka - Al Vann: https://www.restorationplaza.org/news/restoration-celebrates-the-life-of-al-vann/ Gil Noble: https://www.blackpast.org/ Reverend Herbert Daughtry: https://www.hdgministries.org/about-us Jitu Weusi: https://ibw21.org/commentary/jitu-k-weusi-a-great-organizer-and-master-teacher/ Kwame Ture (Stokely Carmichael): https://www.blackpast.org/ Yusef & Dara Iman Family Archives: [email protected] Job Mashariki: Black Vetserans for Social Justice: https://bvsj.org / [email protected] Dr. Sam Pinn: https://ourtimepress.com/remembering-sam-pinn/ First World Alliance: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_World_Alliance Dr. John Henrik Clarke: The Cinema Guild documentary, “A Great & Mighty Walk” AB Posters: Photo of Malcolm X: https://www.abposters.com/ Alma John: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alma_Vessells_John Lubaba Madison: Unsung Leading Lady of Revolutionary Theatre Activism: ymadison [email protected] Amiri Baraka’s poem, “Answers in Progress” courtesy of Amina Baraka Louis Reyes Rivera: Color photos courtesy of Barbara Killens-Rivera/[email protected] Lumumba Bandele: color photos courtesy of Lumumba Bandele and Khadijah Bandele / [email protected] Imani Carole Parker booklet: Unsung Leading Lady- Dynamic Revolutionary Activist; [email protected] color and b/w photos courtesy of Imani C. Parker 133
134 Justice Haki Washington: Thank you for this treasure trove of photos that gives honorable exposure to the power of our history reflecting unrelenting activism, the beauty of Black creative arts and excellence in Afrikan-centered academics. Job & Muslimah Mashariki: Asante Sana! Your writing and generous contributions to help this book come to fruition is profoundly appreciated. Thank you for your unwavering support to have this book completed. Mama Lubaba Yvonne Madison: Asante Sana! Thank you for your devoted time to this book project even in the midst of great challenges. Your insightful Introduction keenly reveals your decades of profound respect, love, friendship, observations and experiences for this powerful visual history. Dr. Simanique Moody: Thank you for your diligent and efficient assistance as an administrator, esteemed professor and educator. Onaje Angaza: Asante Sana for your powerful and compelling words to help magnify the images of this book to create change. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Unlimited Gratitude and Appreciation Imani Carole Parker: Thank you for all your support and positive reinforcement . Afiya Dawson: Asante Sana for your kind assistance. Alanna Inde: Thank you for your wonderful perspective from our future generation of leaders and activists. Fela Barclift, Nassoma Jumatatu-Torrence, Baraka Moyo, Job & Muslimah Mashariki: Thank you so much for your help to recall and identify some of the photos. Duane Johnson: Thank you so much for your support and suggestions to help elevate the magnitude of this book by retrieving a youth’s perspective. Iman M. Inde, Adia Fana, Shani Zuri, ZaliYanna Gaye, Imani Inde, Ira Pearson, Jr., Nasir Iman, Magaye Gaye: Thank you for all your support and assistance in doing whatever was necessary to help bring this book to fruition. Josh Tyson-Fermin: Thank you for your interest and concepts to help retain this visual history in the eyes of the world. Finally, everyone inside these pages, Ancestors and those still here, ALL PRAISES DUE! Your activism, sacrifices and contributions is remembered with much love, respect and gratitude. Your history lives on and always will, “By Any Means Necessary!” Iman Publications
The Eyes of Justice Pictorial History of Revolutionary Activism & Culture New York City 1970 – 1990s Justice Haki Washington