This past Sunday, March 6, 2016, community leaders, elected officials and various members of the community gathered to pay tribute to activist, organizer and freedom fighter Kofi Taharka.
The event, held at S.H.A.P.E. Community Center on Almeda, was a community tribute and salute to Taharka, who has over two decades of frontline work advancing the cause of people of African descent, and oppressed communities in Houston, across the country and throughout the world.
The event included speakers, edutainment, testimonials, a fundraiser and a roast-and-toast.
Taharka’s “no compromise” approach to activism and organizing has come at a great personal sacrifice. He has organized as a part of a collective, primarily as a member serving in various capacities of the grassroots formation of the National Black United Front (NBUF), which will be celebrating a legacy of 37 years of activism this summer. Taharka currently serves as National Chairman. In addition, many efforts have been done in conjunction with other organizations and concerned community members.
All proceeds raised at the event were for the continued support of Taharka and his tireless efforts in fighting for justice. Some of the activities Kofi Taharka has been a part of include:
- Freedom Campaign for Texas death row inmate Shaka Sankofa/Graham
- Coordinator Operational Unity Network a grassroots collective of organizations in Houston, Texas
- Humanitarian aid for Haiti, Rwanda, Katrina survivors and Houston flood victims
- The Million Man March & The Million Youth March
- Support for Political Prisoners in the U.S., particularly Sundiata Acoli
- Social Justice Activism/Organizing regarding Police Terrorism/Brutality, “Prison/Criminal Justice System”, Housing, Education, Internal violence, Black media, Independent economic development
- Implementation of community programming including: African-centered education, food giveaways, historical study groups and commemoration of historical figures such as Carl B. Hampton, Ester King, Ayanna Ade, Malcolm X, and many others, grassroots community governance and youth mentoring
- The demand for full and complete reparations
Supporters of the event included: National Black United Front, Mike Clark & Ali Muhammad Productions, Charles X White (Charity Productions), Deric Muhammad, Student Minister Robert Muhammad, Gloria Rubac, Leah King, Jew Don Boney, Amandla Productions, John Bunchy Crear (Black Panther Party Alumni Association), Reginald Gordon (Operation Outreach OG1), Ralph Cooper, Mawiyah Busegee, SEHAH Inc., Mary Irving, and Doris Ellis.