Memphis, Tennessee Jul 18, 2024 (Issuewire.com) - Anthony Amp Elmore, a community activist born in Memphis, is a 5-time World Karate/Kickboxing Champion and Memphis first 35mm Independent Theatrical Filmmaker. He received an invitation to attend and speak at FESTAC, the worlds largest Black and African Art and Cultural Festival.
FESTAC will be held in Kisumu, Kenya from August 25, 2024 to September 1, 2024. Kisumu Kenya is the 3rd largest city in Kenya.
Anthony Amp Elmore shares this letter dated July 15, 2024. Addressed to Kenya President Dr. William Ruto on his behalf from Memphis Congressman Steve Cohen. Elmores intention is clear, his desire is to foster unity and celebrate shared heritage between Kenya and the United States. By emphasizing cultural exchange and mutual respect, Elmore aims to build bridges that transcend borders and connect communities.
In 1990 Elmore's Memphis produced film "The Contemporary Gladiator" premiered in Kenya whereas Elmore received a "Hero's Welcome & a Without Prejudice experience." Elmore's African experience changed his life.
In 1992 Elmore met the late Kenya President Daniel Arap Moi who named Elmore an "African Ambassador." African/American civil rights leader Whitney Young said "It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, than to have an opportunity and not be prepared." Elmore notes while I met President Moi I had an opportunity to meet the Kenyan President but I was not prepared.
In the letter to Kenya President Dr. William Ruto Memphis Congressman Steve Cohen writes "I give him my wholehearted endorsement." Click here to read the letter from Memphis Congressman Steve Cohen to Kenya President Dr. William Ruto.
Kisumu, Kenya Governor Prof. Peter Anyang Nyongo personally extended the invitation to Elmore, emphasizing the significance of this cultural exchange. While Governor Nyongo may not be widely known in America, his daughter, Lupita Nyongo, has achieved international acclaim. Lupita won an Academy Award for her role in the movie 12 Years a Slave and portrayed Queen Nakia in the blockbuster film Black Panther. Her achievements serve as a bridge between African and American cultures, fostering connections that resonate far beyond the silver screen
In the Memphis Congressman Cohen letter to Kenya President Dr. William Ruto the Congressman writes: "Mr. Elmore would like to discuss his proposal to develop new cultural and economic ties between Kenya and Memphis, Tennessee and the establishment of the Tom Mboya African & African/American Museum Educational Cultural and Entertainment Center in Kenya.
Elmore notes that in 2019, African Americans spent a remarkable $109.4 billion on leisure travel. To put this into perspective, consider that Kenyas Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023 was $107.44 billion. Astonishingly, African Americans annual leisure travel spending surpasses Kenyas entire GDP, highlighting the untapped potential for Kenya to actively engage and attract African American tourist dollars. Amp Elmores straightforward message to Kenya and its leaders is clear: African/Americans this year will have a 1.8 Trillion GDP for 2024. Its time to recognize and harness this economic opportunity and benefit Kenya can gain via marketing and doing business with "Black America."
The book titled Tom Mboya: The Man Most Kenyans Want to Forget sheds light on the often overlooked historical connections between Kenya, Tom Mboya, and the African American community. Unfortunately, both in Kenya and America, these connections remain unacknowledged. Anthony Elmore, a community activist and filmmaker, emphasizes the impact of this oversight cost Kenya Billions and Billions of Kenyas potential dollars.
Tom Mboya, a charismatic leader from British East Africa (now Kenya), played a pivotal role in advocating for African freedom during the colonial era. His influence extended far beyond his homeland.
In the United States, Mboya forged connections with influential figures involved in civil rights and politics. His interactions with African American leaders were transformative. Mboyas campaign facilitated the education of hundreds of African students in America, including Barack Obama Sr.
Mboyas image appeared in John F. Kennedys campaign advertisements, contributing to Kennedys election victory. This connection shifted Black voters allegiance from the Republican party to the Democrats. Remarkably, Mboyas arrival in America on his 26th birthday set in motion events that eventually led to Barack Obamas historic presidency.
Memphis, Tennessee, holds a special link to Mboya. The Orange Mound to Africa website connects Memphiss historic Black community of "Orange Mound" with Africa, Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Kenya, and Obama.
In 1990, the Memphis-produced Black film The Contemporary Gladiator premiered in Nairobi, Kenya. The Kenyan government honored African/American film producer Elmore and the cast Members attending the premier with a "Hero's Welcome" that changed Elmore's life forever.
Unknown and untold in America is the warmth and wonderful experience an African/American can experience in Africa.
The Tom Mboya African & African/American Museum Education, Cultural, and Entertainment Center: Elmores vision to honor Tom Mboyaa key figure in connecting Kenya to Americathrough a dedicated center in Nairobi is significant. This center would serve multiple purposes:
The construction of the Tom Mboya African & African/American Museum Education, Cultural, and Entertainment Center is a crucial component of Anthony Amp Elmores comprehensive plan to foster connections between Africans and African Americans. Elmore offers the Kenyan Government an infrastructure, a Foundation, and a historic and cultural gateway into Black America and the African American market.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Americas revered Black leader, is commemorated with a federal holiday, and there are over 1000 streets in America named after him. Notably, Dr. King delivered his final speech at Mason Temple in Memphis on April 3, 1968, during which he mentioned Nairobi, Kenya.
Elmore urges Kenyas President, Dr. William Ruto, Kenyan leaders, and Gen Z to visit Memphis, Tennessee, and speak to Black America. On May 23, 2024 Kenya President Dr. William Ruto visited the Whitehouse whereas Republican house speaker would not allow him to address Congress.
Imagine the Kenya President Dr. William Ruto came to America and he did not Address "Black America." It regards to Black America African Presidents come to America and most fail to address Black America or make a connection to Black America or invite Blacks to Africa.
We ask Kenya President Ruto to pay tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who himself honored Kenyas Tom Mboya on May 13, 1959, during an African Freedom event at Atlanta University. Dr. King eloquently stated, Our stuggle is not an isolated struggle. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality. Click here to read this story titled:" Memphis, King's Death, Kennedy, Kenya, Obama, Marshall, Malcolm X, Mboya, Black Panther Movie and President Joe Biden
To honor Dr. King and speak to Black America we propose that the Kenyan President speak at Mason Temple, where Dr. Martin Luther King delivered his final address. During this event, we envision the President announcing a partnership between Memphis and Black America, launching a campaign urging Americans to support the construction of the Tom Mboya African & African/American Museum Education, Cultural, and Entertainment Center.
Even more important is "Ugali, Sukuma Wiki and Nyama Choma." We are introducing Kenya into American life style. Just as Japanese have sushi restaurants or people enjoy ethnic foods, American Americans would love Ugali (boiled Corn Meal) Sukuma Wiki (fried collard greens) and Nyama Choma (barbeque meat.)
Additionally, we seek the Kenya Presidents endorsement of Elmores Safari Initiative, which positions Memphis as Africas Distribution Center. Under this initiative, Kenya would produce Styled African Products tailored for the African American market. As Memphis holds the distinction of being the most populated "Black City" in America. Memphis has an African name, this collaboration is significant.
Notably, Orange Mound, home to the first All African Home in America, marks the inception of The Made in Africa movement. Kenyas involvement would extend to producing home furnishings for the American market.
To kickstart these endeavors, Elmore proposes a joint news conference during his visit to Kenya. The conference would include Kenyas President, Dr. William Ruto, Kenyan leaders, and Gen Z. Such an event would signal a change in Kenya and launch a positive trajectory, countering the troubling stories currently emanating from the country.
Elmore further elaborates on the concept of making Memphis Africas Distribution Center. Currently known as Americas Distribution Center, Memphis has seen various ethnic groups gain recognition and acknowledgment through cultural celebrations. For instance, the Irish celebrate St. Patricks Day, while the Germans have Oktoberfest. Oriental cuisine and furnishings, Italian designs, Old English styles, and Japanese sushi have all thrived in America. However, African culture has not enjoyed the same prosperity.
African Americans have lost touch with their language, history, and culture, while African/Americans lack understanding and background knowledge of todays Africans. Anthony Amp Elmore, with 35 years of association with Kenya, possesses an unprecedented depth of knowledge about the country.
Elmore founded Elmore African Imports and designs African products specifically for the American market. One unique product from Kenya is the Kisii Stone (or Soapstone), crafted by the Kisii tribe. Elmore plans to modify these stone carvings for the African American market, furnishing homes, churches, and businesses across America.
Kenya also boasts a distinctive Banana Skin Product. Little-known in America is the story of the Kamba Tribe, renowned for their exceptional woodcarvings skills. Elmore aims to transform this cultural tradition into fantastic wood products for the American market.
However, Kenya finds itself in what Elmore terms a Debtors Prison. Instead of exporting products to America as China and Korea do, Kenya is borrowing without creating jobs or wealth.
Elmore has led African American groups to Kenya for over a decade. Elmore knows exactly how to develop African/American tours in Kenya. Kenya is the idea tourist destination for Black Americans. Unlike white Americans, who enjoy animal safaris almost the last thing most African/American want to experience is an animal Safari. A short look is okay but most Black Americans would enjoy the city and partying at a club. Some African/Americans would enjoy going to Church as opposed to seeing animals.
Memphis is the most populated city of African/Americans in America with a 70% Black population. Memphis Congressman Steve is the most senior democratic in the State of Tennessee. Congressman Cohen headed the Tom Mboya 60th celebration at Elmore home in Memphis and he has attended various Kenya celebrations in Memphis. Click here to hear Memphis Congressman Cohen speak about Kenya.
In 1989 Kenyan Tom Mwangi traveled to Memphis with the vision of creating a film industry in Kenya. Mwangi was over looked. Elmore experienced Kenya Ambassador who were negative to Black American Relationships.
Black Film maker Tyler Perry created a multi-billion dollar Black Film Industry in Atlanta. Kenya is missing a multi-billion industry "Forgetting about Tom Mboya" Africa's greatest hero. Elmore wants to produce the Tom Mboya Movie and shoot scenes in Kenya for his movie "Rock and Roll a Black Legacy."
We in America have a Pan African 7 Day African/American Holiday called "Kwanzaa." Whereas Kenya could join African/Americans. The 1st day of Kwanzaa is "Umoja" (Unity) The second day is Kujichagulia (Self-Determination). The third day is Ujima (collective work and Responsibility). The fourth day is "Ujamaa" (Cooperative Economics) The fifth day is Nia (Purpose) The sixth day is Kuumba (Creativity) The Seventh Day is "Imani" Faith. We want to share with Kenya "Kuumba" we united together and create jobs in both Africa and America.
In conclusion we introduce to Kenya "The Safari Card" a 21st Century a tool that brings Kenya and African/Americans unity in regard to trade, tourism, culture. Click here to learn about "The Safari Card"
Elmore is producing a documentary film on FESTAC 2024 to show America a positive Kenya.
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Source :Black Memphis History
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