Kuumba Family

Sharon Cynthia Ellawesia Leonard Goodman,

Sunrise 30 April 1953-Sunset 30 January 2005, was the founder and producer of The Annual Locks Conference, a poet, publisher, and entrepreneur. Graduating from Temple University with a BA in journalism, Sister Sharon worked several years as a reporter and managed her own company. The Niambi Doll Collection, which designs, manufactures, and distributes, one-of-a-kind, African-centered dolls. She was the author of seven books of poetry and the CEO of In The Tradition Press.

Sharon planned her celebration of life, and her family and friends followed her plan to the letter. The celebration held on Saturday, February 12, 2005, at the Harambee Institute Charter School in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was a beautiful remembrance of Sharon's life and the many people she touched. Her celebration of life was rhythmic, full of drumming, dancing, love, good vibrations, an exceptional and creative slide presentation, delicious food in a room overflowing with family, friends and co-workers.

The Kuumba family will keep its promise to continue the tradition of the Locks Conference. With your loyal support we will go on to build more beautiful memories.

MaMa Akosua Ali-Sabree

joined the Kuumba Family in 1998, after having been a supporter, advertiser and presenter since the inception of the conference. She functioned as the operations manager for the Locks Conference for many years. Now she is the innovative program director, dedicated to continuing the glorious tradition of the Annual International Locks Conference, and considers it an honor, duty, and pleasure to continue the exceptional programming offered at the Locks Conference.

In addition to being the executive director of the Amadi Wellness Connection www.BeWellRelax.com and founder of the Amadi Universal Light Mission (AULM), Dr. Ali-Sabree, often referred to as MaMa Akosua, has been a wholistic health and wellness practitioner for over 44 years. Her areas of proficiency are wholistic hypnotherapy, transformational and spiritual counseling, soulful meditation, Neuro-linguistic psychotherapy, network marketing training, writing, and program development. She revels in her capacities as wife, mother, active grandmother, CEO, mentor, professional registered nurse, stress management trainer, registered behavior therapist certified childbirth educator, Naturopathy student, intuitive writer, and an urban generalist.

She is also a graduate of Lincoln University with a Master of Human Services/Counselling, ordained minister with a doctorate in divinity, and presently a naturopahty student. Dr. Ali-Sabree is also the co-founder of Ujima Press Real Communication {publishing company}. She co-edited the commemorative publication celebrating the tenth anniversary of the Annual International Locks Conference entitled Hair PieceZ: The Anthology, is a published author www.Emancipatingyourspirit.com and an Internet radio talk show host: “Health Is A Family Affair” on the Harambee Radio Network www.harambeeradio.com.

Sakinah Ali-Sabree,

a radio show host and producer, a very talented writer, life skills counselor, astute conference and workshop facilitator, budding Locktician, and founder of the germinating Sankofa Fine Arts & Recreation Center, is an honors graduate of Lincoln University and Hampton University. With a bachelor of arts in psychology and a master of arts in counselling, she is certified as a guidance counselor and behavior therapist. As a published author her books include We Surrender: A Collection of Inspirational Poems and Lyrical Verses and contributions to Hair PieceZ: The Anthology.

In addition, Sakinah Ali-Sabree is the executive director of Sankofa Consulting Group {SCG}. She facilitates various groups for young people in areas such as anger management, grief, and communications, and she serves as the astute Operations Manager and the energetic coordinator of Know Thy Self Youth Day for the Annual International Locks Conference: Natural Hair, Wholistic Health & Beauty Expo. Sakinah is also co-owner of SweetSpot Dessertz which can be reached at www.sweespotdessertz.com or 267-259-8400

Otu Kwaku, MAT, is an educator, director and founder of Hippos, Books & Things, and a seasoned poet from West Virginia who believes that optimum health and wellness--spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical--are the ground works of effective learning, self-healing, and personal happiness. Since 2000 he has graciously joined the Kuumba Family to help organize the Locks Conference. He is also co-founder of Ujima Press Real Communication www.Ujimapressrc.com He is also the founder of Liberated Mindz Publishers www.liberatedmindZ.com

Salim Ali, is an author, graphic artist, lecturer, and founder and director of the Strawberry Mansion Tennis Association, Ali Research Institute and Human Development, and The Money School.info. He is also a long time conference participant and workshop presenter who is now one of the creative members of the Logistics and mobilization team. For more information check out his website at www.Strawberrymta.org

Brendah Eady - a loyal volunteer and often requested presenter who is also a hair healer, founder of Brendah's Braids, mentor artist, sculptress, writer, author, founder and CEO of Be Un-Cluttered

Sakinah Ali.Sabree

Mama Akosua Ali.Sabree

Tamika Coleman-Ali is mother to Jamir, daughter, and sister friend to many. She is a devoted member of the Kuumba Family serving as the volunteer co-coordinator. Sista Meek (as she is lovingly called) is involved in various community based organizations including National Kidney Foundation, Amadi Wellness Connection, and Friends of Impeccable Taste Flower & Gift Shop. Sista Meek is also the executive director of her own event planning business: Memorable Events.

Queen Samiyah Mu-El is co-owner of Nubian Essence, a home-based business that sells culturally inspired jewelry and clothing. For several years she has operated a vending stand on the campus of Temple University at 13th & Montgomery. Queen Samiyah has traveled extensively throughout the country, selling her wares of culturalism to inspire and uplift fallen humanity. She is the astute vending coordinator for the Annual International Locks Conference.

Camera shy members of Kuumba family

Valarie Gant is an entrepreneur, teacher, trainer, computer analyst, and process improvement specialist. Valarie has been a volunteer for the Locks Conference for many years and joined the Kuumba family for as volunteer co-Coordinator last year. In 2005 she formed a partnership to start SaVal, the parent company of Sweet Spot Dessertz specializing in baked goods and smoothies. Valarie’s latest project deals with facilitating group sessions educating young people on the pitfalls of credit as well as making the most of all aspects of the college experience. She is a graduate of Lincoln University and Drexel University and a energetic entrepreneur.

Monzella" "Mama Dee" Allen- is the founder and executive director of Akoma Ntosoa: United Hearts Wholistic Healing Academy – www.unitedheartshealing.com After being a frequently requested facilitator at the Annual International Locks Conference: Natural Hair, Wholistic Health & Beauty Exo Mama Dee joined the Kuumba family as a pre-conference volunteer coordinator. Her background also includes being a nationally celebrated member of the Arthur Hall Dance Ensemble, a competent massage therapist, Yoruba priestess, community organizer, and committeeperson. In addition to certification as an African dance instructor and being a graduate student of Lincoln University, with a Master of Human Services Degree, Monzella D. Allen’s training and certifications also include Urban Generalist, Tui Na (Chinese massage) practitioner, wellness ambassador, and guided fasting trainer. She also possesses years of experience in group dynamics and certification in curriculum, program, and staff development. Ms. Allen, affectionately called “Mama Dee” is also the originator of Teen Healing circle

{a series of wellness and wholistic awareness workshop and has recently opened a wellness office in Philadelphia

Security Coordinators

Kariem Muhammad Sabree

Kwame Muhammad Sabree

Nana Ansa Wilson Bey

When it came to Freedom, Marcus Garvey said "History teaches us no race, no people, no nation has ever been freed through cowardice, through cringing, through bowing and scraping, but all that has been achieved to the glory of mankind, to the glory and honor of races and nations was through the manly determination and effort of those who lead and those who are led."

With this in mind the Kuumba family organizing committee is dedicated to producing and promoting its mission and the aims of the Annual International Locks Conference: Natural Hair, Wholistic Health and Beauty Expo