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| PETE O'NEAL SURROUNDED BY LEADERS OF TOMORROW |
May I suggest making a donation to the United African Alliance Community Center at http://uaacc.habari.co.tz/. This is a wonderful organization founded and operated by former Kansas City Black Panther leader Pete O'Neal and Charlotte O'Neal in Tanzania where they have been in exile for over forty years. I guarantee you your money could not be put to better use.
The first piece below is about ten years old, I think, and is from the Liberator Magazine.
United African Alliance Community Center: An African Renaissance
{liberatormagazine.com exclusive feature}
Justin Dunnavant is a member of the Kwame Ture Society (KTS), a student organization founded to further the development, dissemination of knowledge, and the advancement of the Africana studies discipline. Members of KTS will be regularly contributing to The Liberator.
The Black Panther Party is said to have deteriorated nearly three decades ago however some of its original members continue to operate thousands of miles across the Atlantic. This summer a handful of Howard students had the opportunity to travel to Arusha, Tanzania for a three-week intensive Kiswahili language course. Between the 8-hour lectures and weekend Safaris the students managed to set aside time to pay homage to political activists and former members of the Black Panther Party, Mzee Pete O’Neal and Mama Charlotte O’Neal. Their compelling story serves as a testimony of the continued international legacy of the Black Panther Party.
In the fall of 1969 Pete O’Neal, the chairman and a founding member of the Kansas City chapter of the Black Panther Party, was arrested and charged with transporting a shotgun across state lines without a license. After repeated verbal threats from local police it became clear that a prison sentence would result in certain death.
O’Neal was tried and sentenced to four years in prison. While out on bail, armed with little more than the ideology of the Black Panther Party, Mzee O’Neal and his wife, Mama Charlotte O’Neal, fled to Algeria with their two children where they remained for two years before relocating to Tanzania in 1972, once a hotbed for Pan-African activity. During their time in Tanzania, they became actively involved in community development and in 1991 officially transformed their home into the United African Alliance Community Center.
Today the organization serves a community of more than 200 people. The single room dwelling that once served as their home has since been turned into a recording studio for local artists. In addition, the UAACC houses a dining hall, dormitory, classrooms, art studio, and computer lab where various English, art, and computer classes are taught all free of charge.
Aside from its various cultural and community events, the Center completed a major community water project, providing a continuous supply of fresh water to the surrounding community. The Center also facilitates student exchanges between Tanzanian and American university and high school students.
When asked about his and Mama Charlotte’s work in Tanzania Mzee O’Neal stated, "It's 100% a continuation of the work we were doing as members of the Black Panther Party without the politics - I never hesitate to tell people that. I am very proud of that history . . . We have taken it to another level by providing opportunities for education and enlightenment here in this setting. But it's the same spirit."
For the Howard University students, witnessing the impact of the O’Neal’s work in Arusha demonstrated the continued relevance of the Black Panther Party. One student noted, “It showed me you don’t need to be a high ranking USAID official or UN aid worker to make a difference. All you need is a solid ideological foundation rooted in the development of the community."
Almost 31 years later, Mzee O’Neal, still considered a U.S. fugitive, is unable to travel back to the United States. He continues to maintain his innocence and work with lawyers in hopes of being granted a repeal.
For more information on the United African Alliance Community Center and ways you can make a contribution visit the website at www.uaacc.habari.co.tz
This is from this year and is from Leaders of Tomorrow Children's Home.
Images and History
The Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home is an important part of the United African Alliance Community Center in Imbaseni Village between Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. It was started in 1991 by Pete O’Neal and Charlotte Hill O’Neal of the Kansas City, MO chapter of the Black Panther Party. From the ground up, it has grown into a thriving free school for community members, and a flourishing arts and politically conscious community for the children, students, volunteers, and visiting school groups.
A view of United African Alliance Community Center from the road with English and art classrooms in back.
“Imbaseni Village Water Project, a partnership effort by The Kuji Foundation and the United African Alliance Community Center.” This partnership has brought a community water tap to hundreds of families in the area surrounding the UAACC.
About the Leaders
Agape Kanankira is a standard one student raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Agape was born in 2004. She is Tanzanian. Agape has no parents so she lived together with her grandmother in Arusha at a village called Ngurdoto before she came to live at the Children’s Home. When she was four years old Agape went to live with her fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. She is in standard two and she is interested in studying. She performs well in school due to the fact that she attends other classes at the Children’ Home.
Ayubu Charles was born in 2004. He lived in an extended family in Arusha at a village called Kiwawa before he went to live at the Children’s Home. His parents are both Tanzanian, they are still living together at the same village. When he was four years old Ayubu went to live with his fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. Now he is in standard two. Studying, playing football and basketball are his interests. From the time he moved to the Children’s Home, his school performance got better and this is because of opportunities like extra time to study and tuition classes in the evening.
Baraka Laizer is among the twenty three children raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Baraka was born in 2002. He lived together with his parents in Arusha at a village called Ngwanekoli before he went to live at the Children’s Home. His parents are both Tanzanian, they are still living together at the same village. He went to live with his fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home in 2008. Studying is one of his interests. From the moment he moved to the Children’s Home, his school performance got better and this is because of opportunities like extra time to study and tuition classes in the evening. The boy is so curious. He encourages young people especially boys and girls to study hard.
Cresious is a five year old boy from Imbaseni Village. We have no further
information on him at this point.
Elia Privatus is a standard three boy raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Elia Privatus was born in 2002. He lived together with his parents in Arusha at a village called Maji ya Chai before he went to live at the Children’s Home. His parents are both Tanzanian, they are still living together at the same village. When he was six years old Elia went to live with his fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. He is interested in studying and mathematics is his favorite subject. His Performance in school got better ever since she moved to the Children’s Home, and this is due to the fact that he attends tuition classes in the evening at the Children Home. Today, No matter how young he is, he encourages his fellow children especially at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children Home to study hard.
Ennead Frank is among the twenty three children raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Ennead was born in 2005. She lived together with her Uncle in Arusha at a village called Maji ya Chai before she went to live at the Children’s Home. Her parents are both Tanzanian, Unfortunately they are separated and one couldn’t provide Ennead with all the basic needs. Ennead and Perris Frank are twins. When they were three years old they went to live with their fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. Now she is in standard one, studying is one of her interest. She performs well in school because she studies hard and she attends tuition class at the Center.
Faraja Yona is a standard one student raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Faraja was born in 2005. She is Tanzanian, her father passed away so she lived together with her mother in Arusha at a village called Napoko before she went to live at the Children’s Home. When she was four years old Faraja went to live with her fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. Her mother is so thankful that the Center takes good care of Faraja. She is interested in Studying. She Performs well in school due to the fact that she attends other classes at the Children’ Home. Today, Faraja encourages young people, especially boys and girls at the Children’s Home to study hard.
Halima Omar is a standard three student raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Halima was born in 2003. She lived together with her parents in Arusha at a village called Napoko before she went to live at the Children’s Home. Her parents are both Tanzanian, they are still living together at the same village. When she was five years old Halima went to live with her fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. Studying is one of her interest. She Performs well in school due to the fact that she attend other classes at the Children’s Home. Her parents are so happy that the center provides Halima with all the basic needs. Today, Halima encourages young people, especially boys and girls at the Children’s Home to study hard. Her life example teaches us to follow our dreams, no matter how great.
Hamisi Maulid is a standard three student raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Hamisi was born in 2003. He lived together with his father in Arusha at a village called Imbaseni before he went to live at the Children’s Home. His parents are both Tanzanian, Unfortunately they are separated. When he was five years old Hamisi went to live with his fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. His father is so thankful that the Center takes good care of his son. Hamisi is interested in Studying and playing football. His Performance in school is getting better due to the fact that he attends other classes at the Children’s Home.
Happiness Joshua was born in 2003. She lived together with her parents in Arusha at a village called Ngongongare before she went to live at the Children’s Home. Her parents are both Tanzanian, they are still living together at the same village. When she was five years old Happiness went to live with her fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. Now she is in standard three, studying is one of her interest. From the moment she moved to the Children’s Home, her school performance got better and this is because of opportunities like extra time to study and tuition classes in the evening.
Hawa Ally is among the twenty three children raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Hawa was born in 2003. She lived together with her mother in Arusha at a village called Ngongongare before she went to live at the Children’s Home. Her parents are both Tanzanian, they are separated. Hawa went to live with her fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at the age of six. Now she is in standard two, studying is one of her interest. Ever since she moved to the Children’s Home, her school performance got better and this is because of opportunities like extra time to study and tuition classes in the evening.
Irene Thomas was born in 2000. She lived together with her parents in Arusha at a village called Napoko before she went to live at the Children’s Home. Her parents are both Tanzanian, they are still living together at the same village. When she was eight years old Irene went to live with her fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. Now she is in standard six, studying is one of her interest. Ever since she moved to the Children’s Home, her school performance got better and this is because of opportunities like extra time to study and tuition classes in the evening. She is the oldest of all the Children at the Center. She encourages young people especially boys and girls to study hard.
Jacqueline Kanankira is a standard three student raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Jacqueline was born in 2003. She lived together with her aunt in Arusha at a village called Ngongongare before she went to live at the Children’s Home. Her parents are both Tanzanian. When she was five years old Jacqueline went to live with her fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. Her aunt is so thankful that the Center takes good care of Jacqueline. Jacqueline is interested in Studying. Today, her Performance in school is getting better due to the fact that she attend other classes at the Children’ Home.
Joshua Emmanuel is a standard two student raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Joshua was born in 2005. He lived together in an extended family in Arusha at a village called Kiwawa before he went to live at the Children’s Home. His parents are both Tanzanian. When he was three years old Joshua went to live with his fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. His mother is so thankful that Joshua is now provided with all the basic needs. Joshua is interested in Studying. His Performance in school is getting better due to the fact that he attend other classes at the Children’ Home.
Joyce Matthew is a standard three student raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Joyce was born in 2003. She lived together with her parents in Arusha at a village called Napoko before she went to live at the Children’s Home. Her parents are both Tanzanian, they are still living together at the same village. When she was five years old Joyce went to live with her fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. Studying is one of her interest. She Performs well in school due to the fact that she attend other classes at the Children’s Home.
Mage Elias was born in 2006. Maria lived together with her grandmother and grandfather in Arusha at a village called Sangananu before she went to live at the Children’s Home. Mage and Maria Elias are twins and they are both Tanzanian, now they are living together at the center. Mage came to live at the center when she was three years old. Now she is in kindergarten. She enjoys life in the Center and her grandpa and grandma are so happy that the center takes good care of Mage and Maria.
Maria Elias is among the twenty three children raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. She was born in 2006. Maria lived together with her grandmother and grandfather in Arusha at a village called Sangananu before she went to live at the Children’s Home. Maria and Mage Elias are twins and they are both Tanzanian, now they are living together at the center. Maria came to live at the center when she was three years old. Now she is in kindergarten. She enjoys life in the Center and her grandpa and grandma are so happy that the center takes good care of Maria and Mage.
Miriam Bakari is among the twenty three children raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Miriam was born in 2005. She lived together with her grandfather in Arusha at a village called Imbaseni before she went to live at the Children’s Home. Her parents are both Tanzanian. When she was three years old Miriam went to live with her fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. She is interested in studying. From the moment she moved to the Children’s Home, her school performance got better and this is because of opportunities like extra time to study and tuition classes in the evening.
Omar Athumani is a standard two student raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Omar was born in 2004. He lived together with his mother in Arusha at a village called Maji ya Chai before he went to live at the Children’s Home. His parents are both Tanzanian. When he was four years old Omar went to live with his fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. His mother is so thankful that Omar is now provided with all the basic needs. Omar is interested in Studying. His Performance in school is getting better due to the fact that he attend other classes at the Children’ Home.
Perris Frank is among the twenty three children raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Perris was born in 2005. She lived together with her Uncle in Arusha at a village called Maji ya Chai before she went to live at the Children’s Home. Her parents are both Tanzanian, Unfortunately they are separated and one couldn’t provide Ennead with all the basic needs. Perris and Ennead Frank are twins. When they were three years old they went to live with their fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. Now she is in standard one, she is interested in studying and watching cartoons. She performs well in school because she studies hard and she attends tuition class at the Center.
Queen Sadiki is a standard three student raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Queen was born in 2003. She lived together with her parents in Arusha at a village called Napoko before she went to live at the Children’s Home. Her parents are both Tanzanian, they are still living together at the same village. When she was five years old Queen went to live with her fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. Studying is one of her interest. Today, her Performance in school is getting better due to the fact that she attend other classes at the Children’s Home.
Suleiman Mohamed is a standard two student raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Suleiman was born in 2004. He lived in an extended family in Arusha at a village called Napoko before he went to live at the Children’s Home. His parents are both Tanzanian. When he was four years old Suleiman went to live with his fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. His family is so thankful that Suleiman is now provided with all the basic needs. Suleiman is interested in studying. His performance in school is getting better due to the fact that he attend other classes at the Children’ Home.
Winnie Charles is among the twenty three children raised at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home at Imbaseni Village in Arusha Tanzania. Winnie was born in 2005. She lived together with her mother in Arusha at a village called Imbaseni before she went to live at the Children’s Home. Her parents are both Tanzanian, they are not living together at the village. When she was four years old Winnie went to live with her fellow children at the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. Now she is in standard two, she is interested in studying. From the time she came to the Children’s Home, her school performance got better and this is because of opportunities like extra time to study and tuition classes in the evening.
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