HOUSTON – Kofi Taharka has served as the National Chairman of the National Black United Front (NBUF) since 2009. NBUF is a grassroots national organization of activist, organizers and community members which has been in operation for over three decades.
Chairman Taharka was born and raised in Banneker City (Washington, D.C.). His large family instilled in him a sense of Black pride and responsibility to serve the community. He graduated from Archbishop John Carroll High School making the honor roll and serving as president of his class in 1983. He graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia in 1987. During his time at Morehouse, he was exposed to people and organizations of note in African and African in America history. Civil Rights, Black Power, Black Nationalism, Pan Africanism, Revolutionary Nationalism, African-centered history/culture were some of the ideologies being expounded in and around the Atlanta University Center. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing.
In 1987, Brother Kofi arrived in Houston after accepting a position as a Sales Representative for Kraft General Foods USA division. During his seven years in corporate America, he earned three promotions. Ultimately, he was responsible for one of the largest accounts in this region of the United States. In addition to his professional obligations, he became intensely involved in the Ta-seti African Historical Society and the National Black United Front in the early 1990’s. He served as Director of Operations for the community mental health initiative called People In Partnership. Additionally, he was Chief Operating Officer and part owner of a catering business which serviced the National School Lunch Program for a number of Charter Schools and Head Start programs in Houston.
Since the early 1990’s, Chairman Taharka has been a member of the National Black United Front (NBUF) serving in various local and national positions. His work as an activist and organizer has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally. Social justice, economic justice, humanitarian aid and African-centered history/culture have been among his focuses. He has been a sought after speaker, writer and guest talk show host locally and nationally. He has played a significant role in numerous social justice campaigns including: the thrust for reparations, the Million Man March, the Million Youth March, ending the death penalty (Shaka Sankofa/Gary Graham), freedom for Political Prisoners, saving Allen Parkway Village and Freedmenstown and against Police Brutality.
Humanitarian Aid for victims of Katrina, Rita, Allison, earthquake in Haiti and worn torn Rwanda in Africa are among the aid projects he has helped with. One of the major history/cultural efforts spearheaded by NBUF is the Sankofa: Caravan To The Ancestors, an annual weekend of activities culminating in a beach ceremony in Galveston, Texas. Taharka organized and coordinated the Operational Unity Network (OU) in Houston, Texas. OU was a consortium of grassroots organizations which came to together to work jointly on efforts to benefit African and African In America communities. Another area of focus for Kofi and NBUF has been justice for the Black community in local media outlets.
Chairman Taharka says “ I have been called to do this work, nothing I have done or will do can I claim as an individual accomplishment. Our Holy African Ancestors and Elders have laid a tremendous foundation. Family, community and organizations have helped with our contributions. Because I understand our history, I understand a tremendous price in blood, sweat and tears from those known and unknown has been paid for us to pick up this banner of our great and mighty struggle.”
Bro. Kofi will be the keynote speaker for the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development, Inc. March Networking Luncheon . To register or for more information, call 713-692-7161.
