Njere Alghanee

Njere Alghanee
Njere Akosua Aminah Alghanee
Born June 24, 1952 (1952-06-24)
Indianapolis, IN
Died June 24, 2010 (2010-06-25) (age 58)
Atlanta, GA
Other names Mama Njere Alghanee, Sister Courage
Occupation Reparations Activist, Women's Rights Activist, WRFG 89.3FM Radio Personality
Known for Reparations Activism; Atlanta, GA's WRFG 89.3FM Radio Personality

Njere Akosua Aminah Alghanee (born Cynthia Louise Jones, June 24, 1952 - June 24, 2010) In the footsteps of Black woman activists such as Ella Baker and Queen Mother Moore walks Njere Alghanee. “Mama” Njere, as she is recognized within her community, may be known for her work through the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America (N’COBRA). However, she has broad and deep roots in many communities and has touched many lives. She will forever be remembered through the sound of her eternal chant: “Reparations NOW!”

Contents

Njere’s Life

Birth & Childhood

Njere’s name at birth was Cynthia Louise Jones. She was born to Agnes Lewis Taylor and June Jones on June 24, 1952. While being raised in Indianapolis, IN, Njere attended Indianapolis Public Schools #44 as well as Crispus Attucks High School.[1] Njere got involved in the Black Liberation Movement early in her life beginning a nearly 48 year struggle to transform African Americans.

Education

Njere received a higher education at Wayne State University where she attained a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts with a focus on Mass Communications. While at Wayne State, Njere also acquired an Associate of Arts in Early Childhood Education.[2] Moving in this direction, one can surmise that Njere had a desire to reach the minds of the youth. This would be confirmed in later years when she assisted a youth radio program while herself working at WRFG 89.3FM in Atlanta, GA.

Njere’s Work

Activist Work

“For countless years, Njere Alghanee dedicated her life to Afrikan people”. In doing this, she has worked within and with many organizations. Njere was a citizen of the Republic of New Afrika, and the Female Co-Chair of N’COBRA, an African American organization dedicated to winning reparations for African Americans – the descendants of Africans who were enslaved early in American history.

Professional Work

Njere’s belief in the redemption of African Americans carried over to her professional life. In her career, she chose roles which allowed her to have a direct impact on African American women specifically and African Americans in general. A few of these positions include: Assistant Director, Georgia Citizen’s Coalition on Hunger; Executive Director, Georgia Advocates for Battered Women and Children; Southern Region Coordinator, Million Woman March.

Spiritual Work

Not only did Njere draw a connection between her social responsibilities and her career path. These connections actually rested upon a foundation of Rastafari. It was not secret that Njere was a devout Rasta Woman and she also demonstrated this through her life. Not only was she a “dedicated member of the Rasta Women’s Organization” but she also worked closely with Empress of Zion – another organization dedicated to the women of Rastafari. She held a position as Co-president in 2006 with Empress of Zion, Inc. and Co-chaired the organization's annual event, The Empress Menen Conference. It was held in Atlanta at the historic Spelman College in the Cosby Center. Historically no Rastafari event had ever been held in the Cosby center until that date. She, along with "Able" Mabel Thomas ratified that the state of Georgia contstitute March 25, 2006 as Empress Menen Day. You may find the proclamation in the book Empress of Zion: She Hands Us Her Rule Book from the Poles of Supreme Authority, available at their website, www.empressofzion.com.

The Friday Night Drum

Finally, the entire city of Atlanta mourns the silencing of Njere’s voice via WRFG radio. If, while in Atlanta, one has ever tuned their radio to 89.3FM from 6:00pm to 7:00pm, they would have heard the voice of “Sister Courage” (the name by which Njere was affectionately known over the air waves) broadcasting the Friday Night Drum live. Sister Courage always provided news and opinions from with the Black Liberation Movement and may even come to define an era in Atlanta Talk Radio. Drawing upon her studies in Mass Communications and Early Childhood Education, Njere would inspire her son, Biko Alghanee; to start a youth oriented radio show reaching out to the young people of Atlanta seeking positive news, music, and entertainment.

Celebrating the Life of Njere Alghanee

On the evening of June 24, 2010, Njere had just returned from the U. S. Social forum which had been held in Detroit, MI. Her son, Biko, had received her from the airport and they were on the way home. This day, June 24, was her 58th birthday. Yet Njere only had intentions to be in New Orleans, LA for the annual N’COBRA conference. Unfortunately, Njere would not make it to New Orleans. While on the interstate, the car she was riding in lost power and was hit from behind by an eighteen wheel truck. In this moment, a power Warrior Queen was taken from among the Black Liberation Movement – in Atlanta and the world. She lived to be 58, and shall continue to live in the memory of her husband, six children, and three grandchildren. Njere Alghanee – Sister Courage – shall be remembered for her timeless words: “Queen Mother Moore told us don’t weary and don’t error”.

References

  1. ^ Obituary - Njere Akosua Aminah Alghanee, (Atlanta, GA: 2010).
  2. ^ Dianne Mathiowetz, "Celebrating the life of a Warrior Queen", Workers.org http://www.workers.org/2010/us/warrior_queen_0805/; Assata Shakur Forums, "Njeri Alghanee, President of N'Cobra, Joins Ancestors", TheTalkingDrum.org http://www.assatashakur.org/forum/afrikan-world-news/42498-njeri-alganee-president-ncobra-joins-ancestors.html; "In Memory of Mama Njere", http://www.mamanjere.com/index.html.

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