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Kendesi Mohammed’s Biography
Kendesi Mohammed: A Legacy of Resilience and Vision
Kendesi Mohammed: A Legacy of Resilience and Vision
Kendesi Mohammed is a Writer, interviewer, commentator, author, and artist. He was born in Buxton, Guyana, a historic village on the northern coast of South America.
Buxton carries a powerful legacy. Founded in 1840 by freed Afro-Guyanese who purchased the former Plantation New Orange Nassau, it was named after Sir Fowell Buxton. Its sister village, Friendship, was established a year later after the purchase of Plantation Friendship. These two communities eventually merged to form Buxton-Friendship, often simply called Buxton.
The roots of Buxton are tied to liberation, ownership, and community unity. Approximately 128–132 formerly enslaved people from Annandale collectively purchased the 580-acre plantation for 50,000 dollars. Soon after, 168 freed people bought the 700-acre Friendship plantation for 80,000 dollars. Buxton, Friendship, Victoria, and neighboring villages were all purchased in the spirit of empowerment and self-determination after emancipation in 1838. These communities stand today as symbols of resilience, collective strength, and the determination of Afro-Guyanese people to build a future they owned.
On my father’s side, my roots run deep into Annandale, where his parents and generations before them built lives grounded in discipline, purpose, and entrepreneurship. On my mother’s side, my bloodline flows from Buxton, a village born from courage, sacrifice, and the determination of freed Afro-Guyanese who refused to let history define their future.
I was raised between these two legacies, Annandale and Buxton, two communities that taught me what it truly means to build something from nothing. I didn’t just grow up hearing stories about farming, saving, and business ownership. I lived it. I watched my elders turn soil into food, ideas into income, and families into empires. In Guyana, being resourceful was survival. We grew our own food, started our own businesses, and employed our family members to keep wealth circulating in the community. Those lessons shaped me. They taught me leadership, discipline, and the art of turning vision into reality. That same fire drives everything I do today, from journalism and commentary to art and business. I carry Annandale and Buxton with me everywhere I go, and their legacy fuels my ambition to uplift others and lead with purpose.
Act I: A Leap to America
In 1991, my family made the courageous decision to leave Guyana for the United States in pursuit of a better life. This move marked the beginning of my journey for opportunity and success.
Act II: Triumph Over Adversity
My journey was never easy. From the outset, I faced learning disabilities, which teachers noticed early on. But I refused to let these challenges define me. With determination and resourcefulness, I achieved milestones including homeownership, car ownership, and building a thriving small business, despite struggles with reading, writing, and spelling. My story proves that ambition and tenacity are as vital as formal education.
Act III: The Emergence of a Vision
My story took a transformative turn when I ventured into entertainment and promotion. Inspired by literary legends like Langston Hughes and Maya Angelou, and hip-hop icons such as 2Pac and Biggie Smalls, I discovered my passion. I founded Party TV Guyana, a television show that became a beacon for promoting events, nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. My reputation grew as I covered events not only in Guyana but in major U.S. cities like Washington DC, Baltimore, and New York City.
Act IV: Empowering the Creative Community
My journey was never solely about personal success. I am on a mission to create the largest global talent and creative community. My vision includes a non-profit offering free resources such as recording studios, photography studios, and performance centers to help artists and creatives achieve their goals, both online and offline.
Act V: A Warrior for Change
I am not just an entrepreneur. I am an activist with a compassionate heart. I advocate for the homeless, children in foster care, and individuals with developmental disabilities. Growing up in a challenging environment, witnessing resource scarcity, and overcoming personal struggles transformed me into a champion for change. I believe in the inner strength we all possess to rewrite our destinies.
Act VI: Empowering Through Infrastructure
My dedication to empowerment extended beyond personal success. I built and raised funds for the VPS Media Center in Beltsville, Maryland, a production hub housing a photography studio, internet radio, recording studio, and versatile spaces for events and classes. My commitment to providing resources for artists and creatives continues to flourish.
Act VII: A Voice for the Overtown Community in Miami
My journey took me to Miami, where I spent two transformative years advocating for the residents of Overtown. I worked to secure job opportunities from projects like the Miami World Center, creating incentive packages to elevate wages, benefits, and entrepreneurial opportunities. Together with Eduardo Prince, I fought to address a local injustice where 750 people were being arrested and fined for crossing railroad tracks. Our efforts led to media coverage and a policy change, highlighting the impact of community advocacy.
Kendesi Mohammed’s journey is a testament to resilience, ambition, and unwavering dedication. His impact extends beyond his own life, sparking positive change in communities and inspiring others to overcome adversity. His story reminds us that with determination and a heart dedicated to uplifting others, we can make a lasting and meaningful difference in the world.