Greetings, I’m Ali…

Born and Raised in Tennessee..

Memphis, to be exact. Blackhaven – that’s what we called it – a neighborhood that was ours. It had its challenges, but overall it was pleasant and we were connected. It was a loving and nurturing community. We had fun. I learned a lot. I will never give up those moments where I saw men and women handling their business, raising their kids keeping their homes and yards in good shape. We had mothers… who knew all of us. Mom, Mrs. Jones, Ms. Wallace, Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. Toler, Ms. Ashby, Mrs. East, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Dillworth, Mrs. Broughton, Ms. Braswell, and others – I give thanks. And for every Mrs. there was a Mr. To all of those fathers, wow, thank you too. I saw you – going to work, asking me how my family was doing, washing the car or cutting the yard. Great memories. I felt safe. I strive to give that same energy and love back to the community where I live and to those I serve.

I’M ON A MISSION

…to inspire the world through music, culture and the power of the book. I hope to set an example for others to learn from and realize the limitless spirit that lives within them. I strive to make a difference every day of my life by using my gifts and abilities to overcome the obstacles in front of me. In the end, I want to be the best father, brother and son, leader, drummer and librarian possible.

HOW MY DRUMMING BEGAN – READ

Join me on this journey – it will be a path of diverse experiences, internal and external growth, challenges and triumphs. I love to travel, drum, read, and see others reach their potential.

I live by a set of rules…

I learned a long time ago that life is all about setting a standard and sticking to it. Religions take their best stab at searching for those princliples and standards and that may work for some. For me, I have simply embraced seven principles to begin my journey and set me on the right path.

1. UNITY
2. SELF-DETERMINATION
3. COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY
4. COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS
5. PURPOSE
6. CREATIVITY
7. FAITH

Yes, those are the principles of Kwanzaa and they are simple, concise, comprehensible, holistic, grounding, etc. I don’t need to make things any more complicated than that. The other way of organizing my path is through the Maat philosophy:

1. Truth
2. Justice
3. Harmony
4. Balance
5. Reciprocity
6. Righteousness
7. Order

These 14 ways cross one another and make up a whole person – and that is who I strive to be.

I serve my community & the Diapsora…

contact me