Harambee was anAfrican American newspaper published in the 1960s by the Los Angeles Black Congress, an umbrella organization for diverse groups which included theCongress of Racial Equality (CORE), the Freedom Draft Movement, theAfro-American Association, theNational Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP),Ron Karenga'sUS Organization, John Floyd's Black Panther Political Party, and others.[1] It was instrumental in publicizing theBlack Panther idea and symbol inLos Angeles. It was originally created in August 1966 byMaulana Karenga (formerly known as Ron Karenga), for the organization US. Karenga then donated the publication to the Black Congress. Its first issue commemorated the anniversary of the 1965Watts Rebellion.[2] ActivistElaine Brown was a reporter for the newspaper. Editors included Ron Karenga and John Floyd.[3] The name Harambee isSwahili for "Let's Pull Together."[4][5][6]
By April 1969, the newspaper had returned to its roots as an exclusive publication of Karenga'sUS organization.[7] Among Karenga included Tommy Jacquette-Mfikiri, Karl Key-Hekima, Ken Seaton-Msemaji, Samuel Carr-Damu, Sanamu Nyeusi and Brenda Haiba Karenga were among the newly founding members with widely known figureMalcolm X.[8]
Harambee newspapers formally created a clear and politically rooted objective. It developed a new perspective on Black unity, cultural nationalism, and community wide determination with the rise of theCivil Rights andBlack power movement. Also featured commentary regarding racism, police brutality, and problems within the education system. Offering ways to critique, find solutions and publicized programs and rallies stemming from Black empowerment. It challenged the negative portrayal of African Americans on mainstream media, presenting a space for authentic Black thought and expression.
Harmbee newspaper issues also included covered topics to educate communities about post-present tense problems such as African and African American History, Community Organizing, Real Time Events such as theWatts Rebellion. Primarily using African American heard voices helped to inform communities that were often ignored or unheard in a white owned media.
Harambee promoted ideas such asKawaida and cultural events likeKwanzaa, whichMaulana Karenga also founded. While not many physical or digital copies of Harambee have survived, its influence was significant in shaping Black cultural consciousness in Southern California. Some physical copies could be attained in such locations as theUCLA Library Special Collections,Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) and the Freedom Archives.[citation needed]
