Episode 35: Mzee Kadumu Moyenda

Originally aired on April 4, 2022.

As a former Rites of Passage Elder, Mzee Kadumu Moyenda talks about the importance of passing on academic excellence, cultural self-esteem and mutual respect to the younger generation.

Mzee Kadumu Moyenda was born on May 18, 1951 and grew up in New York City where he attended elementary, junior high and high school. He completed two years at Westchester Community College in Valhala, New York, after which he transferred to San Diego State University, majoring in Political Science with a minor in African/Black studies receiving his bachelor degree in 1986. 

His varied background includes working as an assistant tailor, working for an insurance company, the New York City Housing Authority, and a stint in the United States Navy stationed at North Island in San Diego, California. While attending college he worked as a school bus driver for the San Diego Unified School District. He referred to his bus as the “rolling classroom,” where he would instruct his student passengers on everything from grooming to respecting each other. This experience was a spring board to the position as an elementary school teacher with the San Diego Unified School District, where he retired in 2011. His goal as a teacher was to assist his students in reaching their potential for academic excellence, cultural self-esteem and mutual respect.

Mzee Kadumu believes in the philosophy of Carter G. Woodson, which teaches that we should properly educate ourselves and to volunteer at least one year of service to our community. His past involvement in the African (Black) American Community was commendable. He was involved in the Center for Parent Involvement in Education (C-Pie) as a facilitator Assisting parents in understanding the educational system in order to get the best for their child. As an Mzee (Elder) in the Rites of Passage Foundation for Boys and Girls in San Diego he worked with boys, aged from12-17, to meet the challenges and responsibilities of manhood. Acting in the capacity as an iridologist, he gave presentations on health care through the use of proper nutrition, healing herbs and a healthy lifestyle.

Mzee Kadumu’s ongoing goal is not only to help his community but to teach them to help themselves. Currently he is a Master Gardener, working with community gardens and private individuals to not only become   self-sustainable but to grow “quality food” for a healthier life style.

Mzee Kadumu truly believes that though some of us are in our latter season it does not mean we cannot make contributions to our community. STAY STRONG, STAY RIGHT FOCUSED.