About The First Black Family Reunion in Africa
The “First Black Family Reunion in Africa” is a historic event set to take place in Kisumu, Kenya, August 1, 2026. Anthony “Amp” Elmore, with his extensive 34-year history in Kenya, suggested that Governor Nyong’o host the “Tom Mboya 70th and First Black Family Reunion” in Kisumu City.
Elmore’s deep connection to Kenya dates back to the premiere of his 1988 film “The Contemporary Gladiator” in Nairobi. He believes Kisumu is the ideal location for this event, primarily due to its educational and historical significance. The reunion will focus on “Education, Enlightenment, and Entertainment,” with both Professor Nyong’o and Elmore recognizing that the primary cause of the disparity between Africans and African Americans is “mis-education.” Many African Americans still perceive Africa as a jungle and a backward place, a misconception this event aims to dismantle.
Elmore draws a parallel between Kisumu, Kenya, and Orange Mound, Memphis, highlighting the importance of this event in connecting these two communities. The reunion will honor the legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Kenya’s Tom Mboya. Elmore, a five-time world kickboxing champion and Memphis’s first 35mm theatrical filmmaker, wrote, produced, and directed the first kickboxing film in world history titled "The Contemorary Gladiator.". His connections to both Dr. King and Tom Mboya, along with his role as a community activist and historian, make him a pivotal figure in this cultural diplomacy effort.
The “Tom Mboya 70th and 1st Black Family Reunion in Africa” aims to unite Africans and African Americans through a cultural event designed to educate, enlighten, and entertain. Elmore is leveraging modern technology and his promotional skills to ensure the success of this historic event. This reunion is not only a celebration of shared heritage but also a groundbreaking effort to build bridges and foster understanding between the two communities. Elmore’s deep knowledge of Kenya and his understanding of what is important to African Americans are crucial in designing the infrastructure for this event, making it a landmark occasion in the history of African and African American relations.
Elmore’s deep connection to Kenya dates back to the premiere of his 1988 film “The Contemporary Gladiator” in Nairobi. He believes Kisumu is the ideal location for this event, primarily due to its educational and historical significance. The reunion will focus on “Education, Enlightenment, and Entertainment,” with both Professor Nyong’o and Elmore recognizing that the primary cause of the disparity between Africans and African Americans is “mis-education.” Many African Americans still perceive Africa as a jungle and a backward place, a misconception this event aims to dismantle.
Elmore draws a parallel between Kisumu, Kenya, and Orange Mound, Memphis, highlighting the importance of this event in connecting these two communities. The reunion will honor the legacies of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Kenya’s Tom Mboya. Elmore, a five-time world kickboxing champion and Memphis’s first 35mm theatrical filmmaker, wrote, produced, and directed the first kickboxing film in world history titled "The Contemorary Gladiator.". His connections to both Dr. King and Tom Mboya, along with his role as a community activist and historian, make him a pivotal figure in this cultural diplomacy effort.
The “Tom Mboya 70th and 1st Black Family Reunion in Africa” aims to unite Africans and African Americans through a cultural event designed to educate, enlighten, and entertain. Elmore is leveraging modern technology and his promotional skills to ensure the success of this historic event. This reunion is not only a celebration of shared heritage but also a groundbreaking effort to build bridges and foster understanding between the two communities. Elmore’s deep knowledge of Kenya and his understanding of what is important to African Americans are crucial in designing the infrastructure for this event, making it a landmark occasion in the history of African and African American relations.
The Tom Mboya 70th & First African/American Family Reunion to take place in Kisumu Kenya in August of 2026 derived from discussions between Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang' Nyong'o and Anthony "Amp" Elmore. Governor Nyong'o invited Elmore to attend FESTAC the Black and African Festival that took place in Kisumu Kenya from August 25th 2024 to September 1, 2024. Click here to read the entire June 12, 2024 letter to Anthony "Amp" Elmore or just read the paragraph below.
The 1st Black Family Reunion in Africa, set to take place in Kisumu, Kenya, is a landmark event with profound historical, cultural, and entertainment significance. This reunion symbolizes the enduring strength and resilience of African American families, who have long sought to reconnect and preserve their heritage despite the painful history of slavery that often tore families apart. By hosting this event in Africa, it serves as a powerful act of cultural diplomacy, bridging the gap between African and African American communities.
One of the most exciting aspects of this reunion is the incredible entertainment that Kenya offers. Kenya boasts more wildlife than any other place in the world, providing unparalleled opportunities for safari adventures. The beautiful white sand beaches of Mombasa are perfect for relaxation and water sports. Kenya’s vibrant entertainment scene includes everything from dining at unique restaurants like the Carnivore, where you can enjoy wild game, to experiencing live theatre, movies, and plays. For those seeking spiritual enrichment, Kenya offers a rich tapestry of religious music, preaching, and church services. Additionally, Kenya’s nightlife is diverse, featuring casinos, fashion shows, and a wide range of music genres, including blues, jazz, soul, rock and roll, and disco.
What makes the 1st Black Family Reunion in Kisumu, Kenya, particularly unique is the involvement of Governor Nyong’o, also known as Professor Nyong’o. His participation underscores the event’s connection to education, as he holds a doctorate in political science from the University of Chicago. Anthony “Amp” Elmore’s efforts to connect the event to African cultural diplomacy are also noteworthy. In 2016, Elmore, along with Memphis Congressman Steve Cohen, celebrated the Tom Mboya 60th anniversary in Orange Mound, and they have now invited Governor Nyong’o to celebrate the Tom Mboya 70th anniversary in Kisumu, Kenya.
This reunion not only celebrates African heritage and the contributions of African Americans but also honors the legacies of influential figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Kenya’s Tom Mboya. It provides a unique opportunity for education and enlightenment about African history and culture, fostering a deeper understanding and unity among participants. Ultimately, this reunion aims to strengthen the bonds between Africans and African Americans, creating a sense of community and shared identity that transcends geographical boundaries.
One of the most exciting aspects of this reunion is the incredible entertainment that Kenya offers. Kenya boasts more wildlife than any other place in the world, providing unparalleled opportunities for safari adventures. The beautiful white sand beaches of Mombasa are perfect for relaxation and water sports. Kenya’s vibrant entertainment scene includes everything from dining at unique restaurants like the Carnivore, where you can enjoy wild game, to experiencing live theatre, movies, and plays. For those seeking spiritual enrichment, Kenya offers a rich tapestry of religious music, preaching, and church services. Additionally, Kenya’s nightlife is diverse, featuring casinos, fashion shows, and a wide range of music genres, including blues, jazz, soul, rock and roll, and disco.
What makes the 1st Black Family Reunion in Kisumu, Kenya, particularly unique is the involvement of Governor Nyong’o, also known as Professor Nyong’o. His participation underscores the event’s connection to education, as he holds a doctorate in political science from the University of Chicago. Anthony “Amp” Elmore’s efforts to connect the event to African cultural diplomacy are also noteworthy. In 2016, Elmore, along with Memphis Congressman Steve Cohen, celebrated the Tom Mboya 60th anniversary in Orange Mound, and they have now invited Governor Nyong’o to celebrate the Tom Mboya 70th anniversary in Kisumu, Kenya.
This reunion not only celebrates African heritage and the contributions of African Americans but also honors the legacies of influential figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Kenya’s Tom Mboya. It provides a unique opportunity for education and enlightenment about African history and culture, fostering a deeper understanding and unity among participants. Ultimately, this reunion aims to strengthen the bonds between Africans and African Americans, creating a sense of community and shared identity that transcends geographical boundaries.