Restoring Culture, Building Futures
A Brief History
Unique Period In History
The Nairobi Movement was a unique period in the history of East Palo Alto and Belle Haven (also known as Nairobi), California. The two primary goals of that movement were to (1) gain control of the political, educational, social, and cultural institutions in the community and (2) affirm and celebrate our identity as African people. Over a two-decade period (mid-1960s to mid-1980s), there was much political and cultural activism in the community. We were a village fighting for self-determination and our cultural identity as a people.
A Moment In Time
All-Black School Board
During the Nairobi Movement, BLACK PEOPLE elected an all-Black school board in the Ravenswood City School District, created a network of independent schools from pre-k to community college and incorporated the City of East Palo Alto. BLACK PEOPLE also developed, owned, or operated the following community organizations (in alpha order):
Community Organizations
- Black Chamber of Commerce (business)
- Charles Drew Health Center (health and wellness)
- Committee of the Poor (organizing and advocacy)
- Leadership Training Academy (youth development)
- Nairobi Cultural Center (arts and culture)
- Nairobi Messengers (performing arts)
- Nairobi Shopping Center (business)
- Nairobi Secretariat (politics and education)
- Nabato Yero (football)
- Nguzo Saba Committee (public education)
- Ravenswood Little League (baseball)
- Watoto Program (juvenile probation)
- Black Male Rebirth Program (community reentry for formerly incarcerated)
- Sisters of Tomorrow (rites of passage);
- Women of Nairobi (self-development)
Annual Celebrations
BLACK PEOPLE held annual Juneteenth festivals and Kwanzaa celebrations; sponsored jazz and blues festivals; celebrated African Liberation Day; and engaged in other political and cultural events.
Honor the Legacy
East Palo Alto gained national recognition for our political activism, network of Afro-centric schools, community control of local organizations, and our status as a dynamic Black arts and culture center in the Bay Area. This is why this gathering is called Nairobi Renaissance Community Education Program…to honor the legacy of the Nairobi Movement.
Source
1 During the Nairobi Movement, the following schools were established in East Palo Alto: Nairobi Pre-School, Nairobi Day School, Nairobi High School, Gertrude Wilks Academy, Shule Ya Taifa, Shule Nyansa Sua, Shule Nika Semo Emu, Shule Mandela Academy, School of Wisdom and Knowledge College Preparator Academy and Nairobi College.