Reclaiming The Village

Amon Rashidi, host of The Griot Nation Radio Show, is a nationally and internationally recognized spoken word artist, dynamic speaker, and community organizer with a history of activism and social intervention spanning over 25 years. He is recognized as one of the top experts in the field of gang prevention/ intervention and alternative solutions for empowering youth. Mr. Rashidi has amassed a Who’s Who list of clientele including: the Department of Defense, Harvard University Graduate School of Education, Boys and Girls Club of America, Youth Build USA, Port of Spain Bureau of Prisons, to name a few. Amon Rashidi is a pioneer in the social services industry having developed a ground-breaking community-based social intervention program to address the pertinent issues effecting children and families across America, as well as the Rashidi Group Institute - a national training, research, and development organization designed to address the critical issues faced by today’s youth and educators.

This Renaissance Man is a Billboard-charted spoken word artist who’s love of music, education and community has lead him to media appearances on CNN, CBS 48 Hours, Listening to America with Bill Moyers, Nile Rodgers Public Enemy movie soundtrack, PBS Specials with Maya Angelou, and as the recipient of the 2003 Essence Award for community activism and innovative approaches to youth engagement. Amon Rashidi’s debut spoken-word project, Speak First Born Sun, is an original and dynamic fusion of R&B, Hip Hop, Jazz and Southern Blues. This insightful and culturally conscious project touches all generations and gives direction and purpose to the musical meaning of original soul music.