east washington life
Meet Your Neighbor
Shango Kwame: Independent and Free-Spirited by Anthony D. Diallo
W
ard 7’s Shango Kwame has not donned a shirt in at least 15 years. Easily recognized in Wards 7 and 8, he is the gentleman with the well-defined, bare torso, riding through the streets. Any shirt, sweater, jacket or coat, he said, hinders him on his bicycle, he said, and shirts are unnecessary in general. In the winter, Kwame mentally masters the cold. “I move a lot. Staying in motion is part of the key to my success,” said Kwame. Asked his age, he answered
Shango Kwame is shown enjoying time at Benjamin Banneker Tennis Court.
“infinity.” “I used to do push-ups and work out” to keep energized and withstand the elements. “I still do but (the need) is not as much” said Kwame. Known as ‘Baba,’ father/elder, Shango, which means the warrior willing to stand alone, Kwame is an entrepreneur, drummer, health care professional and nutritionist. However, he might best be described as a determined non-conformist. For example, he chooses to ride one of his two bikes 10 to 20 miles a day, despite both being stuck in a single gear.
Baba Shango and his son Ifasen at the latter’s African rite of passage.
Early Career
Kwame began by studying healthcare in Marietta, Georgia. Then he served as a paramedic with the District of Columbia Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Shortly around the time his son was born, he quit after being placed on suspension twice for not cutting his decade-old dreadlocks. While never regretting that decision, he later cut off his long, flowing locks in solidarity with his son. Kwame then worked at the District’s Hadley Memorial Hospital before the facility closed in 1990. He then moved to the trauma center at the University of Maryland Prince George’s Hospital Center. Ultimately, Kwame choose to shelve his hospital career to become a nutritionist and healer. Now, this holistic practitioner is building a business offering clients “healing touches or massages.” “All the things I frowned upon in the past,” Kwame says with a wry smile. “I make and sell African shea butter for the hair and skin. I sell African clothing and accessories to uplift black people and help them recognize their African root culture. I also sell cultural African books based upon spirituality,” said Kwame. He plans to 32
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build a website for his products with the help of his son. Those interested can now contact him at (202) 246-4321 or shangokwame@aol.com. All of Kwame’s work reflects his spiritual orientation.
Spirituality
Shango Kwame believes that not belonging to a specific religion or denomination allows him to remain open to
