Former Detroit City Councilman Kwame Kenyatta died Wednesday, his family reported. He was 63.
Kwame Kenyatta (Photo: Fox2)
Kenyatta was known as a staunch and fearless advocate for the city, and particularly for its African-American residents, the Free Press reports:
Tributes poured in across social media Wednesday night, with some remembering him as "an independent voice" on council and a dedicated Detroiter.
(Former council member, colleague and friend JoAnn) Watson said Kenyatta thrived while helping young Detroiters and students learning about their African roots.
"The political realm was just a means or a vehicle to help in his work to transform the lives of black folks and that was his legacy," Watson said.
Kenyatta was elected to City Council in 2006 and served until 2013. He also held seats on the Wayne County Commission and Detroit Public Schools board, and worked for a variety of nonprofit programs, including Operation Get Down. In his trademark kente-cloth kufi hat, he advocated for African-centered education for black students.
Saunteel Jenkins, a former council colleague, told The Detroit News of her respect for Kenyatta:
“He was a formidable opponent at the table when you were on opposite sides of the issue,” said Jenkins, who is now CEO of the Heat and Warmth Fund, a Detroit-based nonprofit. “But what I always appreciated was after the debate was over at the table, then we could have a conversation as just two human beings who just loved and believed in the city of Detroit.”
Jenkins said Kenyatta also schooled others on history and culture, she said.
“He could give you a history lesson on any given day about Africa and the African-American culture,” Jenkins said. “He believed people should know and understand their history.”
A past colleague tweets Thursday:
Earlier, the mayor tweeted:Sad to hear of the passing of my former Detroit City Council colleague Kwame Kenyatta. He was unique political and activist voice that will be missed.
— Ken Cockrel Jr. (@KenCockrelJr2) May 23, 2019
From his time as a Wayne County commissioner to his service as a member of Detroit City Council, Kwame Kenyatta was a fine public servant who fought hard for what he believed in and made our city a better place.
— Mayor Mike Duggan (@MayorMikeDuggan) May 23, 2019
