Rising Stars: Meet Olu Jabari of Sterling Heights Michigan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olu Jabari

Hi Olu, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Olu Jabari, I started in the Martial Arts at the age of 8. I attended a community center in the city of Detroit (The Inner City Sub Center) as a child. Growing up in a community some labeled (Living in Poverty), I knew nothing about that. I just enjoyed having fun in the community. I throughout my child hood. After growing up in Detroit, and attending high school I stopped attending the program. However upon High school Graduation, and working at Pizza hut in Detroit, the Director Marvis Cofield of the same community center came into Pizza Hut with a a large group of kids. He remembered me and said “Olu we’re going to be doing somethings in the community and I need you to be a part”. I resigned a couple of weeks later, and put my trust in Mr. Cofield. I began my Martial Arts Training 4 days a week, learning Ki-Swahili, and also began to assist in teaching classes. After about 3-5 years, (Alkebu-do) THE SYSTEM IN WHICH I studied started contracting out our services. With’in a year later, we had the largest program in the Country! This was under the direction of Marvis Cofield-and we moved our program from Operation get Down, and opened up Operation Get Down Alkebu-lan Youth Center, where the Martial Arts was our primary program, but we also provided after-school programs for more than 50 DPS (Detroit Public Schools). Marvis Cofield taught myself and a few other students personally. The Alkebu-lan Center has taught more than 50,000 youn people and today the center is now called The Alkebu-lan Village and still kicking.

After 34 years, I’m still studying the Martial Arts. I own my Martial and Fitness Center in Sterling Heights Michigan. I ‘ve trained over 15, 000 young people and adults, I have promoted to the rank of Black Belt, more than 25 students, we’ve participated in over 250 Tournaments, and have collected over 3000 Trophies, including more than 25 National Champions, over 50 State Champions, and 4 Trips to represent Team U.S.A. as part of the WKC Championships. Including this year as our Team heads to Portugal October 26, 2024 for 7-10 days for competition, that will involve more than 10 countries.

In addition, I am a political consultant, helping candidates to understand , what it takes win in politics. This includes providing workshops, motivational speaking, setting up Core Teams for Candidates, and explaining the process of how to develop team concept that is inclusive throughout your campaign. The do’s and the don’ts of positive campaigning.

Finally I was appointed by the Mayor of Warren Michigan, as one of the Directors of Community Outreach, where I promote and advance positive public Policy through strategic meaningful meetings, which lead to empowering the community to not only take a stand for team work, but to become owners of their communities and active citizens that produces positive outcomes toward self sufficiency, and self determination to maintain a productive and global vibrant city.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road. Lot’s of obstacles always shows it head. From racism, to intellect, to belonging, and being in a space where African Americans are said to be welcomed, yet not really. The New Mayor of Warren has begun to assist in changing the Culture of the work place, and the thoughts of the peope we serve. Being in a position, where you are often time-The only African American in any room at any given time, you can feel the heat! I know this will take some time, and it may never happen, but I’m optimistic that God will prevail in his time. I’m committed to being a part of the solution, no mattedr what it takes. It may not happen in my life time, but I’ll be a part of the change moving forward, for all all God’s people!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am one of the Outreach Directors for the City of Warren Michigan. My responsibility is to advance and advocate for policy that is inclusive for the people in Warren we serve, while partnering with others to bridge the gap involving partnerships with other municipalities.

I am most known for being positive, no matter what the situation is, I always find the good within the lines of doubt from others.

What sets me apart from others, is I believe that telling the truth once, and you never have to tell a lie twice to make yourself sound good, or to convince yourself, that your right.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I believe I was just a normal kid, sort of a wondering child. Just Moving along as I grow. Did’nt really pay to much attention in this aspect of my life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://justkickthem.com