CEO & Founder - BDCC
Meet the Founder
Adigun Kazemde Ajamu
Adigun Kazemde Ajamu, the visionary behind Black Dot, stands as a beacon of community activism and dedication. With a profound passion for African and Black culture, Ajamu embarked on a mission to elevate Black positive messaging through meaningful platforms. This drive birthed the Black Dot Cultural Center and Bookstore, a testament to his commitment to cultural enrichment and knowledge dissemination. Ajamu’s journey, however, extends far beyond this milestone.
The Genesis of a Vision
Originating from the vibrant streets of North Jersey, Ajamu harbored an early aspiration to effect change within his community. Initially daunted by the perceived financial barriers to making an impact, he spent two decades honing a versatile skill set in sales and marketing across the mortgage banking and automotive sectors. Parallel to his professional development, Ajamu embarked on a profound personal quest, delving into African history and socio-political issues. This exploration ignited a transformation in 1989, leading him to a path of integrating positive Black messaging into his endeavors.
Embracing Roots and Identity
Deepening his connection with his African heritage, Ajamu sought wisdom from elder Baba Mwalimu Baruti in 2012, contemplating a significant personal transformation: a name change reflecting his values and aspirations. By April 2014, with Baruti’s guidance, he embraced the name Adigun Kazemde Ajamu, symbolizing righteousness, ambassadorship, and the determination to achieve one’s desires. A naming ceremony in November 2014 further cemented his identity and leadership within the community.
Forging a New Path
In 2013, Ajamu ventured into the realm of digital media with The Urban Politician Show, partnering with producer Ronnie Burnett, Sr. This initiative marked the beginning of a prolific phase, culminating in the publication of “Think Black: The Manifesto” in 2014 and the launch of Ajamu, Inc., alongside its legacy t-shirt line, Ajamu Designs. The “Think Black…It’s Okay” collection rapidly gained traction, echoing Ajamu’s message nationwide.
Despite these achievements, Ajamu’s ambition soared higher. He envisioned a unifying platform for his people, leading to the creation of the Black Dot brand. Symbolizing the essence of Blackness, the Black Dot serves as a conduit to ancestral wisdom and collective consciousness. The Black Dot Cultural Center and Bookstore emerged as a sanctuary for community engagement, learning, and cultural celebration.
Dedication to Community Service
Ajamu’s commitment to uplifting the Black community is unwavering. Black Dot stands as a haven for self-expression and enlightenment, offering resources that resonate with the spirit, history, and psychological well-being of its patrons. Beyond expanding a brand, Ajamu extends his legacy through every facet of Black Dot.
Living in Lithonia, Georgia, Adigun Kazemde Ajamu is a pillar of devotion to both his family and community, affectionately hailed as Baba Kaz. Married to his beloved Robin for over two decades, he is a father to three daughters, a grandfather to six, and a great-grandfather to two. Adding to his multifaceted contributions, Baba Kaz has founded Pages to Profit Publishing, expanding his influence into the literary world. Through his nonprofit, the Black Dot Cultural Center & Leadership Academy, and engaging public talks, he advocates for education, respect among generations, and active involvement within the Black community. Baba Kaz’s relentless support for Black enterprises and his promotion of the Think Black ethos reflect a life committed to fostering empowerment and cohesion.