The Melanin Mixer was initially brought forth in 1995 by Calvin Kennedy, Edward Jordan and Astenu Brown as an informal gathering to bring awareness to pertinent issues and to have relevant dialogue in regards to those issues relevant to our communities. This gathering was inspired through the events held at the Good Life Restaurant in Los Angeles, California.
The Good Life Restaurant was started by Efa Sade. From 1990 to 2002 this restaurant was an icon in the Los Angeles Afrikan community. Through the Good Life Restaurant Sister Efa provided heath food, health counseling and spiritual guidance. Throughout the week there were lectures, programs and events that focused on health matters, family/community restoration, Spiritual awakening, historical knowledge and contemporary issues.
The knowledge shared and gained through being a regular participant at the various weekly events held at the Good Life Restaurant lead man
y to refer to it, most appropriately, as the Good Life University. Sister Efa Sade made her transition on January 13, 2003; yet she lives on through her amazing contributions of which the Melanin Mixer is but one manifestation.
The Melanin Mixer has been reborn as a result of the Karast Maát Kwanzaa celebration held on December 30, 2006. The call was made as to how shall we instill, reinvigorate and live the principles that we celebrate during the Holy Days throughout the year. The Melanin Mixer is the answer.
Although consciousness raising and community issues remain a primary objective of the Melanin Mixer, this iteration also adds as focal points business networking and empowerment. The three original founders are now joined by several other key individuals that bring their unique skills and talents to the Melanin Mixer Leadership Council.
