Kwanza Jones facts for kids

Kwanza Jones is an amazing American artist, investor, and helper. She was born in Los Angeles, California. Kwanza started her singing career after winning a talent show called "Amateur Night" at the famous Apollo Theater while she was studying at Princeton University. She uses her talents and resources to help others, focusing on making people feel strong, getting good education, being fair to everyone, and helping people start their own businesses.

About Kwanza Jones

Kwanza Jones was born in Los Angeles, California, on Thanksgiving Day. When she was young, she loved music. She played the flute, violin, and piano. She also sang in school and church choirs.

Besides music, Kwanza was also a great athlete. She ran track and field all through high school and college. She even served on the D.C. State Board of Education as a student member. This means she helped make decisions about education in Washington, D.C.!

Her family has musical roots too. Kwanza's great-grandmother played piano for the famous blues singer Bessie Smith.

Her Education

Kwanza went to Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey. She studied Public and International Affairs. While at Princeton, she was very involved in music. She sang in an a cappella group, was a soloist in the gospel choir, and joined an electronica band.

A special moment happened when she met music legend Quincy Jones. This meeting made her even more interested in a music career. After graduating from Princeton, Kwanza was crowned Miss Baltimore. She also earned advanced degrees in law from Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law and Pepperdine University School of Law.

Kwanza's Music Career

Kwanza Jones began her singing journey by winning "Amateur Night" at the Apollo Theater during her college years. Her first album was inspired by her time at Princeton. She performed a lot in small places like bars back then.

After college, she traveled and wrote songs for her second album. This album included her own songs and two popular cover songs: "Light My Fire" by The Doors and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Ashford & Simpson. Later, she moved to Los Angeles to keep building her music career.

Hitting the Charts

Kwanza's song "Think Again" was her first to appear on the Billboard charts. These charts show the most popular songs in the country. "Think Again" reached No. 47 on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play Charts. It then climbed to No. 3 on the "Biggest Jump" list in December 2010. By February 2011, it peaked at No. 21!

For "Think Again – The Remixes," Kwanza worked with Grammy-nominated DJ and producer Mike Rizzo. She also collaborated with DJ Lynnwood and Jaime J Sanchez. All of Kwanza's music is released on her own record company, called Innovation Entertainment. Her most recent studio album is Supercharged, and she has released many singles since then.

Helping Others: Philanthropy

Kwanza Jones is passionate about helping people and communities. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of the Kwanza Jones & José E. Feliciano Initiative. This organization gives grants and invests in projects that make a positive difference.

She also started SUPERCHARGED by Kwanza Jones, which is a company that creates motivational media.

Important Contributions

Kwanza has served on the board of directors for big organizations. For example, she was on the board of Susan G. Komen, which is a leading breast cancer organization. She encouraged them to include more diverse leaders and programs.

In 2022, Kwanza donated $30,000 to three groups: WRRAP, PFLAG, and Girls Inc. These donations came after she released her music video "Queen Moves Only, Mother's Day Mix." The organizations' goals matched the song's message of empowerment.

In 2021, Kwanza joined the board of the famous Apollo Theater. In 2020, she gave a huge gift of $20 million to Princeton University. This money helps more students attend the university and promotes fairness and inclusion.

She also wrote an "Open Love Letter to Princeton" in 2020. This letter supported removing Woodrow Wilson's name from university buildings. In 2019, Kwanza donated $1 million to Bennett College, which was one of the largest gifts in the college's history.

After Hurricane Maria caused a humanitarian crisis in Puerto Rico in 2017, Kwanza helped with recovery efforts. She supported providing resources, relief, and rebuilding. She has also supported the United Way, which helps communities around the world.

Music Achievements

Kwanza Jones's songs have often appeared on popular music charts. Here's a look at some of her chart successes:

Kwanza's Music: Discography

Here is a list of Kwanza Jones's released music:

Tours

Kwanza Jones has also performed on several tours:

• Gladiators "Я” Vicious Tour (2013)
• Bring The Heat Tour (2012)
• Girls 4 Boys Tour (2011)