Odimumba Kwamdela facts for kids

Odimumba Kwamdela, born J. Ashton Brathwaite (September 11, 1942 – January 16, 2019), was a writer from Barbados. He published 14 books during his life. These books included different types of writing like stories (fiction), factual books (non-fiction), and poetry. He also created three spoken word albums, which are like poems or stories performed with music.

Early Life and Travels

Odimumba Kwamdela was born in a place called Penny Hole in Barbados. When he was a teenager in 1960, he moved from his home country to London, England.

Joining the British Army

After moving to London, he joined the British Army. He served as a soldier in the Middle East for some time. This experience later inspired one of his books.

Life in Canada

After his time in the army, Odimumba Kwamdela left London. He moved to Ontario, Canada. In Canada, he started working as a freelance writer for newspapers in Toronto.

He then became the founder and editor of Spear Magazine. This magazine was known as the first magazine for Black communities published in Canada. He had big dreams for Spear, hoping it would become a very important magazine.

Moving to New York City

Eventually, Odimumba Kwamdela felt that Spear Magazine had limits. He thought Canada's Black population was too small for his big plans. So, he decided to move to New York City in the United States.

In New York, during the mid-1970s, he changed his name. He adopted the name Odimumba Kwamdela, which replaced his birth name, J. Ashton Brathwaite. This was a time known as the Black Arts Movement, which celebrated Black culture and art.

Teaching in New York

Kwamdela also worked as a high school teacher in New York City. He taught subjects like writing and graphic arts. He taught in some very challenging schools, including one for young people who had gotten into trouble. He later wrote a book about his experiences as a teacher.

Notable Books and Works

Odimumba Kwamdela wrote many books throughout his career. His works covered different themes and styles. Here are some of his important books:

• Black British Soldier (1969)
• Soul in the Wilderness (1970)
• Bitter Soul (1970)
• The Grassroots Philosopher (1970)
• The Righteous Blackman (1972)
• Raining Ruins and Rockstones (1981)
• Blood-Boiling Black Blues (1983)
• Back to Penny Hole Forever (1997)
• Mighty Sparrow, Calypso King of the World (2006)
• Deception + Resentment + Racial Hatred + Anti-poor = POLITICS (PARTICULARLY In AMERICA) (2018)