Tommy Jones is the author of “NuBiAh: Land of African Kings and Queens” and the director of the play of the same title. Born and raised in south central Los Angeles, he grew up facing intense inner city challenges. As a young adult, he was determined to rise above his circumstances and become a man of character and substance. His first step was to matriculate into Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was empowered to learn about his great ancestry. He then attended California State University, Chico, and earned three college degrees; one Bachelor’s of Science degree in business administration/ management with a minor in human resources management along with two Bachelor of Arts degrees - one in music and the other in sociology. After working several years as an advertising account executive (at the first and only full time Gospel music radio station in northern California) Gospel 1190AM, “KDYA” Tommy returned to college to earn his Master of Business Administration with emphasis in marketing. After college, he settled in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles and set about building his career as a Marketing Specialist in radio broadcasting and print media.
Jones decided to write “NuBiAh” in response to the homogeneity of television programming during Black History month. Most of the shows centered on African Americans’ struggles during the slave-trade period. While these stories are an essential part of black history, he knew of the untold stories and events that took place prior to this time. He yearned to write about eras when his ancestors were powerful and their nations flourished rather than focusing on times of oppression.
After conducting considerable research, he wrote “NuBiAh,” with the intention of empowering and motivating inner city children whose life circumstances impede their ability for them to acquire a solid education. He designed the book as a quick self-help guide for young Black males. “NuBiAh helps them to re-work their psychology of self-value, unity, pride and love for fellow man” says Jones. It begins with basic fundamentals core values, principles and solid ethics. Concerned for the youth growing up in challenged urban environments, Jones felt honored to share proven teachings beyond his own family circle. Following the book’s publication, Jones worked on a musical stage production, which would dramatize the stories and provide entertainment for the whole family.
Currently Jones is devoting spare time toward his vision of bringing “NuBiAh” to schools and stages in inner cities across America. Pure instrumental versions of the NuBiAh stage play musical soundtrack (also based on the book) are available online for school drama therapy departments who wish to present NuBiAh fundraisers (to be coordinated in association with one or two undergraduate chapters of organizations within the Divine Nine). Get more info on the NuBiAh project at www.nubiah.org
Read more...