By Voice & Viewpoint Staff, courtesy of The Tambuzi Family
Robert Cunningham Tambuzi was remembered by family and friends throughout last weekend, honoring the long-time community advocate with words of praise and condolences. Mr. Tambuzi lived a long, meaningful, and service-oriented life and changed for the better countless lives, conditions and capacities to expand the realm of justice and good in the world.
Mr. Tambuzi was born August 10, 1953, in Cairo, Illinois to James Henry Cunningham of Mississippi and Jimmie Lee Thomas of Illinois. He was the eldest son out of seven siblings. His family moved to San Diego in 1956, where Tambuzi attended Lincoln High School, graduating in 1971. He attended San Diego City College and University of California of San Diego, majoring in Journalism, Communication and Sociology.
He first married Ceca Morris in 1972. His second marriage was to Aminisha Patricia Morris in 1984. Tambuzi was the father of six children. His first child was Garland. His first marriage produced three children, Akida, Chache and Makini. His second marriage produced two children, Sanaa and Jeledi.
Tambuzi studied Kawaida philosophy, developed by Dr. Maulana Karenga. Using Kawaida as a foundation for his work in and for the Black community, Tambuzi leaves an impressive legacy of service.
Tambuzi taught Political Science at Morse High, Clairemont High, and Madison High, and was an instructor at the Limbiko Tembo School of African American Culture (Us). Additionally, he served as Executive Director of the United African American Ministerial Action Council, and as Executive Director of the Harambee House. Finally, Tambuzi, as a representative of Us, was chair of the Local Organizing Committee for the Million Man March.
He made his transition and ascension, June 16, 2022, in San Diego, California, after a long battle with cancer.
He is survived by his wife, Aminisha Patricia Cunningham Tambuzi; his mother, Ms. Jimmie Lee; his siblings, Garry, James (Damu), Joyce, Gregg, Keith, Le Dante; his children, Garland, Makini, Chache, Sanaa, Jeledi; his grandchildren, Akida Damani, Ebieri, Ayanna, Chache, Nailah, Imani, Hasani, Nia and Jeledi Martin; and a host of other relatives and friends. He is also survived by members of his social family, the advocates, supporters and sustainers of Us and the African American Cultural Center (Us), two organizations to which he dedicated his life in service to his people.
