Memoirs of Ratibu Shadidi

Ratibu Shadidi is not the name my mother and father gave me at birth, but the name Ratibu Shadidi represents who I am. My parents named me differentiate me from my brothers and sisters. Although they wanted the best for me, my parents could not have imagined all the various life experiences that would eventually shape me. Not only did my environment shape me, but my character also developed by circumstances, my thoughts and by my actions. When I made stupid mistakes and trotted out into a world of despair, it was my belief system that helped me get back up, shake the dirt off, wipe the blood off, jump into a healing pool of self determination and rid myself of self doubt. I am a cultural nationalist, business man, a Sunday school teacher, a husband, a father, a grandfather, an idea giver, problem solver and a catalyst for positive action. My wife Amina and I are co-chairs of the Inland Area Kwanzaa Group, co-directors of Creative Business Services (a public relations research and utilization firm), and we also own and operate a retail floor and window covering business.