Meet Kwasi El

We were lucky to catch up with Kwasi El recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Kwasi with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

I got my work ethic from my dad, he was very consistent in the things he choose
To take on as endeavors. “Why even do something if you not gone do it all the way” he once told me. He worked as a Firefighter for over 40 years while maintaining a side painting business, being a husband and a full time dad.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Kwasi El comes from a Married kinship, Mom being 70and Dad being 75 Kwasi means a male born on Sunday , it comes from the Gold Coast now known as Ghana; furthermore, Kwasi has one brother and one sister; In addition, he has no children but wants 3 some day and currently is 33 years of age. He has a loving compassion for his community, and has dedicated his life as a living sacrificial vessel for universal unity. Love, Truth, Peace, Freedom, and Justice are his 5 pillars of light that are his guiders and protectors. “I am what I am “ is the great phrase that embodies his persona, Loving, forgiving, fearless, conscious, caring, determined, focus, joyful, outgoing, but with a warrior Spirt. All things that are unknown must be uncovered, all stone throwers will be revealed.

When Kwsai’s mother was diagnosed with cancer, it marked a turning point in his life. The doctors had warned that the cancer was metastasizing rapidly, and traditional treatments were becoming less effective. Faced with this dire situation, Kwsai sought alternative ways to support his mother’s health.

Immersing himself in the study of herbalism, Kwsai discovered the benefits of natural remedies and the importance of structured water over unstructured water. He began preparing smoothies for his mother, incorporating healing ingredients such as sea moss and moringa.

These natural concoctions offered some comfort and hope during her final months. Although his mother eventually passed away on June 14, 2021—Kwsai’s birthday—the experience profoundly shaped his outlook on health and wellness. Kwsai’s journey has been one of profound personal growth. A pivotal experience during his life was the seven months he spent in jail, a period that allowed him to introspect and transform. During this time, he read extensively, including the Bible, which helped him develop a new outlook on life. He vowed to evolve daily, seeking growth not just economically, but mentally, spiritually, and physically.

This personal evolution is reflected in the ethos of Watermelanin Smoothies. Kwsai’s vow to contribute positively to his community and lead a life of purpose permeates every aspect of his business. His smoothies are more than just drinks—they are a testament to resilience, healing, and the power of holistic well-being.

The impact of Watermelanin Smoothies on the LaGrange community is best illustrated through the voices of those it serves. Loyal customers and community members often praise the business not just for its delicious smoothies, but for the sense of care and connection it fosters.

Kwasi El is President of Ujima Tribe. Ujima is an African word which means collective work and responsibility. This principle is fundamental to encouraging volunteer action and neighborhoods working together to solve local problems.

Our target populations reside in low-income communities in central LaGrange. In addition to poverty, these persons are also disproportionally impacted by food insecurities, crime, and educational challenges. Ujima is committed to working with these residents to effectuate positive change which can be achieved through collective action.

Ujima Tribe organized after four young men, participating in a canvassing operation for an elected city office discovered significant trash and litter/debris on streets and in public areas serving low-income communities in LaGrange. We also discerned voter apathy, evidence of gang activity (colors), and limited access to cultural activities/events.

Project Community Cleanup was our immediate response to these conditions and resulted in volunteers, partnering with the City of LaGrange, picking up litter in low-income neighborhoods once a week from 2017- 2021. From this venture, other programs and services emerged in which Ujima would mentor and lead youth and adults. Today, Ujima Tribe oversees court ordered community service for convicted juveniles and adults, and community gardening program. Planted Roots Community Garden is located at 121 Reeves Street. In 2021, Ujima Tribe, Inc. was designated a 501(C)3 non-profit charity pursuant to Internal Revenue Guidelines.

Ujima Tribe has an upcoming festival the following:

✨ Finding Festival 2025 is a celebration of confidence, creativity, and community!

Tribe Ujima invites YOU to be part of something unforgettable on September 20th at Planted Roots Garden.

🌟 What’s NEW at this year’s festival?
• Interactive Workshops: Learn, grow, and leave inspired.

• Live Performances: Dance, sing, and connect with local talent.

• Community Resources: Explore tools and programs to uplift your family and neighborhood.

• Kids’ Activities: Fun-filled experiences for the little ones.

🤝 Want to get involved?
We’re still accepting sponsors, collaborators, and creatives who want to share their gifts with the community. Don’t miss this chance to shine!

📧 Questions or ideas? Email us at info@ujimatribe.net

🎨 Flyer design by Octavia @ Pretty Pixel Design

#FindingFestival2025 #TribeUjima #CommunityConfidence #youarebeautiful

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Being humble, open to learn, optimistic, patience, consistent, direct, discipline, logical, willing, courageous, unwavering, helped me tremendously during my journey. Without the tools I would have not been able to maneuver through the challenges and obstacles that I daily face as a business owner, community activists, and just for being labeled a black man which is a fiction at law. Learn how to use and apply the above mentioned tools and your journey will be much smoother. I developed these tools over time and everyday they are needed and can improve, practice trying knew things, working out, learning chess as it applies to life, eating healthy, have a routine, a mentor, can all be used to develop.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

Moors & Masonry Pt. 1 &2. It taught me the value of history, and the great saying a Tree without its Roots can’t stand. It allowed me to go deeper within my self and hold myself more accountable not to where I am currently, but to who I am in history.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Larry Lawrence Photography

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