I AM
RUFUS TIEFING STEVENSON
The journey of nurturing the Cultural Spirit of Africa is a vision ignited in reflections. I served as a United States Diplomat and Peace Corps Volunteer in Africa. I also served as a US Diplomat in Europe and I am also a Vietnam Veteran. While in diplomatic service in London, UK, But it was in Africa that I reconnected with the civilization of my ancestors and experienced the richness of Africa's civilizing influence untold. I began using African
As a Diplomat in London, I began telling the story of African ingenuity through African Textile Arts by dressed events as a charitable service.
In in 1998 I founded Jah Kente International, Inc. and my conviction was immediately upheld and remarkably testifying. and A year before in 1997, the United States Postal Service honored Kwanzaa by issuing stamps depicting an aspect of the festival.
I was asked to dress the stage. It was a blessing and a great success. My decorations were reviewed and overwhelmingly appreciated.
I was honored to decor ate the Kennedy Center for the next ten (10) consecutive years of the “Spirit of Kwanzaa” on the Grand Concert Hall Stage.
In deed, Jah Kente International Inc's defining entry into the world of arts and humanities was through Fine Arts and African Heritage. It has been a journey through the decorations of various arenas to the sanctuary where the iconic late Gwen Ifill was honored with a Stamp in January 2020 at the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, DC.
Today Jah Kente International is blessed with extending the African Textiles with all forms of decorations - from living room to the bedroom, stagecraft to milestones ceremonies, high culture to everyday leisure, from house of worship to schools, including graduation ceremonies.
Today Jah Kente International is blessed with extending the African Textiles with all forms of decorations - from living room to the bedroom, stagecraft to milestones ceremonies, high culture to everyday leisure, from house of worship to schools, including graduation ceremonies.