KUJICHAGULIA: Self Determination

The New Afrikan Scouts (NAS) is a Bed-Stuy organization that embodies self-determination -- the will to define one's own circumstance.  NAS is comprised of boys and girls, ages six to 17, who, with a keen understanding of their culture and history, learn to combat obstacles that confront them.

The organization started in 2005 and teaches its young members urban and rural survival kills, community empowerment and physical development. It has many chapters nationwide and is sponsored by the Malcolm X Grassroots movement.

Parents also have a place at NAS where they can bond and network with each other. "In the parent group we talk about social and financial issues. We also discuss ideas on how to make our children better people," said Clarence Cromwell, parent member.

The group meets every Friday at MS 35 on MacDonough Street on the second floor. At a recent meeting, parents and friends gathered to listen to the young members discuss the seven principles of Kwanzaa while lighting the Kinara. They tested the audience's knowledge of the holiday and how it directly relates to the community. 

"I've been coming to the Scouts for two months now. It's fun and I like playing games, drilling and socializing," said Kamaria Cromwell, 12,  a seventh grader at MS 571.

NAS serves the Bed-Stuy community by teaching its members the importance of transforming their community for the better. NAS is a free program that is volunteer-run, and so it relies on the community's support and resources to run. Fortunately, NAS was able to secure a regular space through the Beacon Program at MS 35.  

"Before we obtained the space at MS 35 we were operating out of my home and another volunteer's job," said Sala Cyril, Parent Coordinator of NAS.

The Scouts themselves can see positive changes and behavioral improvement.

"When I first came here I wasn't as disciplined as I am now," said said Maati Angaza, sixth grader at MS 113. "I enjoy playing Quilombo which are self determined games based on a societal group of people who escaped from slavery."  The games teach self-sufficiency and an appreciation for culture. The program also has a summer camp called Camp Pumziko located on their new camp site in Lowndes County, Alabama.

As the number of scouts grows, the need for a dedicated space grows. Future endeavors include offering college scholarships and having alumni Scouts return back to the program and mentor the new generations.

"We hope to be able to offer our Scouts college scholarships for being outstanding community members and really affecting, local, national and global change for the new Afrikan community," said Cyril.