In 1996, James Mtume joined the Black Empowerment Group founded by Hakim Jamal and Maulana Karenga, known as the creator of the pan-African and the African-American holiday of Kwanzaa; afterward, he received his name "Mtume," which means "messenger" in Swahili.
In 1966, Mtume joined the US Organization, a Black empowerment group founded by Hakim Jamal and Maulana Karenga, while a student at Pasadena City College. Karenga created Kwanzaa in 1966 to be the first pan-African holiday. Today, some African American families celebrate Kwanzaa along with Christmas and New Year's. Mtume received his name, which means "messenger" in Swahili, from Karenga who gave members of the organisation names to match their personality traits. 
