Ken Bridges

Author, Leader, Hero, Visionary

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Category Archives: Notes & Messages

Recalling a father and worthy friend by Kenny Waters

Posted on June 9, 2014 by staff

ken1Snipers took his life, but local businessman left legacy of uplifting people

By Kenny Waters, Philadelphia Tribune Staff Writer – October 25, 2005

Inspired throughout his life to uplift people of African descent while empowering the economic state of Blacks, Kenneth Bridges was a unique individual to many. Sadly, leaving a business meeting in Washington, D.C., three years ago this month, Bridges was fatally shot and killed, becoming a victim of the Washington area snipers, John Allen Muhammad and John Lee Malvo.

A family-oriented man, Bridges viewed his six children and wife as being a blessing from God. He was also known as a man who balanced the love he had for his family with the passion he had for strengthening the Black community.
“He was a sincere brother with a genuine love for uplifting people of African descent,” said Bridges’ older son, Justin. “I was truly blessed to have him as a father, and he was one of the realist men I have ever met,” Justin Bridges said. “He loved and cared for his family and was all about providing for them.”
With his wife, Jocelyn, Bridges loved his children, from the oldest to the youngest: Aja, April, Justin, Joshua, Alana, and Alyssa. They collectively describe their father as being a loving and caring man, who thought family first, by all means, then his community. Only April and Justin were able to talk to the Tribune on the anniversary of their father’s death.

“The brother was a serious family man and serious community worker who was consumed to his environment,” Justin said. “There are most leaders that have egos; he was the complete opposite (and) could care less about the spotlight.”
At one point, Bridges privately published a book on what he thought was essential to life. “He wrote a book that he dedicated to us on what he thought would benefit us in becoming adults,” said his daughter April. “He wrote it because he said that he would not always be here and that we needed something that would keep us moving forward.” Passionate and committed to making his race consciously aware of the economy and what it could do to help the African-American community, Bridges traveled around the globe trying to increase the idea of investing in the Black society. “Ken’s passion was helping Black people,” said business partner and good friend Gregory Montgomery. “He preached for us to move to mental freedom, and – as he would say – for us to remove ourselves from the Willy-Chip – an inferior mental condition Black people had. He wanted Blacks to raise their conscious and understand who they are.”

children“He was an extremely unique individual who had insight on people,” said close friend to the family Bob Lott. Lott was one the three people to speak with Bridges within 45 minutes of his death. “He should be mentioned with the likes of Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was a powerful speaker who was always up beat,” Lott said. “I had an opportunity to go with him on a few business trips, and the whole time he could be on the phone with someone in another time-zone, go to a meeting, then leave the meeting, and be back on the phone conducting more business,” Lott said.
“We could get back to the hotel from a long day of meetings and traveling around 11, and I would be beat, but he would be up 5 a.m. on the phone as a guest on some radio or talk show some where. He was always on the top of his game mentally, and always thinking of ways of uplifting people of African descent. He just had an unqualified love for Black people, and when talking about what he has done or did, I don’t know where to start.”

Bridges was an educated businessman with a graduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. He had a vision to establish a vehicle that would redirect the spending habits of African Americans. Justin Bridges said his father wanted his people to concentrate on spending money that would benefit the community. “He wanted people to think of ways they could use their money to create businesses and institutions,” he said. “He wanted Black people to become consciously aware of their spending habits.” It has been reported that Black America spends over $750 billion annually – the seventh richest economic engine in the world. Bridges’ background in business led him to a successful marketing executive position at the Scott Paper Co. in the early ’80s, but after a few years he felt compelled to start his own business. He believed he could not achieve “true freedom” working for corporate America, and he eventually resigned from Scott Paper to focus his attentions on his part-time business.
Many questioned his motive for leaving a life filled with the perks of being a top executive, but Bridges had a life-long commitment to his people and to himself. After leaving corporate America, he got involved in Amway, a multi-level national marketing system, where he was able to establish relationships with over 3,000 distributors across the country.

ken2There he reached the highest rung of success – the Diamond Direct Distributor level. But he decided to leave the company after unsuccessful attempts to get Black-owned and produced products through Amway’s channel of distribution. He then decided to cancel operations, but made a pact to himself, that he would return to the world of distribution when the right time presented itself.

Approximately one year later, Bridges jumped back onto the scene with graduate school buddy Al Wellington to form People Organizing and Working for Economic Rebirth. P.O.W.E.R. was a direct sales business designed to create a channel of distributed goods and services manufactured and produced by people of African descent. Through this organization Bridges was able to build friendships and networking relationships with a lot of well-known African Americans. The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan served as P.O.W.E.R.’s national spokesman and George Johnson, owner of Johnson Products Co., agreed to become its first product manufacturer.

The business looked like it was on the right path, but folded due to various circumstances. It was not until 1995, the year of the Million Man March, and some intuitive research that Bridges and business partner Wellington would finally reconstruct their vision of a Black channel of distribution company and form what is known today as the MATAH Network.

Established in 1997, MATAH – meaning, “ those people of African descent who give and buy Black” – was designed as a vehicle dedicated to the economic, spiritual and social upliftment of people of African Americans. “MATAH is genius work and not because it’s my fathers business, but because it links up manufacturing companies that are geared toward bringing money back into the Black community,” Justin said. “It’s not a capital-driven organization. It’s Black people using their money as power. It’s basically helping to build a Black nation. (That was) what my father always talked about. Making people aware of internal reparation.”

“We have to continue to keep his dream alive, and we’re reaching out to the community for support, especially from Philly,” said April, who now serves as the customer service representative for MATAH. “It’s been kind of difficult because he was the heart of the organization, and we know when you lose the heart of something it’s difficult, but where still here,” she said.

ken4Justin Bridges is still hosting the talk show his father started with him. Initially, the elder Bridges gave his perspective on internal reparations from an adult view, while Justin voiced his opinions as a young adult. “MATAH Rebel Black Waves Internal Reparations” is aired on 900-AM on Saturdays evenings from 7-8:30 p.m. The family and close friends of the Bridges are diligently working to establish the Ken Bridges Foundation, and are acknowledging July 24, his birthday, as Ken Bridges Day.

“We are trying to find a way to put him in the history books,” Lott said. “We are working on a documentary of his life and his vision – people need to know what he did.”

Philadelphia Tribune article recreated with photos by Bob Lott.

Posted in Notes & Messages | Tags: father, friend, Kenny Waters, worthy |

Ken Bridges: First and Lasts by Franklin Mayfield

Posted on June 9, 2014 by staff

The first time that I heard Ken speak, I felt as those who heard Malcom, King or Frederick Douglas speak, the need was never so clear, the urgency was never so close, and the love for our people was never so great. This man was about the sacrifice for me, for us, and our future.

Time after time, meeting after meeting, my appreciation for Ken has only grown. I have told my family that this man, these men, are men of history. That what they do today will impact our people for generations. I count it an honor to give them my strength.

The last time that I saw him, we were talking about the importance of the work for our people. The last thing he was doing was handling the business of Black economic empowerment. The last struggle that he has had is over.

The greatness of the humility of Ken Bridges was only overshadowed by the greatness of the challenge. And that challenge is now ours. Our bother has joined the ancestors. And as a Christian, I believe he is receiving his rewards right now. Look up, because we have a great cloud of witnesses, cheering us on, Ken is now in that crowd, saying, “fight for freedom, uplift the broken, open the minds of the deceived, empower the weak. Be strong MATAH be strong!”

The first time that I meet Ken Bridges, was during a meeting in which he and Greg drove down to meet us in Cincinnati. To discuss the vision of MATAH’s internet initiative and to check us out. To make sure, that the technology arm of MATAH would be in good hands. What I saw was a brother of vision, insight and deep love of our people.

Posted in Notes & Messages | Tags: first, Ken Bridges, lasts |

From Jim Clingman – Letter to the MATAH…and Ken Day (June 24)

Posted on June 9, 2014 by staff

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

I’d like to refresh your memories on, as the song says, “The Way We Were.” Although many of “The MATAH” have gone their separate ways, I’d like us to take a stroll down memory lane in an effort to recapture some of the magic we had way back when. Some of my fondest memories are in the early days of MATAH; even though I did not sign up until late 1998, the “early days” for me, especially at the national convention in 1999 in Philly, were inspiring and encouraging.

I can remember the words of Brother Cliff Burton, “Bury your buts!,” Ashiki Taylor in his speech when he said, I am still on the plantation (job), but I am working my way off with MATAH,” the melodious voices of Dr. Ed Robinson and his Queen when they sang, “Freedom, Freedom over me,” the enthusiasm of Anthony Phillips, Brother Sepet, almost in tears, as he shared his feelings about MATAH, Kwa David Whitaker and his soothing and loving way of getting us straight and keeping us on point, Bill Hill, Shaka Satori, Jackie Mayfield, Juanda Honore, Brother Heru and Sister Gloria, “Queen Sierra” from L.A., Freddie, Karen, Greg, Candice (Nia), all the children, others too numerous to name, and of course, Ken and Al.

It was all about running for freedom, and we were not going let anyone or anything stop us. In my speech, “Preaching to the choir,” I noted how at home I felt among my newfound brothers and sisters and how I made my commitment to MATAH right then and there to raise my consciousness and stay on the path to “true freedom.” Remember, y’all?

It was one big love fest among the MATAH back then, which lasted for several years and endured even after the untimely demise of Ken Bridges. What happened? Where are the proud MATAH now? What are they doing? Are they still committed to true freedom? I have no doubt that most of us at that meeting in Philly and most of those who came on subsequently are still committed and are still on the quest for true freedom. However, I also understand that life sometimes gets in the way and as Ashiki Taylor puts it, “We all have day jobs.”

I fall into that same category, brothers and sisters, so I will not judge anyone else’s situation or commitment. It’s more than enough trying to maintain my own. My reason for writing this is simply to reestablish contact with strong men and women whom I know are not afraid of change and certainly not hesitant when it comes to initiating change. I want to bring us together for a very special occasion and initiative on Ken’s birthday (June 24th)

I am inviting all of you to join in and commit to two things: Get on a conference call (TBD) and put aside $65.00 to send to Jocelyn Bridges on June 24, 2014, for what would be Ken’s 65th birthday.

We went through a lot of pain on October 11, 2002. One day prior to that fateful date we were on one accord, riding high on our accomplishments and filled with a “spirit that could not be crushed.” Our run for freedom was strong and nothing could slow us down—at least that’s what we thought. Losing Ken was more than most of us could have imagined, but we can rebuild our strength and his legacy by reestablishing his presence in this nation.

We need your help in contacting other MATAH, so please reach out to your MATAH contacts, and let’s make this initiative one of which everyone can be proud. I have an email group set up; just send me email addresses and phone numbers. Let’s bury our “buts” and make it happen.

Annual celebration of Ken Bridges’ birthday, June 24 – Ken Day.

We want to reinvigorate the effort around celebrating Ken’s life and helping Jocelyn, his widow. It’s a surprise for her. Their daughter, April, is getting married on that day. It would be great if we could get folks to send her a dollar for each year. Ken would be 65 this year. What a great wedding present this would be for April, and a blessing to her mom. “Let’s get busy!”

Posted in Notes & Messages | Tags: Jim Clingman, June 24, Ken Day, Letter, MATAH |

MATAH Family, wishes, thoughts and dreams…

Posted on June 8, 2014 by staff

Ken BridgesPlease contribute your ideas, thoughts and best wishes for Ken Bridges family. For those who have pictures, letters, articles, audio or video of Ken, please email or dropbox your content to webmaster@enterzone.com so the content can be included in this archive.

If you have ideas to continue the vision of Ken Bridges, please comment below.

Posted in Notes & Messages | Tags: dreams, Family, MATAH, thoughts, wishes |

Poem: If I should die on my way to freedom.

Posted on May 31, 2014 by staff

By James Clingman

If I should die on my way to freedom,

At least I was on my way.

At least I was on the road, pushing

against the winds of change, and

pushing against the grain, making my

way toward freedom.

At least, each morning that God blessed me to awaken and put my feet on the floor, I stood up and stood tall, put one foot in front of the other and began that day once again, on my way to freedom.

At least I was on my way, each day with my Queen Jocelyn and my precious children around me – and each moment – pressing toward a future in which they would finally be able to rest from our long and harrowing journey. I knew there would be no rest for me, ‘cause I was on my way to freedom, and freedom is always an uphill climb.

But, if I should die on my way to freedom, at least I was on my way. Unlike some of the Children of Israel, unlike some on Harriet Tubman’s freedom train, and unlike some of our brothers and sisters today, I was always determined to go forward. I was making my way to freedom, and nothing would turn me around.

At least I was standing, but NEVER standing still.

At least I was walking, and NEVER looking back.

At least I was running, but NEVER running in place.

At least I was striving, but NEVER striving in vain.

If I should die on my way to the sweet light of freedom, at least on my journey the view changed everyday.
At least I met and loved new brothers and sisters along the way.
At least I persevered, pressed on, kept going, despite the daily roadblocks.
At least I trusted God to make a way for me out of no way, and He always did, because He never fails.

If I should die on my way to freedom, there’s just one thing that I ask. Put your arms of love around my Queen and my children and keep going! Fill my space with someone strong and unafraid, someone who can chart new courses, someone who loves and trusts his people enough to continue on to freedom.

If I should die on my way to freedom, whether I am leading or following, pass the word down the line, distribute portions of my essence to my dear brothers and sisters, and tell them to keep going. Tell them I’m watching them, and tell them I love them. Tell them the chain is not broken; it just got stuck for a little while as we were going through a tight space. Tell them what I told them when we had our family talks. “Let’s go get our freedom,” the MATAH rallying cry.

So, if I should die on my way to freedom, don’t linger too long at my grave. Don’t stay too long in your grief. Give those hugs, and give that love; shed those tears, but dry your eyes. Get back on the road to freedom so you will be able to say, “If I should die on my way to freedom, at least I was on my way.”

Dedicated to Brother Ken Bridges,

October 11, 2002

Posted in Notes & Messages | Tags: freedom, Jim Clingman, Ken Bridges, Poem |

Donate to The Ken Bridges Memorial Fund

Mail your donation to:

Ken Bridges Day
Attn: April Bridges
Sell Fast Realty
25 Bala Ave
Suite 101
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004


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