Yusef Crowder

Yusef Crowder was born and raised in Monroe, North Carolina where he attended Winchester Avenue High School and became heavily involved in the Civil Rights Movement.  Upon graduation, Yusef moved to New York City, found work and continued his political involvement. Read more about Yusef

Wood Is Wonderful Genesis

Upon learning that his sister was dying in Decatur, GA, Brother Yusef left Africa in 1989 to be with her. He had been living there for 13 years and had planned to stay.

After returning, he began drumming to survive; he had been director of a dance company in Boston before going to Africa.  On the side he was doing his woodcraft but not promoting it full time.  By word of mouth and occasionally vending, he was able to sell his artwork.  He drummed faithfully with the Uhuru Dance Company and Barbara Sullivan’s African Dance Connection for a number of years. Read more about "Wood Is Wonderful"