The Kenan Amori Book Fund (KABF) is a community-rooted initiative honoring the life and legacy of Malcolm “Kenan Amori” Alexander, musician, dreamer, and New Generation Scholars alum. The fund places FREE BOOKS on African history studies, political education, arts, culture, and Black diasporic studies into the hands of young people ages 14–24, expanding access to knowledge, research, and self-directed learning. By removing barriers to the stewardship of knowledge and supporting the creation of home libraries, KABF invests in critical inquiry, self-determination, and the circulation of cultural ingenuity within our communities.

Books will be purchased through local and independent bookstores, including Everyone’s Place, Red Emma’s, and Sankofa Video Books & Café, ensuring that resources continue to circulate through community-rooted literary and cultural spaces. In honoring Kenan's vision and lifelong commitment to learning, the fund seeks to cultivate the next generation of thinkers, creators, researchers, and cultural workers.

Message from Malcolm's Aunt

Malcolm Kenan Amori Alexander was a true gift from God. Though he left us far too soon, his presence, authenticity, and creative spirit deeply impacted everyone who knew him. Growing up with a chronic illness brought challenges, but through music, books, and writing, Malcolm found peace, clarity, and a powerful sense of purpose. He came to understand that who God made him to be was not flawed, but beautiful and intentional.

A meaningful chapter of Malcolm’s journey was his time with Dancing Many Drums (DMD), where he found joy, mentorship, and a community that nurtured his artistry and deep love of music, history, books, and Black culture. Malcolm stayed with us each summer, and for him, leaving Washington, DC; the city he loved so deeply, to spend time in Baltimore was huge. He willingly stepped outside his comfort zone to explore and discover who he was as a young Black man and artist.

Malcolm came alive in the program. It gave him not only a sense of belonging, but a space to be challenged, inspired, and affirmed. I still remember his excitement traveling to Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba. Those experiences were life-changing for him, and his uncle and I could not have been more proud or grateful for what DMD gave our nephew.

Even years later, Malcolm maintained the meaningful relationships he built through DMD. And as his health declined, his music and writing grew more intentional and expressive rooted in hope, purpose, and optimism until his final day.

The Kenan Amori Book Fund was created to honor his life and his love of books. Every young person deserves access to books that inspire imagination, learning, and self-discovery. Through this fund, Malcolm’s legacy will live on; opening doors, nurturing creativity, and helping young people see themselves and their possibilities reflected on every page.

Chrishna Williams