Dajahn Blevins

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Dajahn A. Blevins, a San Diego native and grandson of the city's first Black contractor, is an associate of The Creole Palace, Douglas Hotel, and Harlem of the West in San Diego. He attributes his sense of Kujichagulia, meaning self-determination in Swahili, to his experiences in these establishments. Dajahn is the creator and founder of the San Diego Urban Warriors nonprofit, which is dedicated to cultural enrichment and creative empowerment.

In 1990, Dajahn was crowned Mr. Black San Diego and pledged to elevate appreciation and love for Black culture, art, and talent in the city. He established S.Y.B.U. (Shule ya Busura na Umoja), or the School of Foresight & Unity, to address the lack of positive Black cultural resources in San Diego.

Dajahn is a trained servant leader in the Freedom School model and a highly regarded health educator with Education Now and Babies Later. Through the 5 A Day Program, he utilizes theater to educate youth, families, and communities about nutrition and fitness, employing creativity for edutainment, health education and survival skills. Dajahn played a crucial role in establishing the Market Creek Plaza Amphitheater and its early programming.

An accomplished actor, singer, dancer, playwright, director, and producer, Dajahn has been involved in numerous acclaimed projects, including the annual Kuumba Festival at the Lyceum Theater, a celebration of Black Culture Art and Talent. For over 30 years, he has led the event in partnership with the San Diego Repertory Theater and the African American Advisory Council of San Diego, showcasing the richness of African American culture, art, and talent.