Anthony "Amp" Elmore redefines Black Memphis History as global, spiritual, and cinematic, fusing Buddhism, kickboxing, & diplomacy. His archive links MLK, Ambedkar, Elvis, Odinga & the Black Orange Mound community in a movement of truth & reclamation
MEMPHIS, TN, October 22, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Anthony "Amp" Elmore is the "Father of Black Memphis History" whose role as the originator and driving force behind the comprehensive, digital-first approach to documenting and disseminating the marginalized "Black Memphis History" of the city of Memphis. Anthony "Amp" Elmore is the first in Memphis history to use film and digital media to directly combat the Memphis Southern tradition of purposeful historical omission of "Black Memphis History" by presenting a vivid, accessible, and undeniable records that traditional documents culture and history have failed to capture.
There is a "clear distinction" between "Memphis Black History" and "Black Memphis History." Memphis Black History are the known traditional, established narrative; parts of the story acknowledged by mainstream institutions (e.g., Dr. King's death, The Civil Rights Museum, Beale Street music, STAX Museum). The significance of Memphis Black History is its Institutional focus; often seen through a tourist or public relations lens.
Whereas "Black Memphis History" is the untold, comprehensive, and community-centered narrative; incorporating deeper and often more challenging truths (e.g., the 1866 Memphis Massacre, Memphis Slave Capital or the world, Black Union Soldiers, internal community struggles, and systemic injustice) presented through an authentic Black lens. The significance is its corrective focus; reclaims and centers the narrative using diverse media (digital and film) to achieve a complete and unfiltered historical account.
One interesting note regarding "Black Memphis History" is the untold story of Anthony "Amp" Elmore who is the "Father of Black Buddhism."
The title of this News story is: Anthony Amp Elmore, Father of Black Memphis History fuses Black Buddhism, Ancient & Modern History Filmmaking Cultural Diplomacy Kickboxing, King, Ambedkar Elvis, Odinga & Black Orange Mound Community
The Subtitled is: Anthony "Amp" Elmore redefines Black Memphis History as global, spiritual, cinematic—fusing Buddhism, kickboxing, and diplomacy. His archive links MLK, Ambedkar, Elvis, Odinga & the Black Orange Mound community in a movement of truth and reclamation
Anthony "Amp" Elmore via this News story which is also a "Historical Document" as well as a "Ground Breaking Story" that is also global whereas Anthony "Amp" Elmore introduce and fuse Black Buddhism with Ancient and Modern History from the African/American historic community of Orange Mound.
According to the 2023 census, Memphis, Tennessee stands as the largest majority-Black populated city in America a fact that should place Black heritage at the heart of its civic identity. Yet, the historical reality of Memphis is deeply troubling. There exists in Memphis "A Cotton Museum" and not A "Black Memphis History Museum" or a written chronicle of "Black Memphis History."
In fact Memphis, Tennessee is in line with the current federal administration policy of the erasure of DEI or "Diversity, Equity and Inclusion." Black Memphis History is not included or a part of what is known as "Memphis Black History."
In 1978 during the Memphis police and fire strike the "Wall Street Journal" described Memphis as a backwards city with a plantation mentality. In 2025 there still exist an unwritten rule in Memphis whereas the history, culture and narratives regarding Memphis must be "White Approved" or meet "Southern Tradition" or the "Crump Rule."
In regards to Memphis, Tennessee there exists "The Crump Rule vs. the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr." If anyone were to study the history and culture of Memphis, Tennessee and research the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. there exists a culture and practice in Memphis that openly betrays the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis on April 4, 1968, remains one of the most haunting and contested events in American history. While James Earl Ray was convicted as the lone gunman, a deeper examination of the social and institutional climate in Memphis at the time reveals a city steeped in racial hostility, systemic oppression, and a law enforcement culture that many believe was complicit—if not directly, then through willful negligence.
Retired Black Memphis police officers have testified that no Black officers were assigned to Dr. King's security detail that day, despite prior precedent. The Memphis Police Department, like many Southern institutions of the era, was deeply segregated and widely suspected of harboring white supremacist sympathies.
It was just in 2023 that the name Clifford Davis was removed from the Federal Building in Memphis. Clifford Davis was an acknowledged KKK leader and Memphis Police commissioner. History notes it was a known fact that 70% of the force Memphis police department were KKK members. Evidence suggests that white supremacist ideology was not uncommon among law enforcement in the Jim Crow South. Dr. King's presence in Memphis—supporting Black sanitation workers striking for dignity and fair treatment—was seen as a direct challenge to Memphis white power structure.
The fact that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated at the Lorraine Motel, after a suspicious withdrawal of his usual security, and that the official narrative has been repeatedly challenged by his family and civil rights investigators, lends weight to the belief that his death was not the act of a lone madman, but the result of a broader conspiracy. In 1999, a Memphis jury concluded that Dr. King was the victim of a conspiracy involving "governmental agencies" and others.
The environment in Memphis—marked by racial tension, institutional hostility, and a police force under scrutiny—was not just a backdrop, but arguably a key factor in enabling the assassination of one of the most transformative figures in American history.
What is unknown and untold in Memphis is how the "Southern Traditional Hierarchy" continues to prevail in Memphis whereas Black Memphis leaders sub conscientiously know not to cross the "Southern Traditional Hierarchy" or acknowledge, to bring up or teach "Black Memphis History."
Click here to see the YouTube video titled: Black Memphis History Dr. J E Walker and The E H Crump Compromise of the 1940s.
The above video explains the unwritten and unknown to many as "The Crump Rule." The Crump rule is tantamount to the "Compromise of 1877. The Compromise of 1877 is where Rutherford B. Hayes secured the presidency by agreeing to withdraw federal troops from the South—and what Anthony "Amp" Elmore call the "Crump Rule" in Memphis.
There exists an unwritten social contract between former E.H. "Boss Crump" the former segregationist Memphis leader and select Black leaders that shaped Memphis's racial and political landscape for decades and is a part of Memphis today. Here's a breakdown of what the historical records suggest: The Crump Machine and Black Political Containment. E.H. Crump, the dominant political figure in Memphis from 1910 to his death in 1954.
E.H. Crump built a political machine that relied heavily on controlling both Black and white votes. While Crump was a staunch segregationist, he understood the strategic value of Black political participation. He allowed limited Black leadership and economic advancement—but only under strict conditions.
The "Agreement" with Black Leaders: While not formally documented like the Compromise of 1877, oral histories and local accounts suggest that Crump made informal arrangements with prominent Black leaders such as: Dr. J.E. Walker Founder of Universal Life Insurance Company and Tri-State Bank, a symbol of Black economic success.
Rev. Blair T. Hunt Influential pastor of "Mississippi Blvd. Church and Principal of Booker T. Washington High School.
The Rev. T.O. Fuller– Scholar and civic leader, namesake of T.O. Fuller State Park. It was Rev. Fuller who lobbied in the 1920's to get the name changed of "Negro Industrial High School" to its current name Booker T. Washington High School. E.H. Crump allowed these Blacks to thrive economically and socially—but with boundaries. Blacks before 1960 or before the election of John F. Kennedy were of the Lincoln Republican party. however they leaders were the "Black Democratic Party" supporters of stanch segregationist Mayor E.H. Crump.
Let's look at the list below at the unwritten E.H. Crump Rule in effect today in Memphis.
1. No advocacy for Black Power or collective empowerment. Individual success was tolerated, but organizing for systemic change was not.
2. No push for social or economic equality with whites. The status quo of segregation and racial hierarchy had to be respected.
3. Stay in your lane: Black elites were expected to live in designated areas like South Parkway, even if they could afford homes in East or North Parkway. This was a spatial metaphor for knowing one's place. A Psychological and Cultural Legacy.
This unwritten rule didn't end with Crump's death. This rule persists today in 2025 in Memphis through: Self-policing among Black leadership. Avoidance of radical or transformative advocacy. Continued geographic and social containment.
In Memphis, Tennessee Black elite are conditioned—through reward and restriction—to avoid challenging Southern Tradition directly. This created a legacy of cautious leadership, where empowerment was individual, not collective.
The Compromise of 1877 is tantamount to the arrangement culture and practice in Memphis whereas many Black Memphis leaders trade Black liberation for political stability. In Memphis E.H. Crump's deal preserved his machine's dominance while offering limited Black advancement so long as it didn't threaten the racial order.
When elected in 1910 E.H. Crump promised to take Memphis back to the "Days of Glory" and he did. What is not told in Memphis is "Black Memphis History" and the story of E.H. Crump.
Click here to see a short video titled: The Ford Family is Associated to E. H. Crump.
The Black politically powerful Ford family is so closely related to E.H. Crump that E.H. Ford is named after E.H. Crump.
What is unknown and untold about "Black Memphis History" is via Southern Tradition every segment and history of Black Union Soldiers were erased from "Black Memphis History" whereas there are next to none or any Black family who has a history or connection to "Black Union Soldiers" whereas the Ford family can trace their heritage to Black Union soldiers.
In December 1863, two slaves named Jackson and Essex Geeter escaped from a Mississippi plantation. The men were brothers. They made their way to a Union Army camp in La Grange, Tennessee, where they enlisted in the Union Army. For the next two years, they served with distinction.
Essex rose to the rank of corporal. After being honorably discharged in 1866, they settled in southwest Shelby County—now South Memphis—and bought property. By the time Essex decided to run for a seat on the county school board many years later, he had become a widely respected member of the community. He won the seat and initiated the Ford family's tradition of politics and public service.
Essex's brother Jackson also prospered. When he passed away in the summer of 1920, his widow, Sallie Geeter, deeded land to Shelby County for the establishment of an elementary school. Geeter School, which still stands today, has educated thousands of kids from South Memphis.
Albert Ford, another former slave some years older than Essex and Jackson, settled near the Geeters in Shelby County. Albert's son, Newton F. Ford, ran for a seat on the Shelby County Court at the same time Essex Geeter ran for a seat on the county school board. On August 2, 1888, they both won their races.
The Geeter and Ford families were formally united when Newton's son, Lewie C. Ford, married Ophelia Edna Geeter, daughter of Jackson and Sallie Geeter. Ophelia gave birth to Newton Jackson Ford (N.J.). N.J. Ford is the know patriarch of the political Ford Family in Memphis.
Unknown and untold in Memphis Lewie Ford was "The Black Man in Memphis." He was E.H. Crump's go-to Black man in Memphis. If Black folks needed something—jobs, help, or access—they didn't go to E.H. Crump directly they went to Lewie Ford. He was the gatekeeper for Black Memphis under the E.H. Crump's reign.
E.H. Crump ran Memphis like a plantation owner, and Lewie Ford was his trusted middleman in the Black community. E.H. Crump made sure the Ford family got city contracts and steered Black funeral business their way. If a Black person died in Memphis, the Ford Funeral Home got the call. That wasn't just luck—that was Crump's doing.
Black Memphis History is unknown and untold whereas much of the Black connection to Black Union soldiers left Memphis in 1892 via what was called the "Memphis Exodus." In 1892 three Black men where lynched via altercation with Irish police officers. Ida B. Wells advocate fighting against the hanging of Black men. 8000 Blacks disgusted at the conditions move to Oklahoma whereas they set up Black Wall Street whereas bombs were dropped on a Black town called the 1921 Tulsa Massacre.
Click here to see our video titled: Black Memphis History We share an Afro Indigenous Legacy.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore, a pioneering filmmaker and historian, asserts that "Black Memphis History" does not begin with slavery or the transatlantic slave trade. Instead, where Anthony "Amp" Elmore shares the unknown and untold story of Afro-Indigenous people—those often referred to as "Black Indians" or Black Native Americans.
Elmore highlights that many Black Memphians, including himself, trace their ancestry not to enslaved Africans brought across the Atlantic, but to Indigenous Black populations native to the Americas.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore notes; "I will have to save this for another story but "Chief Powhatan" whose proper name was "Washunsenacawh" was the father of Pocahontas, Chief Powhatan was his Grandfather.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore notes; White folks are going cuss me out when I tell the story of my DNA lineage. Via my White DNA linage I am cousin to Princess Diana, Prince Harry and Elvis Presley and many Presidents via my White ancestry.
The Anthony "Amp" Elmore story and lineage underscores a legacy and an untold story of people rooted as the original peoples of this land. Anthony "Amp" Elmore reframes Black Memphis history as one of deep ancestral continuity and cultural sovereignty, offering a powerful counter-narrative to historical erasure and inviting a broader understanding of Black identity in America.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore reimagines Black Memphis History as a dynamic, global legacy of education, empowerment, artistry, and spiritual depth. Elmore's vision fuses the sacred with the cinematic, blending Black Buddhism's education into a transformative philosophy.
Elmore's life work—spanning Black Buddhism, filmmaking, martial arts, and cultural ambassadorship—positions Black Memphis History not merely as a local story, but as a spiritual and global movement.
Through his lens of Black Buddhism Black Memphis History becomes a living archive of Afro-Indigenous resilience, Pan-African unity, and creative liberation, challenging historical erasure and inviting the world to witness a legacy that transcends borders and binaries.
In regards to Anthony "Amp" Elmore Black Buddhism was a venture into "Education and not Meditation." Many saw the premier of the Tina Turner Movie "What's Love Got to Do with it" on June 9, 1993.
In the movie Tina was introduced to the Buddhist phase; "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo."
In 1970 Anthony "Amp" Elmore was introduced to meditation and Zen Buddhism via his practice of "Old Japanese Shotokan Karate." In 1974 as with Tina Turner Anthony "Amp" Elmore was introduced to Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism and chanting "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo and a teachings of "The Lotus Sutra." Nam means; To Awaken. "Myoho" Means: "Correct Law" Renge means "Cause and Effect" and "Kyo" means; "Teachings."
One of the most important aspects of "Black Memphis History" whereas "Black Buddhism is noted" is the birth, practice and history of "Black Buddhism."
Black Memphis History notes that "The Church of God in Christ" and the Pentecostal Christian Movement was born in Memphis, Tennessee.
Unknown and untold in Memphis, Tennessee is the "Birth of Black Buddhism" started in Memphis, Tennessee in the Memphis African/American Community of Orange Mound and (Anthony "Amp" Elmore Sr.) is the "Founder of "Black Buddhism."
Anthony "Amp" Elmore Founded "The Proud Black Buddhist World Association." Whereas Anthony "Amp" Elmore is the 1st in World History to unravel and create the foundation culture and history of Black Buddhism.
Unknown and untold in World History is the fact that "Buddhist History" is "Black History." Elmore's Buddhist story began in 1970 more than likely his story began with America's introduction of the "Judo chop." It was in 1960 where James Bond used the "Judo Chop." The Judo Chop would also later become the "Karate Chop."
In 1966 Anthony "Amp" Elmore then 13 years old witnessed the blend of Martial Arts via Eastern Philosophy. Whereas Bruce Lee played Kato in the Green Hornet and James Coburn included Martial Arts and Zen in the movie "Our Man Flint." James Coburn was trained in Martial Arts by Bruce Lee whereas Martial Arts was not just physical but it was Zen or Body, Mind and Spirit.
It was in 1970 whereas Anthony "Amp" Elmore began his formal training in Zen Buddhism and a form of Karate called "Old Japanese Shotokan Karate" combined with Zen Body, Mind and Spirit whereas Anthony "Amp" Elmore broke his knuckles on a brick wall and meditated in Icey waters and would run through street bare footed and learned how to bear pain vis Zen techniques.
It was in 1974 that Elmore formally practiced Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism via a Japanese Organization called NSA or Nichiren Shoshu of America or Nichiren Shoshu Soka Gakkai of America, whereas Anthony "Amp" Elmore learned the Buddhist phase or Title of the Lotus Sutra Myoho Renge Kyo whereas Elmore chanted "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo." While Anthony "Amp" Elmore would join NSA in 1974 and chant Nam Myoho Renge Kyo so did the queen of Rock and Roll Tina Turner.
It was Anthony "Amp" Elmore starting Old Japanese Shotokan Karate in Memphis in 1970 that lead to the birth of "Black Buddhism in Memphis." Anthony "Amp" Elmore in 1968 living in Memphis at 15 years old when Dr. King was killed in Memphis Elmore decided to attend the newly integrated Tech high school in Memphis.
Memphis, Tennessee was "Rigidly Segregated" in 1968 whereas is Mayor Henry Loeb who was a "Stanch Segregationist" who fought against integration in Memphis. He was the Mayor when Dr. King was killed and he never budged an inch regarding his stance on segregation.
A new phenomena emerged in the 1960's in Memphis. Booker T. & the M.G.'s were a pioneering integrated band from Memphis that broke racial barriers during the Jim Crow era. As the house band for Stax Records, they shaped the sound of Southern soul and modeled Black-White collaboration at a time of deep segregation. Their success inspired a wave of integrated garage bands in Memphis, helping music become a force for cultural change and social integration.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore made the decision to attend the newly integrated Tech High School in Memphis starting 10th grade in 1968 just 5 months after the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis. A White Memphis garage band solicited audition for then "A Colored Singer."
Anthony Elmore noted May 1, 1966 that Soul Singer James Brown Appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show. James Brown dancing would do more than influence and change the life of Anthony "Amp" Elmore it was James Brown who changed the culture and history of Black America.
In 1968 after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed in Memphis Black America was at a lost with no direction whereas James Brown single handed changed Black America.
What is unknown, untold and unremembered in America was the time you could not call another person "Black." The worst insult you could call an African/American was to call them "Black or African." It was James Brown who recorded the August 1968 Song titled: "Say it Loud I'm Black and Proud."
What is unknown and untold in regards to Black Memphis History, clearly there were riots in 1968 when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed in Memphis. On April 5, 1968 the city of Boston arranged for Soul singer James Brown to do a free concert that was televised at the Boston Gardens to calm Blacks down. On April 6, 1968 James Brown flew to Washington D.C. to calm African/Americans down.
September of 1968 Anthony "Amp" Elmore started his 10th grade high school year at the newly integrated Tech High School on Poplar Street in Memphis. Integrated Tech High School created a foundational basis for Anthony "Amp" Elmore becoming the author or founder of "Black Memphis History."
Click here to see the video titled: Anthony "Amp" Elmore Black Memphis History A Black Lecture on Elvis Presley.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore produced perhaps a dozen videos on Elvis Presley. Anthony "Amp" Elmore has perhaps the most unique culture, history regarding Elvis Presley than anyone in Memphis. Anthony "Amp" Elmore can emphatically say had Elvis Presley lived there is no doubt that Elvis Presley would have reached out to him.
Elvis Presley loved Karate more than he loved life. He started Karate in the military in 1959. In 1974 Elvis opened the "Tennessee Karate Institute" whereas he hired Middleweight Champion Bill Wallace to teach at the school along with "Red West" a member of the "Elvis Mafia or Body Guards. Elmore a hotshot Karate-ka since 1970 visited the school and challenged Bill Wallace to a sparring match. The historic match took place.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore would become more than a 5-time world Karate/Kickboxing champion Elmore wrote, produced, directed and starred in the 1st Karate/Kickboxing movie in World film history titled the "Contemporary Gladiator." Elvis produced a movie called "The New Gladiators.
When Elmore fought for the World Titled in 1982 Bill Wallace fought and exhibition fight on the card and Grammy award winner Issac Hayes song the national anthem. Elmore did a Kickboxing commentary telecast with Elvis friend George Kline. One of Elmore's supporters who would purchase VIP Tickets to the Elmore fights was Elvis producer Chip Moman. 11 time Grammy award winner Al Green performed the national anthem at Elmore's 1983 E.S.P.N. bout.
Elvis Presley died in 1997 never got the opportunity to witness how Karate had grown in Memphis via Elmore's efforts whereas Elvis was deeply involved and loved Karate. It was in 2025 via DNA that Elmore learned that he cousin to Elvis. Most important Anthony "Amp" Elmore made Elvis Arron Presley is a part of Black Memphis History.
On Friday October 17, 2025 Anthony "Amp" Elmore watched the premier of the NBC Rachael Meadow film titled; "Andrew Young: The Dirty Work." This film is both historically sharp and deeply personal. Anthony "Amp" Elmore noticed the absence and of his background knowledge in connection to Dr. King getting Killed at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.
The documentary showed them pointing where the shot came from. That image was staged by photographer and Elmore friend Dr. Earnest Whiters who asked them to pose for the shot. Secondly, the room were Dr. King was staying was the room of Rev. James Bevel. It was a plan for Rev. Bevel to change rooms with Dr. King. Thirdly Dr. King was being picked up by Rev. Billy Kyles.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore as a youth was a member of operation PUSH via the youth arm called "Black Men Pushing." In addition Elmore was friends with Rev. Kyles son Dwayne whereas Elmore advocated the group create "Youth advocate Group" that disappointed Elmore into becoming only a "Social Club."
Anthony "Amp" Elmore joined with Rev. James Bevel, who was not just a participant in the civil rights movement but one of its most brilliant strategists. Rev. James Bevel was Dr. King's Chief strategist and architect. It was Rev. James Bevel behind the Birmingham Children's Crusade, the Selma Voting Rights Movement, and convincing Dr. Martin Luther King to join the 1963 March on Washington. His strategic genius shaped the movement's most effective campaigns, including persuading Dr. King to focus on voting rights in Selma — a decision that led directly to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore's connection to Bevel is not just historical — it's lived. Anthony "Amp" Elmore at 18 years old joined Rev. James Bevel "MAN" organization in 1971. M.A.N. Man was an acronym for "Making A Nation."
In 1972 it was Rev. James Bevel who took Anthony "Amp" Elmore and others to the Historic National Black Political Convention in Gary, Indiana. Anthony "Amp" Elmore recently documented much of Bevel's legacy through photos and firsthand testimony, making him a direct witness to a chapter of history that deserves far more recognition. The omission of Rev. Bevel from the Andrew Young documentary missed also another important part of Black history.
In regards to "Black Memphis History" Click here to see a January 14, 2024 documentary video re-edited by Elmore titled: James Bevel the Architect of the Civil Rights Movement in America. This tell another important part of untold American History.
This historic video was filmed by Washington University in St. Louis. The video was unedited and raw video whereas Elmore a filmmaker" re-edited the video to share the story of Rev. James Bevel.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore is recognize himself as the Father of "Black Buddhism" because he pioneered a revolutionary reinterpretation of Buddhist practice rooted in African history, education, and cultural empowerment.
Born in the historic Black community of Elliston Heights and moved to Orange Mound as a homeowner at 19 years old, Elmore would later fuse his traditional Nichiren Buddhist training with the teachings of Malcolm X and the historical research of British historian Sir Godfrey Higgins.
In 1967 a book compiling Malcolm X's speeches, Titled *Malcolm X on Afro-American History*, introduced Elmore to the untold history that the Buddha was Black and that Buddhism originated among the Black people of India. This insight was grounded in British historian Godfrey Higgins' 1836 book titled *Anacalypsis.* This book explored the African origins of religion and civilization.
Elmore recognized that these teachings aligned with Nichiren's core principles of the Lotus Sutra that note all teachings are Buddhist teachings, and that the chant *Nam Myoho Renge Kyo* represents awakening to the correct law of cause and effect across all universal teachings.
Elmore's approach to Buddhism diverged sharply from traditional Asian interpretations.
Unknown and untold is that the Buddhist teachings of the Lotus Sutra did not arrived in China until 1000 years after the death of the Buddha and another 400 years before Buddhism arrived in China whereas Buddhism was in both India and Africa over 1000 years before it arrived in Asia.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore emphasized that Buddhism is not meditation but education—an active process of awakening through chanting and study. Nichiren writing teach that *Nam Myoho Renge Kyo* means "Awaken to the Correct Law of Cause and Effect Teachings."
Anthony "Amp" Elmore reframed his Buddhist practice as a form of intellectual and spiritual liberation. Unknown and untold in America is that Buddhism is the "missing link" of the unknown and untold world Black history.
India was once known as "Eastern Ethiopia" and the birth of "Racism in the world via a system called "CAST" that exists today socially in India.
Click here to see an Anthony "Amp" Elmore September 21, 2015 video titled: Dr. Ambedkar & Blacks a quick history lesson: By Anthony Amp Elmore This video introduce Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar who is the "Greatest Indian." While he is known as "The Martin Luther King of India" he came before Dr. King and died before Dr. King won the Montgomery bus boycott.
In 1995, torn between the SGI Buddhist sect and Nichiren Shoshu sects that Anthony "Amp" Elmore was a part the sect had split Elmore's friend Shaka Khalphani who worked at Northwest Airline arranged for Elmore to travel to the Nichiren Shoshu Temple at Taisekiji Japan.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore armed his journey to Japan with a laptop computer and video camera "Amp" Elmore used digital media and documentary filmmaking in Japan in 1995. Anthony "Amp" Elmore was one of the 1st Americans to share the history and philosophy of almost 800 year Nichiren Shoshu Buddhist temple in Japan. Anthony "Amp" Elmore filmed, did interviews and created documentary films of Buddhism at the temple where he slept, eat and lived a few days.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore's contributions extend beyond philosophy into filmmaking, digital education, and global diplomacy. Imagine a Black man at Buddhist Temple with a video camera recording his visit.
In 1988, Anthony "Amp" Elmore wrote, produced, and directed *The Contemporary Gladiator*, Memphis's first independent 35mm theatrical film and the first kickboxing film in world history. More significantly, it was the first film to depict the life of a Black Buddhist—five years before the release of Tina Turner movie: *What's Love Got to Do With It*.
In 1998, Elmore became the official videographer of the first Nichiren Shoshu Temple in Africa in Accra, Ghana whereas also in 1998 Anthony "Amp" Elmore launched; *The Proud Black Buddhist Website*, the first Black Buddhist website in world history.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore is teaching not just Buddhism but World Black History via over 1,000 YouTube videos, becoming the first person in history to digitally teach and share not only Buddhism but Elmore teach from a distinctly Black Memphis History world perspective.
Elmore's work exposed how Mahayana Buddhism historically transformed the image of the Buddha from Black to White, and he boldly departed from Asian Buddhist teachers to establish a uniquely Black Buddhist practice that includes the culture and history of Black people who were the 1st Buddhist. His teachings, films, websites, and press archives form the foundation of "Black Buddhism" as a global educational movement born in Memphis.
The Black Buddhism that Anthony "Amp" Elmore teach is not about meditation but of history, culture and education. By reclaiming the African origins of Buddhism and redefining it as a tool for intellectual and cultural liberation, Anthony "Amp" Elmore earned his place where he calls himself the "Father of Black Buddhism."
Click here to see a You Tube Video posted Sunday October 19, 2025 titled: Raila Odinga You are my Friend Video Tribute Festac 24 connect Memphis Kenya & Black Memphis History.
On October 15, 2025 former Kenya Prime Minister the Honorable Raila Odinga passed. Anthony "Amp" Elmore's October 19, 2025 YouTube video tribute, *Raila Odinga You Are My Friend*, is a powerful cultural and diplomatic statement that bridges continents and generations. More than a tribute, the video is a living document of Black Memphis history and Pan-African unity, filmed during FESTAC Africa 2024 where Elmore captured Prime Minister Raila Odinga seated beside Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o and Nigeria's former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Using Patti LaBelle's soul anthem "You Are My Friend," Elmore transforms the footage into a heartfelt narrative of friendship, condolence, and cultural reverence. His role as a filmmaker—not just a photographer—allows him to craft a story that educates, honors, and connects. This video is embedded on the Black Memphis History website and amplified through a national news release, serving as both a historical archive and a diplomatic tool that unites Africa and America as family.
Elmore's connection to Kenya spans decades. In 1990, his film *The Contemporary Gladiator* premiered in Nairobi, making him the first American to debut a movie in Kenya. He introduced kickboxing to the country in 1994, organized safaris and concerts, and met President Daniel Arap Moi in 1992, who later named him an ambassador.
In 1995, Elmore married Kenyan-born Zuri Imani Elmore, and though they are no longer married, their son Anthony "Amp" Elmore Jr.—born in 1998, the same year President Obama's daughter Malia was born—has embraced his heritage and now dedicates his life to connecting Africans and African Americans. Amp Jr. wants to connect with the Obama girls to help bring Africans and African/Americans together.
Elmore's Sr. bond with Kenya deepened when Mama Sarah Obama, President Obama's grandmother, called him her grandson in 2013. In 2016, Elmore honored one of Kenya's founding father Tom Mboya in Memphis with support from Congressman Steve Cohen, and in 2019, Kisumu Governor Nyong'o visited Memphis following Elmore's diplomatic tour.
In 2024, Governor Nyong'o invited both Amp Sr. and Jr. to FESTAC Africa as cultural ambassadors, reinforcing the generational legacy. When Raila Odinga passed, it was Zuri who informed Elmore, underscoring the enduring ties between them. Elmore then asked Congressman Cohen to write a letter of condolence on behalf of Memphis citizens—a request Cohen fulfilled, further cementing the Memphis-Kenya connection.
Click here to view Elmore's r June 5, 2025 national News story regarding the planned International Tom Mboya 70th Anniversary on August 15, 2026 in the Black Memphis Orange Mound Community.
Looking ahead, Elmore is inviting citizens, Kenyans and Africans worldwide to honor Mboya's legacy. Through family, film, diplomacy, and digital storytelling. Anthony "Amp" Elmore Sr. continues to build a monument of truth, unity, and cultural pride that links Black Memphis history to the heart of Africa.
Anthony "Amp" Elmore Jr. will invite the Obama daughters to come to Memphis via an effort to build relationships between Africans and African/America. Anthony "Amp" Elmore invites the world to come to Orange Mound in 2026.
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