Announcement of the Passing of Maitefa Angaza

Tuesday, August 13, 2024, Brooklyn, NY … It is with profound sadness that the family of Maitefa Angaza announces the passing of our matriarch, the esteemed author, journalist, editor, filmmaker and spiritual leader. She joined the Ancestors on August 8, 2024. 

Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Maitefa’s influence extended far beyond her hometown, leaving a profound impact on those who knew her and encountered her work.  Her life was dedicated to the written word, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. 

She served as the executive editor of the legendary weekly newspaper The City Sun and was the managing editor at African Voices magazine. Her role as a Senior Writer and Copy Editor for Our Time Press further showcased her editorial prowess. Maitefa’s general news reporting, investigative pieces, features, profiles, arts reviews, book reviews, and other writings appeared in prominent publications such as Essence Magazine, Black Issues Book Review, The Network Journal, The New York Amsterdam News, Nu Origins Magazine, and Black Star News. Her words resonated deeply with her readers, reflecting her unwavering commitment to advancing the community and preserving its rich cultural heritage.

A passionate advocate for the arts, Maitefa co-produced the documentary In Our Heads About Our Hair, an exploration of identity, politics, and self-expression that enjoyed sold-out screenings at film festivals, college campuses, and cultural institutions both in the U.S. and abroad. She also produced the groundbreaking event Heads Up! A Soulful Celebration of Our HAIRitage, further cementing her legacy as a cultural curator and advocate for Black identity. 

Maitefa was deeply involved in supporting organizations and initiatives such as Reel Sisters, Geb Hetep Wholistic Health Center, Black News, The International African Arts Festival, Khamit Kinks, Nu Web Order, 500 Men Making A Difference, The Big Black Book, The Black Track, Holidayopolis,and We Define IT, among others. Her work in content generation for websites, blogs, newsletters, and marketing campaigns was highly regarded, and her influence in these spaces was both impactful and enduring.

Maitefa’s contributions extended to the literary world with her nonfiction book Kwanzaa: From Holiday to Every Day, first published by Dafina Books in 2007 and reissued in September 2019. This work is a guide that encourages the daily application of Kwanzaa’s principles, reflecting her family’s over 40-year tradition of celebrating the holiday. Her book, Sekha-sen Ren-a: May They Mention My Name – A Handbook of Kamitic Names, demonstrated her commitment to spiritual and cultural identity, offering a significant resource to those seeking to connect with their Kamitic heritage.

As a co-founder and one of the High Priestesses of Shrim Sa, an Afro-Kamitic spiritual organization, Maitefa played a pivotal role in guiding this group of indigenous spiritual organizations, which put on the annual event Shepsu Day for several years. Her spiritual leadership was a source of enlightenment for many, and she provided countless individuals with Kamitic names, enriching their spiritual lives and deepening their connection to their cultural roots.

Maitefa’s dedication to her community and culture was unwavering. She was not only a prolific writer and editor but also a producer and filmmaker who used her talents to uplift and celebrate Black culture. Her legacy is one of strength, wisdom, creativity, and an unyielding commitment to her people.

In addition to her professional achievements, Maitefa was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and community member. Her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her will deeply miss her. Maitefa Angaza’s spirit and contributions will continue to inspire and guide future generations, ensuring that her life’s work lives on. Her passing is a profound loss, but her legacy — rich with cultural and spiritual contributions — will endure as a beacon of light and inspiration.

Further details on memorials in honor of her life and legacy will be announced.  For more information on Maitefa Angaza, please visit  maitefaangaza.com.

The Angaza Family