Obituary for Khalfani Orgi Senghor
Khalfani Orgi Senghor formerly known as Ronald L. Poindexter, Jr. was born on April 26, 1961, in Chelsea, Massachusetts to Mr. Ronald L. and Marsha (Smith) Poindexter. He would become a life-long resident of Roxbury, MA. He graduated from Cathedral High School in 1979, later furthering his education at Roxbury Community College and UMASS Boston.
In 1983 Khalfani enlisted in the U.S. Army; his military service extended through 1986. He and Amani (Nande) Harris married on July 2, of the same year.
Khalfani dedicated his life to family and Community. In 1993, while employed at the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, he created and managed the Young Father’s Program, whose mission was to help young men become better parents saying “We want to take one step at a time and build on it. Self-esteem is first, parenting is last and everything else is in between…. Once we identify the problem, then the guys really responded with amazement….”
In 1994 he continued his service to his community accepting the position of program manager at Youth Build Boston with responsibility for educational and career counseling, and development of life skills for participants.
In 1997 Khalfani joined the Young Achievers Pilot School. There he developed and managed an interscholastic program called the Twenty First Century Contenders (TCC), Inc. This innovative academic and athletic non-profit extended day program offered: debate teams, chess competitions, spelling bees, and athletic competitions. Members of the league consisted of 10 elementary schools: Harbor Pilot School, Lilla Frederick Pilot School, MATCH Charter Middle School, Middle School Academy, Mission Hill School, Orchard Gardens Pilot School, Patrick Lyndon Pilot School, William Ohrenberger School, Young Achievers Science & Math Pilot School and St. Columbkille School.
In his words “TCC’s foremost goal is to foster in children a zeal for academic challenges that is equal to that of athletic competitions. While few will become professional athletes, all possess the potential to become competent students. Our Philosophy is promoting self-confidence through academic and athletic achievement”.
This work marked the beginning of his 25-year commitment to educating and mentoring children. The rest of his professional career was focused on transforming the lives of students he worked with in Boston Public Schools.
He leaves to mourn his wife Amani (Nande) Senghor, sons Kamau, Ajamu (Shante), and Sekani; grand-daughters Myr’acle and Jahzara; parents Ronald L. Poindexter Sr. and Marsha Smith; sister Nadine Poindexter-Riggs; beloved niece Montanna and a host of relatives and friends.
Khalfani firmly believed that our position in the 21st Century will rely heavily on the strength and direction of our young people. He was determined to continue his service in building on their strengths and working with people who shared in this belief.
There will be a Viewing on Friday April 15, 2022 from 10:00 to 11:00am followed by Funeral Service at 11:00 O’clock at Riley-Antoine Funeral Home.
Final disposition will be private.
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Face masks are required for all individuals visiting the funeral home and church, regardless of vaccination status. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
In 1983 Khalfani enlisted in the U.S. Army; his military service extended through 1986. He and Amani (Nande) Harris married on July 2, of the same year.
Khalfani dedicated his life to family and Community. In 1993, while employed at the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts, he created and managed the Young Father’s Program, whose mission was to help young men become better parents saying “We want to take one step at a time and build on it. Self-esteem is first, parenting is last and everything else is in between…. Once we identify the problem, then the guys really responded with amazement….”
In 1994 he continued his service to his community accepting the position of program manager at Youth Build Boston with responsibility for educational and career counseling, and development of life skills for participants.
In 1997 Khalfani joined the Young Achievers Pilot School. There he developed and managed an interscholastic program called the Twenty First Century Contenders (TCC), Inc. This innovative academic and athletic non-profit extended day program offered: debate teams, chess competitions, spelling bees, and athletic competitions. Members of the league consisted of 10 elementary schools: Harbor Pilot School, Lilla Frederick Pilot School, MATCH Charter Middle School, Middle School Academy, Mission Hill School, Orchard Gardens Pilot School, Patrick Lyndon Pilot School, William Ohrenberger School, Young Achievers Science & Math Pilot School and St. Columbkille School.
In his words “TCC’s foremost goal is to foster in children a zeal for academic challenges that is equal to that of athletic competitions. While few will become professional athletes, all possess the potential to become competent students. Our Philosophy is promoting self-confidence through academic and athletic achievement”.
This work marked the beginning of his 25-year commitment to educating and mentoring children. The rest of his professional career was focused on transforming the lives of students he worked with in Boston Public Schools.
He leaves to mourn his wife Amani (Nande) Senghor, sons Kamau, Ajamu (Shante), and Sekani; grand-daughters Myr’acle and Jahzara; parents Ronald L. Poindexter Sr. and Marsha Smith; sister Nadine Poindexter-Riggs; beloved niece Montanna and a host of relatives and friends.
Khalfani firmly believed that our position in the 21st Century will rely heavily on the strength and direction of our young people. He was determined to continue his service in building on their strengths and working with people who shared in this belief.
There will be a Viewing on Friday April 15, 2022 from 10:00 to 11:00am followed by Funeral Service at 11:00 O’clock at Riley-Antoine Funeral Home.
Final disposition will be private.
To Zoom click on your loved one obituary and then click on Photos and Videos Scroll down below picture album then click on Watch Webcasting. Once you sign in we asked that you please mute your device.
Face masks are required for all individuals visiting the funeral home and church, regardless of vaccination status. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.