Gard Jameson
Founding Steward
Gard Jameson received his PhD from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Religion in 2005. He is a professor of Asian Philosophy at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is the author of five books, The Beatitudes, The Peace Pilgrim Pictures, and Phaethon, Monkey, and Ramayana: Our Mythic Moment. During the pandemic he wrote a children’s book, Love is the Magic Key, about the exploration of a father and daughter into the meaning of love.
He and his wife, Florence, cofounded Volunteers in Medicine of Southern Nevada, along with community benefactors, a charitable clinic that has provided free medical, dental, and mental healthcare to thousands without access for over 15 years.
He serves on the board of the Charter for Compassion, CharterForCompassion.org, with over 400 global communities adopting Compassion as their premier value, including Compassionate Las Vegas, CompassionateLV.org.
He has two precious daughters, MJ and Julia… and has been married to his best friend, Dr. Florence Jameson, for 43 years… they met when he was 15 and she 14 years old!
"In unselfish service, we discover our true Being of Boundless JOY and Unconditional LOVE. Ubuntu is, in reality, the way forward."
Pato Banton
Executive Steward
Pato Banton is a Reggae Legend, who’s four-decade career has also earned him a Grammy Nomination, a place in the British Music Hall of Fame and the prestigious BBC Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his tireless community work and successful efforts to help reduce gun crime across his hometown of Birmingham England after two of his sons were shot in a drive by shooting. After being inspired by the teachings of The Urantia Book, Pato’s journey has increasingly transcended the music industry and more into Spiritual Ministry and Music Outreach for “at risk” young people in disadvantaged communities via schools, colleges and prisons, plus writing educational curriculum for children with learning disabilities.
Since producing the award winning documentary entitled “The Spirit Of Ubuntu” Pato and his wife Antoinette Rootsdawtah have focussed most of their time spreading the Ubuntu Philosophy globally and to improving the developments of many communities across the continent of Africa with the support of Gard Jameson of Compassionate Las Vegas.
Now based in Southern California, Pato and Antoinette continue to record and tour the world extensively, promoting peace and spirituality, while simultaneously serving as Teachers, Counselors, Mentors and “Ministers of the Verb”.
Aleena
African Coordinator
Brenda Katushemererwe, also known as Aleena, is a Ugandan-born social leader, writer, and advocate dedicated to justice, equity, and the empowerment of women and marginalized communities.
Brenda brings a multidisciplinary approach to social change. She is a Social Worker, Journalist, former Media Administrator, Nutrition Promoter, Artist, Public Speaker, Technology Promoter, and former Presidential Aspirant. Her work connects grassroots action with public dialogue on women’s rights, health, and sustainable development.
She currently serves as African Coordinator for Ubuntu International overseeing all Ubuntu hubs guided by Ubuntu: “I Am Because We Are.”
Brenda is the author of The Killing of the Queen, a powerful examination of the historical and systemic marginalization of women. Through her writing and advocacy, she challenges harmful cultural norms and amplifies women’s voices, dignity, and leadership.
She is also the Founder and Director of Telemed Community-Based Organisation (CBO), which delivers health information, community education, and empowerment programs in remote regions of Uganda and within Nakivale Refugee Settlement.
How The Journey Began
In 1999, the Parliament of the World’s Religions convened in Cape Town, bringing together global spiritual leaders, elders, and change makers.It was at this event that Gard Jameson met Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela and learned about the amazing philosophy of Ubuntu “I Am because We Are. We Are because I AM. This encounter touched Gard so deeply that years later, when observing the many problems in the world, he felt called to share this African Wisdom about the interconnectedness of humanity, globally through film, with the hopes of inspiring generations to come.
To bring this vision to life, Gard reached out to grammy nominated reggae legend Pato Banton, award winning film director Kudzai Tinago, (along with his assistant Answer Sofa) and world renowned keyboard player Antoinette Rootsdawtah, to embark on an amazing journey across the continent of Africa to explore and document the ancient philosophy of Ubuntu and talk to some the most dynamic and visionary leaders who practice the teachings of Ubuntu in their daily work to improve the lives of the people in their local and surrounding communities.
The result was the award-winning documentary titled “The Spirit of Ubuntu” which has since received over 25 awards at International Film Festivals and touched audiences around the world. The film revealed something profound: Ubuntu is not obscure ~ it is alive and can be found in many different languages and cultures, with clear evidence that Ubuntu thrives wherever people choose cooperation over competition, dignity over despair, and community over isolation.
But the story did not end with the film…..
Out of these ongoing relationships, experiences, and shared commitments, Ubuntu International and the Uplifting Ubuntu Project were born with the intention of transforming inspiration into action.
Today, the Uplifting Ubuntu Project supports projects across Africa aligned with the Seven Pillars of Ubuntu ~ which include Education, Fun/Exercise, Healthcare, Women’s Empowerment, Agriculture , The Arts, Economic Justice, and Spiritual Practice. What began as a few “Hubs” has evolved into a living network of increasing local initiatives and grassroots leaders, each responding to the real needs in their communities while staying connected through shared values.
Ubuntu to the World!
Our Mission
"Ubuntu Uplifting Project is an initiative that is dedicated to cultivating a global sense of community and social responsibility. Our aim is to promote a culture based on The Spirit of Ubuntu - a philosophy that recognizes the humanity in everyone and encourages us to work together for the betterment of all. Through our initiatives, we aim to empower people to become agents of change, fostering empathy, understanding, and connection. We strive to create opportunities for people to connect, share, and support one another, and to build a more compassionate world."
I Am
Because
We Are
The 7 Pillars Of Ubuntu!
Ubuntu is a philosophy that highlights our shared humanity and interconnectedness, emphasizing that a person is a person because of other people. It promotes values like compassion, empathy, and community, recognizing that our individual well-being is tied to the well-being of those around us. The Seven Pillars Of Ubuntu offer a holistic approach to community and personal development. Education fosters growth, healthcare nurtures well-being, music and the arts inspire creativity, environmental stewardship promotes self sustainability and the sustainability of our planet, play promotes joy and wellness, justice seeks equity and fairness, while spirituality and wisdom guides our paths closer to an era of Light & Life.
Join Us in Making a Difference.
Together, We Can Create Change.
"Every contribution counts and every act of kindness matters. Your donation will help us reach more people and make a tangible difference in their lives."