Imani, which means faith in Swahili, a language

spoken throughout Eastern Africa (and the official language of Kenya and Tanzania), was chosen

because it was symbolic of both the congregation’s racial, ethnic and spiritual heritages. Early in its

existence, there was a strong sense within the congregation of pride in both who they were and

“Whose” they were. They clearly recognized themselves as children of Mother Africa and more

importantly as “Children of the most high God!”