In the Gosho “The True Aspect of all Phenomena” Saint Nichiren writes: “At first only Nichiren chanted Nam-myoho-renge-kyo, but then two, three, and a hundred followed, chanting and teaching others. Propagation will unfold this way in the future as well.” In 1974 I was introduced to Buddhism via an organization called NSA or Nichiren Shoshu or America. We were introduced to Buddhism during the times of the 1970’s during the radical change in America where Black Revolutionaries and Hippies emerged. Buddhism was right for America and NSA Buddhism was the way to go.

A changed happened to Buddhism in America when NSA changed to the SGI. NSA Buddhism was “truly organic” in that an orchid of Buddhist flowers naturally emerged through out the world. The two major world Nichiren Buddhist organizations the SGI and Nichiren Shoshu organized Buddhism into a “Floristry.” The SGI is like the “World largest Nichiren Buddhist Floristry.” The Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism is like “Ikebana” or (Japanese Flower Arrangement.)

We now come to the point of explaining the “Proud Black Buddhist World Association.” We are like the “Wildflowers.” To be clear about the matter we are the “Lotus Flowers.”

The Proud Black Buddhist World Association is the brain child of 5 times World Karate Kickboxing Champion Anthony “Amp” Elmore who lives in Memphis, Tennessee. Elmore left the SGI Buddhist organization in March of 1991 for what he called “Racial Discrimination.” In 1996 Elmore connected with his direct Buddhist membership with the Nichiren Shoshu Temple. Elmore produced independent video documentaries at the Nichiren Shoshu head temple and he travel to Accra, Ghana where he operated as the official Nichiren Shoshu videographer for the Nichiren Shoshu head temple in Taisekiji Japan.

Elmore’s experience in Ghana lead him not only into an International Buddhist Experience, also Elmore entered the African Import business where he as a designer produced a garment for President Obama that was accepted by the White House and President Obama sent Elmore a thank you note. Memphis Congressman Steve Cohen acknowledged Elmore’s work in Africa on the floor of Congress.

Click on the Above picture to see Video in Ghana.  Congressman Steve Cohen Acknowledge Elmore.  Video of the Obama Tuxedo designed by Elmore.

Elmore’s aim was to partner up with the Nichiren Shoshu Temple and help spread Buddhism worldwide. Elmore noted to the Nichiren Shoshu Priest that while “Ikebana” or (Japanese Flower Arrangement) was beautiful, such a practice does not favor well with African American people. Elmore notes that we African Americans are like Wildflowers and it takes a special skill to cultivate “African American Buddhist."  Moreover Buddhism in America must make an honest cultural integration.  Elmore left Nichiren Shoshu to and started a Nichiren Buddhist secular organization called the Proud Black Buddhist World Association.

 

We can talk for decades about a “Cultural Integration.” We best show you a true “Cultural Integration” as it happen in New York City on November 5, 2013 when Bill de Blasio was elected Mayor of New York, City. Bill de Blasio is a true “integrationist in that he is a White man who married a Black woman who was once Gay. Bill de Blasio campaigned strength on his diversity. His children did not have to tone down their “African Heritage” by styling their hair in what we call “politically correct.” His wife has the African corn rolls, his son sports a Hugh Afro and his daughter has “African Locks.” This man loves his family and his life is exemplary of a “True Cultural Integration.”


The Proud Black Buddhist World Association is the emergence of Buddhist who express our Buddhist faith that models an African and African American cultural inclusion in the faith.

The Proud Black Buddhist World Association is the world's 1st Black Nichiren Buddhist "Secular Movement." We call ourselves "Indigenous Buddhist" because the Buddha was Black. There are two things to note about this movement. First the movement is secular and second the movement is Black. We use Black in a cultural framework as opposed to a racial context. One example is rap music is "cultural and not racial." Young Whites and people worldwide love and respect "Black Music." Blues, Jazz, Soul and rock & roll originated from Black music. The Black Buddhist movement is a cultural movement whereas Black history and culture is integrated into the Buddhist Practice of  Nichiren  Buddhism. Whites later came to enjoy, respect and imitate Black music. This is where rock and roll King Elvis Presley emerged from my home town of Memphis, Tennessee.

Anthony "Amp" Elmore Founder of the Black Buddhist Nichiren Secular movement.

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