Destiny One Ministries

WHO IS DESTINY ONE?

DESTINY ONE is the next evolution of Liberation Zone Ministries, which was founded by Kojo and Shannon Livingston in New Orleans in 1998 and incorporated in 1999. After hurricane Katrina destroyed all of their belongings, the Livingstons and their ministry relocated to Shreveport, Louisiana. Destiny One began as an LZ Newsletter prior to Katrina and was incorporated in September of 2006.

LZ/D-1 is a Christian Ministry with Black/Afrikan Nationalist politics and culture, meaning that our focus is the uplift of Black people in North America and the world as our first priority in creating a better planet for all.

Kojo Livingston is an ordained Baptist Minister with over 34 years experience as a community activist/organizer/developer. He has created and directed youth and violence-prevention programs. His ministry involves street-level direct outreach and crisis intervention. He is a 22 year veteran journalist who has written for , designed and edited local and national newspapers and magazines. His current and past affiliations include Christian Unity Baptist Church (New Orleans), the U.N.I.A., the Republic of New Afrika, Amnesty International, SCLC, the New Orleans Committee Against Apartheid and others.

Shannon Livingston is a recognized minister with over 30 years experience in all phases of church work, including administration, counseling, evangelism and street outreach. She has over 20 years of professional experience in human services work and a psychology degree from Loyola University. She is a seasoned teacher/preacher/conference speaker with a special insight into women’s and family issues. She is also a skilled instructor in Afrikan and sacred dance. Event planning is a sideline of hers.

Many elders have played a role in the development and direction of LZ/D-1, including Sis. Dara Abubakari (aka Virginia Collins), Dr. Morris F. X. Jeff, Mother Estelle James, Mama Alma Watkins, Queen Mother Suma Diarra, Baba Chuck Siler, Baba Harold Batiste, Baba Takuna Tarhaka, Baba Minor Bell, Baba Royal Hill, Mama Rose Ventriss Williams, Mama Eileen St. Julien and Pastor Dwight Webster.

Past and current workers and supporters include: Sis. Tara Marshall, Warrior Richardson, Mama Olayeela Daste, Pastor Anthony Simon, Pastor Glenn Keller, Mama Jerra Pijeaux, Rev. Gregory Williams, Lloyd Dennis, Anoa Nantanbu, Larry Hayes, Gwen Richardson, Muhammad Yungai and many whose names won’t fit here.

Through the years Liberation Zone/Destiny One has worked with many groups and individuals including:

• Ashe’ Cultural Arts Center
• Community Book Center
• The Nation of Islam
• The Guste High Rise Resident’s Council
• The African American Leadership Project
• National Association of Brothers & Sisters Inside and Out (NABSIO)
• Neighborhood Unity
• Zion Trinity
• Lafitte Resident Council
• National Assoc. of Black Social Workers
• Black Arts National Diaspora
• Truth Universal
• The People’s Institute for Survival and Beyond
• Gov. Nicholls/N. Johnson Faith in Action
• Nubian Express Books (Shreveport)