Umoja O. N. Abdul-Ahad is one of the founders and presently serves as Executive Director of PROJECT 2000, INC. He has served in this capacity since 1979. Under his leadership, Project 2000, Inc. has been actively engaged in many successful community development initiatives.
One of the most successful initiatives developed by Project 2000 was the Public Housing Multi-Family Recycling Program. Under Mr. Abdul-Ahad’s leadership, the program spread from Knoxville to 35 cities in the United States and Puerto Rico and has received national and international recognition.
Mr. Abdul-Ahad has been active in community development initiatives in Knoxville for nearly three decades. In the mid to late 1970s, Umoja volunteered with community action committees such as Advocates for Neighborhood Development and the Committee for the Development of the African-American Community. His more recent efforts include campaigns to save Austin Homes and Knoxville College, as well as work with African-American Appalachian Arts. Mr. Abdul-Ahad’s commitment to the betterment of the Knoxville community is well documented.
Mr. Abdul-Ahad is also very committed to Knoxville’s youth. He has served as a teacher and counselor for the Highlander Summer Youth Program. He has also served as an officer for the Fair Garden Elementary and Vine Magnet Parent Teacher Associations. Presently, Project 2000, Inc. is developing new community health initiatives that focus on family fitness through walking and cycling.
Mr. Abdul-Ahad is a native of Knoxville. He was the first African-American to graduate from Karns High School in 1965. He continued his education at the University of Tennessee and Knoxville College. Mr. Abdul-Ahad is also a veteran of the United States Air Force.