African-American symbol -- The MUNTU® Symbol

The African American Symbol

In its literal sense, the Swahili word “muntu” means “soul”
or “essence of mankind.”

The story of the first eleven years of the MUNTU® was written up and is now in the Library of Congress (Catalog Card Number 78-73505). The MUNTU® has twice been nominated for a United States Commemorative Postal Stamp, was written up in the United States Congressional Record (Vol. 125 No. 37 Washington, Monday March 26, 1979 - Senate S3365), and is on permanent display in the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

The MUNTU® symbol originated not as a symbol but as a cover design for a Program given at an open house for a Black group in San Quentin State Prison known as SATE (Self Advancement Through Education) and sponsored at the time by the late Darrow W. Smith. In 1967, Darrow was a correctional officer, a Lieutenant who rose to the position of Deputy Warden before he was taken by a heart attack. He was also the only Black officer who was willing to sponsor an all Black group in the prison. At that time, all prison groups had to have either a correctional officer or a free person as a sponsor.

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"The symbol of our journey”

MUNTU® is the first true symbol of a unified new people: Black Americans with an African heritage. More than a mere symbol of common ancestry, MUNTU® marks the awakening of a new consciousness, an enlightened oneness. . . a new pride in being! MUNTU® is neither political nor religious in nature.

The beauty of MUNTU® as jewelry is totally secondary to its purpose and message. The men, women and children who wear MUNTU® are saying: “I am Black. I am an American. My roots are in Africa and I am proud of them all!”

To symbolize the soul and culture of Black (African) Americans, the creator of MUNTU® , Sam Lax® , reached back some 400 years to grasp the roots of 13.4% or 40.9 million Black (African) Americans (the figures are from the 2006 census) residing in the United States. The image of the MUNTU® symbol graphically blends Africa, in a golden form of the continent and her rivers, with an incised map of America.

A Black America carved out of the heart and soul of Africa - the result is MUNTU®

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NOTICE

SALA-GROUP is marketing a symbol in the form of jewelry. The symbol's Registered trademarked name is MUNTU® . The United States Copyright office has affixed their Reg. No. GP116424 to the design. We also utilize this design for various types of clothing; the United States Copyright office has affixed their Reg. No. KK248969 to these clothing designs. We realize that there are those in the industry who think they can simply take a design and have a mold or pattern made, and then, with a slight modification, market it as their own. This notice is to forewarn those individuals and/or firms that according to the United States Government, this is NOT so. We are hereby stating to the industry that ANY unauthorized use or infringement of these designs is expressly prohibited, and ANY infringement or attempted infringement or alteration of the aforementioned designs will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

MUNTU® is "Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off." to Sam Lax® dba SALA®

Registration Number: 3,210,907 (February 20, 2007 - through February 20, 2013)

Mfd. By SAM LAX®, Mission Hills, CA 91345

18653 Ventura Blvd., #366
Tarzana , CA 91356-4103
PHONE : 1-818-674-6112 FAX: 1-800-223-4887 SKYPE PHONE: 1-818-574-6950

NOTICE LEGAL WARNING. Any attempt by any individual, group or organization, to damage, destroy, tamper with or vandalize this website, or otherwise interfere with the operation of our various departments, is a violation of criminal and civil law and SALA-GROUP will diligently pursue all remedies in this regard against any offending individual or entity to the fullest extent permissible by law.