About Us

Born Mark Teemer, Akinsanya Kambon is an American artist and an advocate for art and education. He worked as a professor at the California State University, Long Beach, for twenty-six years. 

His work covers many mediums, such as drawings, paintings, bronze sculptures, and ceramics. He is also known for serving as Lieutenant of Culture for the Sacramento Chapter of the Black Panther Party, and especially for creating "The Black Panther Coloring Book " in 1968 designed to draw attention to racial inequality and social injustice. He is particularly known today for the challenging techniques he uses for his work in ceramic sculpture and his life long push towards fighting against oppression for all people expressing it through his work.

Born Susan Ross, Tama-sha Kambon was a dedicated wife, mother, community leader, educator, and director of the Pan African Art Gallery & Studio. She was the wife of renowned artist and former Black Panther leader Akinsanya Kambon. As the director of the Pan African Art Gallery & Studio, she transformed the space into a sanctuary for cultural enlightenment, education, and community outreach.

Together they worked to "pass something on" through the Pan African Art School, which they started in 1984. She was described by Akinsanya as having a profound impact on his life, encouraging him to experience his African heritage and life through art. She was a guiding light of passion and purpose, dedicated to the people, elevating emerging artists, and fostering dialogue across the African diaspora.