About the Author - Warren Foster Sr.
Warren Foster Sr. is a man whose life has been shaped by the adventures of growing up in a military family. He traveled worldwide, from Germany's beautiful landscapes to Hawaii's stunning beaches. His mother, Evelyn Jo Foster, came from a big family with seven siblings, and she always brought warmth and love into their home. His father, Sergeant Major Edward Foster Sr., and his brother James taught their children the importance of resilience and a love for adventure.
Warren is one of four children, along with his siblings Edward Jr., Teri, and Paget. Their family’s travels encouraged them to be fearless and explore the world. Warren discovered his passion for engineering through motocross racing and his love for tinkering with cameras and audio equipment. His father, an audiophile who loved jazz, fueled that interest, while his mother, a dedicated teacher, played a vital role in his education. She managed the Indian Knowledge remote bus, which traveled to various schools and inspired Warren to pursue a career in engineering.
Throughout his journey, Warren faced challenges, including working graveyard shifts to support his four biological children and others. With the help of the Almighty, he raised them with love and pride, watching them grow and thrive. His family remained a steadfast support system, with his mother, father, niece Leslie, and oldest daughter Jamilah playing vital roles in their upbringing.
Now that his children are adults and charting their own paths, Warren has shifted his focus to entrepreneurship in film and television. His passion for this field sparked 20 years ago during the height of cable TV when he met his lifelong friend, Baba Oji Blackston. Together, they launched FAD Productions, creating influential TV shows and documentaries like "Business in the Black" and "Juneteenth."
After years of hard work, Warren is excited to share a project that has been his dream since childhood: "Queen Khalifa and the Empire of XI." This project reflects his experiences, passions, and the unwavering support of his family and friends. He is deeply grateful to his Anointed Tribe for being his foundation and inspiration.
About the Author - Oji Samuel Blackston
Oji Samuel Blackston grew up on 22 1⁄2 Street in East Baltimore, Maryland. His mother, Louvinia H. Blackston, graduated as a Practical Nurse from St. Paul Institute in 1948, but shortly after that, his parents separated. Louvinia moved Oji and his siblings to Bel Air, a small town about twenty-seven miles north of Baltimore. At first, they lived without electricity or running water, but by 1956, they finally had electricity. Oji loved the excitement of living in the countryside, where there was always something to do. He went to Central Consolidated School from 1952 to 1960 and remembers vividly seeing “We do not serve colored” signs in stores.
In 1959, the family moved back to East Baltimore, and Oji and his sister Eillen attended Clifton Park Jr. High School. Oji found a true passion in his metal and electric shop classes. After the death of his stepfather, they moved back to Fallston, Maryland, and returned to Central Consolidated School. Sadly, Oji’s mother was diagnosed with leukemia. Before she passed away, she called her children to her bedside to say goodbye and asked his sister Sarah, who lived in Hereford, to raise Oji and Eillen. Oji honors Sarah for taking on that important role and doing an incredible job. He graduated from Hereford Jr./Sr. High in 1963.
That same year, Oji joined the U.S. Marines and served from 1963 to 1968. He worked as the Captain's Orderly (a security guard) for the ship’s captain and as an Admiral’s Orderly during military operations. After returning from Vietnam, he faced various challenges finding work and became a street vendor, selling jewelry and art projects. In October 1974, he moved to California, attended Contra Costa College in 1975, and graduated in 1977. Oji worked as a photographer for the Richmond Independent Newspaper and later transferred to San Francisco State University from 1977 to 1984, where he earned his Master of Arts degree.
Oji went on to form a theater group called the 11th Street Players and directed plays at the East Bay Center for the Performing Arts in Richmond and the Black Repertory Theater in Berkeley, California. He served on the Richmond Art Commission and taught drama at Contra Costa College as well as television production at Laney College. During this time, he partnered with Warren to create FAD Productions. Oji received his teaching credential and began teaching at Nystrom Elementary School in Richmond, CA, where he dedicated over 25 years.
With Warren, Oji documented the Berkeley Juneteenth Celebration, winning First Place at the Bay Area Cable Excellence Award. They also created a half-hour TV program titled "Business in the Black." Currently, they are working on an exciting new project called "Queen Khalifa and the Empire of XI."
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