In 1969 a few African American meditators and teachers of the Transcendental Meditation® (TM®) program wished to bring the technique directly to their communities. TM Founder Maharishi Mahesh Yogi supported this vision to form an organization dedicated to teaching the TM technique to communities of color.
Transcendental Meditation Center (TMC), Inc. was first established for this purpose in Southwest Los Angeles, and quickly expanded with TMCs in Atlanta, Detroit, New York City, Oakland, St. Louis, San Diego, and Washington, D.C.
To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of TMC, Inc. and Black History Month, Enjoy TM News shared this remarkable story about TMC and its legacy today.
A Washington, D.C. gathering from around 1990, of TM meditators (standing) and TM teachers seated (l. to r.)—Rabia Rayford, Don Coles, Karen Bandy, Herb Bandy, Candace Martin, Naituli, Chinelo Haney, and Paulette Bell-Imaan
Now we bring you a replay of the nationwide celebration that took place on March 17, 2019, via video conference from California, Iowa, and Washington, D.C. At TM Centers and in private homes, the event was enjoyed by hundreds of meditators and friends across the country.
Program for the TMC 50th Anniversary Webcast Video
00:00 indicates point in video for guest speakers
Santa Monica TM Center, California
00:07 Welcome by Sibongile Bradley West, a certified teacher of the TM technique since 1973, and President of African PTSD Relief. She introduces master of ceremonies, Michael Ellington, who has worked as an emcee and voice-over professional for over 30 years and is retired from the LAPD.
Maharishi University of Management, Fairfield, Iowa
01:37 Introductory remarks on TMC, Inc. by Dr. John Hagelin, renowned quantum physicist, Director of the TM organization in the United States, and President of Maharishi University of Management.
Santa Monica TM Center
Emperor Haile Selassie and TMC co-founder Stanley Lewis shake hands while Kibre Dawit looks on at the Ethiopia TM Teacher Training Course, 1973
10:20 TMC History, a video slide show giving a visual history of the highlights of the organization’s beginnings, expansion, and achievements.
24:45 Greeting and remarks by Stanley Lewis, the visionary co-founder of TMC, Inc.
31:40 Sheree Brown, former Capitol recording artist, TM teacher, singer-songwriter, musician, producer, teacher, and Emmy® Award nominee, reflects on early TMC days and performs live for the celebration.
38:00 Bill Duke, TM teacher, actor, director, producer, writer, and humanitarian, is interviewed by Michael Ellington.
The Meditation Center at THEARC, Washington, D.C
The Meditation Center at THEARC, Washington, D.C.
43:30 Denise Harrington, CEO of DMH Consulting Group, shares greetings, memories, and stories of the early days of TM in the region.
52:45 Dr. Carolyn King, Senior Researcher and MUM Professor, in an inspiring video on Mozambique, recalls the achievements of the Chissano government that implemented the TM and TM-Sidhi® programs to create peace, end a years-long civil war, and break a sustained drought.
58:32 Message from Dr. Kibre Dawit, National Director of the TM program in Ethiopia, who was instrumental in organizing the historic TMC, Inc. Teacher Training Course held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 1973. Her message is read by Paulette Bell-Imaan, founder of the Ideal Academy Public Charter School in Washington, D.C., the first school with the TM technique as part of its charter.
Groundbreaking Educators in Washington, D.C.
Dr. George Rutherford, II
1:04:37 Rena Boone, 40-year educator, Executive Director of The Meditation Center at THEARC, and Regional Director of the David Lynch Foundation shares breakthrough moments in the TMC story.
1:06:42 George Rutherford II, Ph.D., who recently retired as principal of the Ideal Academy Public Charter School, and is national director of the U.S. Committee for Stress-Free Schools, talks about the beginnings of the Quiet Time program.
1:10:55 Je-Ru Hall, Senior Director of The Meditation Center at THEARC in Washington, D.C., talks about his decades of work as a TM teacher in communities of color and the impact of the TM technique.
Santa Monica TM Center
1:13:25 Patrice Rushen, multi–Grammy-nominated jazz pianist, composer, singer, musical director, and producer, sings “My Heart, Your Heart” in a music video and is interviewed by Michael Ellington.
Sibongile West, Director, African PTSD Relief
1:21:28 TM in Africa: PTSD Relief video, with Sibongile West on the remarkable impact of the organization in helping victims of war and civil unrest across Africa alleviate symptoms of PTSD with the TM technique.
1:29:00 In Memoriam video tribute to TMC teachers, with Dr. Sananda Ananda-Maynard, a certified teacher of the TM technique and a leader in human potential coaching for individuals, particularly women, for over 40 years.
The Meditation Center at THEARC, Washington, D.C
1:37:03 Closing remarks by Candace Martin, a TM teacher and practicing attorney who has been bringing the TM technique to the region’s schools, community groups, and research institutions for decades.
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