For many years Obaba Oyo has proven himself to be a highly, self-motivated maverick. Starting from modest beginnings, he succeeded in becoming (what you would call) a self-made man. Born in Harlem, and not having the luxury of a wealthy two-parented household, he had to earn everything he got. While in school, he obtained excellent grades and maintained a position on the honor roll. Although he possessed strong academics, he never actually received his diploma because of his continuous debates with teachers. He argued many historical facts like, was Jesus Black or white, or whether Egypt was in Africa or Asia. His innovative and creative style constantly emphasized the importance of self-reliance. That’s what made him the success he is today.

Like many young Black men Imam was quite familiar with the streets of the ghetto. He had been arrested and had his share of problems with the police. While in jail he decided he wasn’t going to serve time but instead let time serve him. Remaining motivated, he escaped the streets of the ghetto and subsequently, sought self-development.

Obaba Oyo has always had a way with words. It was this gift, of persuasion, that enabled him to become a natural salesman. Initially, he started by selling his products door to door. Soon he had a team of door to door salesman working for him. Carving a niche in the African jewelry market, he sought to perfect his craft. He became one of the first street vendors in New York. Seeing no limits he soon locked down all the major selling spots like 59^th and Lexington, 42^nd and 6^th, 72^nd and 5^th, & West 4th Street to name a few. "The Merchants of Oyo", which could not of been made possible without the help of Kali and Najr Oyo grew and was extremely successful. Soon they added to the package Sister Fatima. Ultimately Imam opened up the first International African Gift Boutique in Greenwich Village as a gift for his mother. With the success of that store he opened two in Miami, which grew to a chain of ten.

Continuing to work hard, he simultaneously began to upgrade his moral character and started to concentrate on religion. During his travels to approximately 83 countries, he acquired significant business contacts. Already having a love for his people he realized the Black struggle needed a moral code and adapted Islam. He rose to become Imam, and established the African Islamic Mission, Inc. A.I.M., also known as the people in the “green and gold”. A.I.M. has members who are both Muslim and non-Muslim. They all work together to fuse the feud, and dispel the myth that Islam started anywhere other than Africa. His research and study lead him to find many hard to find and out of print books that deal with African culture and anthropology. Imam currently is the publisher of 243 out of print books, his own works, as well several newspapers like The Cultural Woman, Our Islam, Blacks and Computers, The Muslim Woman, and The Eye Opener. Some of his clientele include Barnes and Noble, Columbia University, Amazon.com, and Baker & Taylor.

Aside from moral issue that hold our people back, Imam saw the main issue as education. A.I.M. then adapted the new slogan "A World of Information". Currently, Obaba Oyo has commandeered the Internet business by opening up a computer Cyber lounge. The Cyber lounge is located right in the heart of Bedford Stuyvesant. At the "Aim Cyber lounge", with the help of highly trained technicians, he builds and sells computers. The successful newspaper "Blacks and Computers" is his brainchild. He consistently stays on the cutting edge of technology. Whether it is constructing websites, acquiring domain names, or assisting in computer classes, the community feels the presence of the Aim Cyber lounge. Obaba Oyo is dedicated and determined to get people acquainted with the importance of being computer literate in the 90’s and the approaching millennium.

Obaba Oyo has always been one to chart uncharted waters. "The Imam", which he is affectionately called by many, has been a pioneer on many fronts. He was instrumental in the building The Ansaar Allah Community in Bushwick. He also has been the guiding force behind his nephew / son Kedar (of Kedar Entertainment) to his new throne as CEO of Motown Records. This is a multi-talented human being, possessing a unique sense of genius. He is a man that seeks to educate and enlighten. Many people ask him, why are you in so many businesses? Imam answers, “I’m only in one business, that’s the business of business. Notwithstanding, everyone he encounters; he influences in some way. Throughout his life he has sought to share his knowledge. He has now earned the title as a "cultural technocrat", a leader among men possessing a sense of courage and dignity. Many say that Imam is now and always has been "light years" ahead of his time. He is definitely the personification of what commitment and struggle is all about. He doesn’t like to credit for his accomplishments, he always says he has been blessed with lots of excellent mentors, like Baba Ishanghi.

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