My Story

I am the child of an artist and scientist born in Washington DC on 6.27.1982, making me a fourth generation Washingtonian. My Mother and Father met working on projects at the Smithsonian Museum. My Mother's family is from DC, and my Father's family is from Botswana.

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Tendani is a 4th generation Native Washingtonian interdisciplinary artist + entrepreneur. Much of his work has been inspired by nature and architecture. While being homeless at 21, Tendani studied business, marketing, design, merchandising, and politics and university libraries. Seizing the opportunity to join Americorps, Tendani served over1,700 hours helping restore the Anacostia River, and his life. He used visual arts and film to advocate for environmental preservation, and educate the public about issues facing the Anacostia Watershed. Similar to young athletes, Tendani skipped college, and went "straight to the pros". He interned at National Geographic's film department, assisting editors on the series"Take Action, Go Wild". He then learned the ins and outs of public art and project management interning with the Corcoran College of Art & Design and mentor G. Byron Peck (City Arts), working on real time public art installations.

By the age of 26, Tendani became a full time entrepreneur, launching a consulting company specializing in graphic design, fine art, and youth programs.While working closely with DC “Mayor for Life” Marion Barry, Tendani co founded the Ward 8 Arts & Culture Council in 2012 to facilitate social and economic development via arts, culture, and technology. The organization became 501c3 in 2014 and is now rebranded 8 Arts & Culture. Tendani continues to impact the Washington DC community at large, and those less fortunate, with business, professional, and personal development programs, and being a voice for the voiceless.