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F R O M T H E O U T H O U S E T O T H E L I T T L E R E D S C H O O L H O U S E : | 26

INTRODUCTION

T

his book is not written in academic type language. It may even have an elementary format, but that’s just fine for me! It is written

for the sole purpose of accomplishing what my mother did not get an opportunity to do before her demise: author a book. I give
honor to her, my father, my grandmothers, my brother, and my sister for all they have done for me. Additionally, I want my

grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins to know the real story about “Nana Pat.” I also want every student of Tajiri
School of Performing Arts and Museum, as well as their parents, to know that my adversities and challenges led to miraculous successes.

Another reason I have for writing this book is to inspire youth and young adults everywhere. At this stage of my life, it’s obvious to me that
I carried on my mother’s desire to expose children to the things she loved most ‒ the Lord Jesus Christ, academics, and the performing arts.

I discovered the same powerful yearning within my own heart. I pray that this book will encourage and motivate others to see their brilliance

and achieve the passions within their hearts.

The school, Tajiri Arts, was named after my son, Kamili Tajiri Hitchmon. “Kamili Tajiri” means “Perfect Rich Man.” Tajiri Arts

International was founded on October 6, 1988, in my home, located at 104 Hays Drive in Sanford, Florida. I made slight changes to the
names to reflect our growth and the scope of our curriculum. We changed the name to Tajiri School of Performing Arts and Academics to

reflect our expansion into teaching entrepreneurship along with tutoring math, science, and computer skills. Our last name change to Tajiri
Arts School and Museum was made to encompass our official membership in the Florida African American Heritage Preservation Network

and to highlight our cultural tour, Sanford Out of the Dust: Ancestorial Path to Dignity.

I want those who read this book to know that in spite of adverse circumstances, positive achievements can be made if God is the head of your
life ‒ your CEO ‒ because Christ is the Everlasting Overseer. I’d also like my family members and every other reader to remember this

scripture:
Do not despise these small beginnings… Zechariah 4:10 (NLT)