Larry Ukali Johnson-Redd, born 1952 in San Francisco, graduated from Balboa High School in 1970 and entered University of San Francisco and received a B.A. in 1974 in Political Science and Ethnic Studies (African American).  His quest for education continued at Golden Gate University in San Francisco where he received a Masters in Public Administration 1976 (MPA).

      During his early University days he met Chinwe, a Nigerian woman who was also a student, whom he eventually married.

     After being disillusioned by the racism encountered while seeking a career in corporate America, he decided to seek alternatives.  In 1977 he and his Chinwe moved to Nigeria where he took four-year appointment as a lecturer of Government at a Boy’s High School in Benin City.

 While in Nigeria he appeared on Nigeria Television on many occasions, wrote poetry and in his leisure time worked on his 1982 Novel, The Black Expatriate in Africa.

      In 1981 Larry and his wife Chinwe, returned to the U.S.  His wife subsequently developed health problems in 1984 and passed away in May 1985.  Since then, he has mourned his wife, worked as a Community Services Executive in the OMI Community of San Francisco (twelve years) and an Elementary and Secondary Teacher. As a high school principal for more than 3 years, Larry is a Professional Educator in the Bay Area.  Ukali completed Journey To The Motherland, from San Francisco To Benin City and it was published in 2002.  Between 2002 and 2004 Larry completed History To Destiny Through Afrocentric Poetry and a Master’s of Arts in Educational Administration including his Preliminary Administrative Credential at San Francisco State University.