- Queen Ameenata’s life began in the heart of a close-knit, community-oriented family in the US.
- After completing a Master’s degree in administration, Queen Ameenata’s path took her toward various leadership roles in community activism.
- Her installation as Sarauniya in November 2019 was the formal recognition of this role, and later followed by her official acknowledgment by Sub-Chiefs in October 2020.
Her Royal Majesty (HRM) Queen Ameenata Dikko Koita, born Rochelle Candler in 1969 in the United States of America, has traversed continents and cultures, embarking on a journey that embodies resilience, self-reinvention, and an enduring commitment to social justice and empowerment.
Today, she stands as the first Sarauniya (Queen) of the Fulbe Kingdom in Ashanti, Ghana — a role that connects African heritage with the vibrancy of the African Diaspora.
A Diverse Beginning
Queen Ameenata’s life began in the heart of a close-knit, community-oriented family in the US.
Her parents, Carl Van Candler and Alice Marie O’Hair Candler, nurtured her in an environment where cultural pride and community service were paramount.
The 34th of 52 first cousins, Queen Ameenata’s upbringing within an extended family was shaped by the values of unity and responsibility. These early lessons would later influence her broader vision of uplifting society.
Growing up, Queen Ameenata displayed a natural flair for leadership and activism. She was exposed to Black economic empowerment, which later defined her professional trajectory.
After completing a Master’s degree in administration, Queen Ameenata’s path took her toward various leadership roles in community activism.
She founded Black Wall Street Arizona (BWSAZ) — an initiative aiming to replicate the financial independence achieved by the historical Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Oklahoma — where her focus on education and economic empowerment began to evolve.
These early efforts were a catalyst for her future work in Africa, as she would later expand this mission to the continent under the Black Wall Street Africa banner.
Unlikely Royalty: Path to Sarauniya
The moment that would alter the course of Ameenata’s life came on April 2, 2019, when she was crowned the first Sarauniya of the Fulbe Kingdom in Ghana by HRM King Osman B. Ahmed Koita.
The Fulbe, a nomadic pastoralist group with deep cultural roots across West Africa, are historically governed by a Laamiido (King), but the title of Sarauniya was unprecedented within their leadership.
The title, inspired by the legendary Hausa warrior Queen Amina, represents more than ceremonial power — it signifies stewardship over women’s empowerment, education, and diplomatic efforts for the people of Fulbe.
Queen Ameenata’s coronation was not just a personal triumph, but a symbolic bridge between African-American heritage and African royalty, underscoring the universal pursuit of empowerment and justice across the African Diaspora.
Her installation as Sarauniya in November 2019 was the formal recognition of this role, and later followed by her official acknowledgment by Sub-Chiefs in October 2020.
Before her coronation, she held the title of Magajiya, a term used for female leaders in the Hausa communities.
Philanthropy and Empowerment
Beyond the title, Queen Ameenata’s reign is defined by her visionary leadership and humanitarian work.
She founded the Sarauniya International Development Organisation (SIDO) https://queenameenata.org/?page_id=87 this year, through which she channels her energy into human rights advocacy, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development initiatives.
SIDO has launched numerous projects aimed at improving the lives of women and children in Ghana and throughout Africa. These initiatives focus on healthcare, education, and the economic empowerment of underprivileged communities.
One of her most impactful campaigns is the #ISpeak Movement, founded with HRH Princess Lindiwe Ramushu of South Africa, which provides women with a platform to voice their experiences and promote collective healing through storytelling.
Queen Ameenata’s involvement in tackling period poverty in Africa is another standout initiative.
Working in partnership with various organisations, she has helped distribute menstrual cups to schoolgirls in Ghana and South Africa, pairing this effort with educational programmes on menstrual health and confidence-building.
This advocacy is part of her broader mission to address systemic gender inequalities, ensuring that basic biological needs or societal taboos do not hold back African girls.
Global Advocacy
Queen Ameenata’s influence reaches far beyond the Fulbe Kingdom. She is a frequent speaker at international forums, advocating for sustainable development, gender equity, and human rights on the global stage.
Her leadership has been showcased at events such as the Summit of the Future and UN Action Days in New York, where she has emphasised the necessity of fostering education, healthcare access, and economic growth, particularly for rural and marginalized African communities.
Queen Ameenata has secured partnerships and funding for various developmental initiatives through her engagements.
Notable among these are projects aimed at providing mobile healthcare services to remote areas in Ghana and improving sustainable agricultural practices, which are critical for rural economic development.
These efforts exemplify her belief in action-oriented leadership that transcends rhetoric and leads to tangible results.
A Legacy in the Making
From her upbringing in the United States to her coronation as the Sarauniya of Fulbe, Queen Ameenata Dikko Koita’s story is one of transformation and an enduring commitment to service.
She has used her position to elevate her standing and bring lasting change to the lives of women and children across Africa.
Her work continues to inspire both the African continent and the global diaspora, reflecting a vision for the future where inclusivity, empowerment, and human rights are central tenets of leadership.
As Queen Ameenata leads the Fulbe Kingdom into the future, her legacy as a pioneering queen, a global advocate, and a champion for the marginalised is steadily being mooted.
Her journey is a powerful testament to the potential of leadership rooted in compassion and a commitment to uplifting others, offering hope and inspiration for generations to come.
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