As members of the Tottenham community and the Holy Qubtic Church, it is our great pleasure to honour Horace Wright, affectionately known as Kahun Montu. To us, he is a stalwart of community unity and togetherness, someone who has spent a lifetime investing in people.
A father, husband and brother, Horace has served his community through music, activism, business, writing and faith. From his work as a DJ and activist for Black liberation to sharing teachings on understanding the scriptures through African eyes, he has encouraged people to explore their identity and recognise the value of their heritage.
For more than four decades, he has organised within North and East London, bringing people together to celebrate culture, delivering sermons and offering classes free to the public. Throughout that time, he has also become a father figure to many.
His contribution was recognised with a Haringey Heroes Award in 2020. For those who know him, that recognition reflects years of patient, consistent service: being available, sharing knowledge and encouraging people when they need support.
More recently, Horace initiated Strength in Silver, a health and wellness programme dedicated to a group whose needs can be overlooked: Black men over 50. Through pay-as-you-go outdoor fitness groups, the programme aims to reduce isolation and help address health inequalities.
It brings together two concerns that run throughout his work: people’s wellbeing and their connection to others. Creating opportunities to meet and take part in activities gives men a way to look after themselves while building relationships within their community.
Horace is also director of the Tree of Eternal Life, a holistic health store in the heart of Tottenham. It has become a welcoming place for conversations about Black health, wellbeing and cultural traditions.
His interest in these subjects extends to broadcasting. Through The Health Practitioners Corner on Supreme FM, he discusses natural health approaches and traditional herbal practices with listeners in Britain and internationally. His motto, “We aim to heal all”, expresses his belief in the connections between physical, emotional, spiritual and mental wellbeing.
Yet the clearest account of Horace’s contribution comes from the people who have experienced his support.
Monde Mgole, who has known him since 1994, describes a commitment sustained over more than thirty years: “He has been consistent in his growth and development in helping the black community.”
Elder Terry speaks of someone who is dependable when life becomes difficult: “Kahun Montu has been a great inspiration, working tirelessly within the community, helping those less fortunate in various circumstances. Always there when you need help or advice.”
For Brother Leo, Horace’s encouragement has helped him move beyond what felt familiar and comfortable. He describes Horace as “a pivotal figure in the local community” and recalls how, on many occasions, he encouraged him to step outside his comfort zone.
Brother Darren’s testimony captures the deeply personal importance of that care: “I came to you when I had little to no hope of ever changing my life and how it was. But you had true faith in me when no one else had.”
Others speak of the connection to African culture and spiritual identity that Horace has helped them find. Nishane Ashante Laurents Febis writes: “You have opened the door back to our African culture and spiritual identity.”
These experiences show what his leadership means in practice. It is present in the person who finds encouragement, the community member who feels understood and the relationships that continue across decades.
We believe Horace deserves recognition for a lifetime of giving and serving, particularly within the Black community. As a faith leader, community activist, radio presenter and entrepreneur, he has found many ways to share his knowledge and care for others.
He inspires, he encourages, he teaches, he truly cares. For those of us who know him as Kahun Montu, that care is the heart of his contribution.