Isaiah Washington

Biography

Date of Birth 3 August 1963, Houston, Texas, USA Height 6' 1" (1.85 m) Isaiah Washington IV is an American film and television actor. Washington was born in Houston, Texas, where his parents were residents in the Houston Heights community. His parents relocated to Missouri City, Texas around 1980, where he was one of the first graduates from Willowridge High School, Houston, in 1981. Isaiah revealed in an interview with Star Jones that his father, whom he was named after, was murdered when he was 13 years old. Washington went on to serve in the United States Air Force and attended Howard University. Washington married Jenisa Marie Washington on February 14, 1999. The couple has three children. In April 2006, he joined forces with the Narcolepsy Network in its first nation-wide campaign to raise awareness for narcolepsy. Washington does not suffer from the sleep disorder. Washington managed to trace his maternal ancestry back to Sierra Leone, and is of Mende descent. In December 2006 he visited his ancestral homeland, and received a warm welcome from the local people. Inspired by founder Isaiah Washington's discovery of his direct genetic link to the Mende´ people of Sierra Leone, The Gondobay Manga Foundation advocates cooperative planning to achieve positive, timely improvements in the lives of the people of Sierra Leone. By uniting passionate people, The Foundation strives for immediate impact by addressing one village at a time. This singular approach tailors initiatives to the specific needs of the village community, while drawing the attention of the international community to distinct needs and goals. In undertaking issues such as road building, water supply, and electricity, The Foundation will stress the need for reliability, accountability, and sustainability in the infrastructure of Sierra Leone. The Gondobay Manga Foundation will, by its own example and the example of its alliances, exhibit the principles of reform and rightful behavior to the people and government of Sierra Leone. Mr. Washington's personal path and the vision of The Gondobay Manga Foundation exemplify what is possible when one person's ancestral discovery leads them home to champion the rights and needs of their people. In addition to The Gondobay Manga Foundation, Isaiah also works with Coalhouse Productions to get food to the needy in Los Angeles.