Nia
I am Nia. I am from 14th century Timbuktu in Mali, West Africa. I came to 21st century America in a timeship with my magical pet, Funzi, to escape Komo the Wizard. He is trying to steal my medallion, which my father told me never to give to anyone. My new friends and I will figure out a way to get the timeship back to my time period so we can rescue my parents. While we are making our way back, we will continue to play the Tell Me Who I Am game because it gives us the knowledge and power we need to defeat Komo and achieve our mission.
Mwanafunzi
Greetings! My name is Mwanafunzi, which means learner or student. But you can call me Funzi (foon-zee). I have been told that my brain collects information like a high-powered computer. But I'm still learning how to use this great gift. As Nia and I journey through time, it's my job to make sure she and her new friends are armed with the brain power to get out of challenging situations. Oh, I plan to keep them laughing too. Gotta have a little fun around here you know.
Kwame
I'm Kwame. This is my telescope that I use to look at the stars. I plan to be an astronomer when I grow up. I am fascinated with this star called Sirius B, one of the smallest and brightest stars in our galaxy. The Dogon people of Mali in West Africa studied and celebrated this star as a part of their astronomy lessons back in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Manny
I'm Manny. I'm going to learn to fly this timeship properly sooner or later. When we traveled back to ancient Kemet and saw the step pyramids, it reminded me of my ancestors, the Aztecs. My great grandfather told me all about them. Hey, maybe we'll go back to ancient Mexico on our next journey. Stick around, we're in for some crazy adventures.
Imani
I'm Imani. Some people think I'm kind of stuck-up. But I'm really not. I just think school is very important. I plan to be a doctor and an engineer when I grow up-like Mae C. Jemison So I don't have time to play around. Space boy Kwame and his friend, Manny, think I don't like them, but they're actually kind of cool. Just don't ever let them know I said that!
Big Tito
I'm Big Tito. I'm bigger than most of the other kids because I had to repeat 5th grade. But now that I've hooked up with Kwame and Manny, they're going to help me study to get my grades back up. I do not plan to repeat 5th grade again. Believe it or not, these guys have taught me how fun learning can really be. Especially science!
Cathy
Hi. My name is Cathy. I'm usually pretty good at keeping up with everything that's gong on with my friends at school, but I haven't been able to figure out what Kwame and Manny are up to. Speaking of Manny, I think he's cute. Anyway, I'll keep checking around and when I find out what's going on, I'll be sure to let you know!
Komo
I am Komo, the great wizard. Although my magic is powerful, I have not yet been able to find a way to steal-- I mean, borrow--the other half of Nia's magic medallion. If Nia would kindly hand over her half of the medallion, I would gladly let her parents go. Once I have both pieces, I WILL HAVE ALL OF THE KNOWLEDGE IN THE UNIVERSE! Of course, I am planning to do good things with it as long as everyone does as I say!!!!
Jamal and Farajah
We are Nia's parents, Jamal and Farajah. We know our daughter is safe because Funzi the Fuzzwuzz is their to protect her, and she has the power of the Imhotep medallion. Once she returns, we will see to it that the evil Komo pays for his dirty deeds. Then we can return to our lives to help ensure that the city of Timbuktu continues to thrive as a place of learning and commerce.
Imhotep
I am Imhotep, philosoper, poet, astronomer, sage, scribe, architect and physician. Some even call me the father of medicine. I consider myself to be an engineer, having designed the first great step pyramid of ancient Kemet during the rule of King Djoser of the Third Dynasty. Unlike the other main characters in Tell Me Who I Am, I am a real person. So don't get the real me mixed up with the character. I didn't create a timeship in real life, but it sure was fun doing it for Tell Me Who I Am.
