Founding Legacy: Julia Ida Richards Wanzer Kapilango

The legacy of H2BE is carried not only through freedom struggle but also through the grace, resilience, and brilliance of women who paved the way. Among them shines Julia Ida Richards Wanzer Kapilango, mother of our Executive Director, Dr. Denguhlanga Julia Kapilango Divine.

Born in Rapidan, Virginia in 1933, Julia’s life reflected the beauty of service, scholarship, and spiritual devotion. From her early years singing in choirs across America to breaking racial barriers in corporate, government, and finance, Julia lived as both pioneer and nurturer. She was the first African American Statistical Clerk at SmithKline Pharmaceutical and later became a leader in public service with the City of Philadelphia and Detroit.

Her faith remained central. A devoted servant of Jesus Christ, Julia poured her gifts into churches in Philadelphia, Providence, and Detroit, where she was recognized with the Spirit of Detroit Award and as Michigan Chronicle Church Woman of the Year. She served as soprano, teacher, secretary, and tireless worker for the kingdom of God.

Julia also shattered stereotypes — pursuing education at Temple University, Roger Williams College, and the Wharton School; gracing modeling stages while proving intelligence and beauty can stand together; raising two daughters after being told she could never bear children.

Her legacy lives on in her daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren — and in the countless lives she touched with love, wisdom, and perseverance.

Julia’s life is the story of H2BE itself: education, faith, service, justice, and transformation. As we honor her memory, we root ourselves in her example — a mother, grandmother, and trailblazer who prayed without ceasing and loved without measure. Her spirit walks with us as we continue the work of remembrance, resilience, and renewal.

“Together, the lives of Dr. Adão José Domingos Kapilango and Julia Ida Wanzer Kapilango form the living roots of H2BE. Their legacies of freedom and faith continue in every program, every story, and every generation we serve.”