Umoja Scholars Program

Akwaaba (Welcome) to our Umoja Scholars Program
Umoja, (a Kiswahili word meaning unity) is a program dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African American and other students.
Umoja actively serves and promotes student success for all students through events, conferences, and curriculum that is responsive to the legacy of the African and African American Diasporas.
You can be an Umoja Scholar.

Community and Belonging
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You'll be part of a supportive community where your cultural identity is embraced and celebrated.
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Umoja provides a safe space to connect with other students, helping you feel seen, valued, and at home on campus.
Cultural Affirmation and Safe Space
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Umoja offers a dedicated space on campus where students can connect with peers who share their cultural background, making it easier to navigate college life while embracing one鈥檚 identity.
Academic & Personal Support
- From registering for classes to navigating personal challenges, Umoja is a reliable support system.
- Students often say Umoja kept them motivated through tough times and helped them grow both personally and academically.
Leadership and Growth Opportunities
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You'll have opportunities to lead, design workshops, and make your voice heard.
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Umoja encourages your involvement in shaping the program and the campus culture.
Cultural & Educational Events
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Participate in events and experiences that highlight Black excellence and celebrate your heritage.
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These events are not just inspiring鈥攖hey also help you grow, learn, and network.
Lifelong networks
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Community of peers and faculty who increase your personal and professional growth
All students are welcome to join!
The Umoja Scholars Program is open to everyone and especially designed to support and affirm the experiences of students from the African and African American Diasporas. Our work is guided by Umoja鈥檚 18 Core Practices, which promote academic success, cultural identity, and community building.
Once You鈥檙e Part of Umoja, We Thrive Together
Becoming part of Umoja means joining a village that grows, supports, and celebrates with you.
Once you're in, we rise together 鈥 in community, in culture, and in success.
You鈥檙e not alone. You鈥檙e part of Umoja. Your VOICE Matters and together, we thrive.
- Raising "intentional & deliberate"
- Ethic of love - the affective domain
- Manifesting
- Umoja counseling: affirming, integrated, intentional
- The porch
- Live learning
- Language as power
- Tapping African American intellectual, spiritual and artistic voices
- Awareness of connection to African Diaspora
- Community-based and communal intelligence
- Acceleration - English, math, ESL and counsel
- Occupy study spaces on campus
- Mentoring
- Mattering
- Umoja as a power base
- Encircling diversity
- Gifting
- Everybody's business
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HDC 101: Orientation to College Success - Dr. K. Mcrae
Umoja Presents: Black History Month
mini传媒 - Collaboration with Student Leadership - DACO - Project Baldwin & Community
1. Diaspora Diaries: Then. Now. Forever
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Date: Wednesday, February 4
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Time: 3:00 PM
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Location: MAC Building, 1st Floor
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Details:
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Personal stories & African drumming
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Dinner served
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Three students and staff share narratives of lived experience, reflection, and cultural memory
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2. Roots, Rain & Rhythm: The Sound of Black mini传媒 (1985鈥1995)
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Date: Thursday, February 12
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Time: 5:30 PM
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Location: M. Rosetta Hunter Art Gallery, mini传媒
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Details:
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Gallery opening celebrating Black mini传媒鈥檚 music & culture
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Live DJ & reception
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In collaboration with As Many Weirdos As Possible; Student Leadership; DACO; Project Baldwin
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3. Love Stories From the Nile
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Date: Friday, February 13
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Time: 7:00 PM (Doors open at 6:30 PM)
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Location: Erickson Theatre
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Details:
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Storytelling & performance
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Explores love across the Black Diaspora
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Reception to follow
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4. Emerald Matriarchs: Celebrating Black Women鈥檚 Power in mini传媒
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Date: Wednesday, March 4
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Time: 2:00 PM
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Location: Rooms 1110 / 1111
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Details:
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Honoring prominent Black women leaders
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Featured honorees include:
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Yoshiko Harden
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CM Joy Hollingsworth
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Judge Andrea Jarmon
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And more
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All events are open to the public.
Space is limited!!!
Sign up early.
We encourage you to sign up for these event
More to come stay tune.
