Umoja Community Education Foundation, Inc.

?? Reflections on our Transformative Event - UMOJAFYING EDUCATION WORKSHOP?? Last Friday, we gathered as a community of 50 passionate participants—faculty, administrators, and students—who came together to engage in a vital conversation about Black student success. Our attendees represented a diverse array of institutions, including: - Los Angeles Community College District - Santa Barbara City College - Moreno Valley College - Green River College, WA - Golden West College - Fullerton College - Mt. San Jacinto College - Southwest College - Los Angeles Unified School District - Chaffey College - San Diego City College - West Los Angeles College - El Camino College - Green Dot Public Schools As we explored the theme of African-centered teaching, Myia Clarisse Williams, M.A.Ed., the Director of Curriculum and Instruction for the Umoja Community Education Foundation, shared a profound insight: “Paradigm is about location - how we are oriented. They took 'woke' from right here and put it in a different box.” This quote encapsulates the urgency of our work—understanding how systemic influences have shaped our consciousness. She posed a thought-provoking question: “Are we even conscious if colonization and slavery have impacted our relationship to self, self-esteem, identity, and value?” This inquiry illuminated the essence of our gathering: to confront the realities that hinder our students' growth and to acknowledge that “it is unnatural for a people to function while unconscious or partially conscious. The task is to restore what has been removed.” With gratitude, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to Los Angeles City College for their unwavering support as our host. Many participants expressed that this was their first encounter with African-centered professional development focused on Black student success, leaving with a renewed commitment to bring these vital lessons back to their institutions. As we concluded our event, we rallied around Myia's inspiring call-to-action: “Let's work together to get our brains back and shift our consciousness.” We recognize that consciousness is the state of being awake and aware. However, for those who have faced damage, there must be a shift to regain control over self-definition and self-direction. For those who wish to stay connected and informed about our ongoing journey and/or have a need to "Umojafy" your campus, we invite you to sign up here:?Umojafying Education Survey https://lnkd.in/gsFTpZXR Together, let us challenge the status quo, embrace our collective strength, and create educational spaces that honor every student’s voice. The journey has just begun! ? Eric Mayes Ph.D., Ed.M., Carmen Perkins, Julian West, Myia C. Williams, M.A.Ed, Maryhelen Blake, Dr. Damien Danielly, Mayen B. Udoetuk, Ed.D. #BlackStudentSuccess #AfricanCenteredEducation #ProfessionalDevelopment #InclusiveTeaching

????Big News, Umoja Family! The Umoja International Student Fellowship Program is officially accepting applications for Summer 2025!??? ? Last year, we witnessed a powerful wave of ambition, with over 50% of our applicants' awarded fellowships, enabling Umoja students from 10 vibrant California Community Colleges to traverse the globe and explore 4 dynamic countries across the African diaspora, while earning college credit. This year, we are calling on our future leaders—let’s aim for applicants from everyone of our 73 partner institutions to step forward and seize this transformative opportunity! ? This program is not just about travel; it’s about awakening a profound global consciousness. It’s about immersing yourself in diverse cultures, deepening your understanding of our shared histories, and returning home enriched, empowered, ready to lead, while earning college credits toward your degree. With financial support, cultural immersion, and professional development opportunities, this fellowship is your gateway to an experience that transcends borders. ? ????Application Period: November 15, 2024 - December 15, 2024? ???Eligibility: Umoja students with a minimum 2.25 GPA who have completed at least 12 units. ? Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! It’s time to expand your horizons and make your mark on the world. For more information and to apply, visit?https://lnkd.in/gkccvqWB. ? Let’s rise together, Umoja!??? ? #UmojaFellowship #StudyAbroad #GlobalCitizenship #Empowerment #Summer2025 #RiseAndLead Eric Mayes Ph.D., Ed.M., Julian W., Carmen Perkins, Mayen B. Udoetuk, Ed.D., Myia C. Williams, M.A.Ed, Ahmed Naguib, Ed.D., Reginald Shaw Jr., Ehsam Kazimi, Rashall Hightower, Dr. Damien Danielly, De'Von T Walker, Courtney Franklin, MBA, Nia Bush, JD, Maryhelen Blake, Kiana Foxx, PhD, Na'eem Wilkins, Jahkiya McLoskey, Jeromy Dickerson, Alexandra Curtis

At our UmojaXX Conference Distinguished Speaker John Jennings described his Afro centric portrayal. His creations typically envision a world in which Black people have control over their bodies, live outside the confines of rigid boxes, and shatter the struggle of policed expression. ? The works of John Jennings are the epitome of our Umoja Practice “Connection to the African Diaspora.” We at Umoja encourage the cultural awareness of the diaspora and articulating each person's place in that experience. Thank you for joining us at UmojaXX!? ? #umojacommunity #umojamarketplace #umojaxxconference #communityempowerment #africanamericanfoundation #studentsuccess #africancentered #africanamerican #culturaleducation #johnjennings

?? Umojafying Education Workshop ?? Dive into an energizing and impactful workshop designed to revolutionize your approach to education! This one-day workshop is designed specifically for faculty in the disciplines of English and Math, as well as counselors, to deepen their practice of culturally responsive teaching, counseling, and assessment. Drawing from evidence-based principles and strategies, this workshop will provide participants with practical tools to enhance student engagement and outcomes by aligning their practices with the values and expectations of the Umoja Community. Julian West, Myia C. Williams, M.A.Ed, Dr. Damien Danielly, Maryhelen Blake, Eric Mayes Ph.D., Ed.M., Carmen Perkins, Mayen B. Udoetuk, Ed.D., Ahmed Naguib, Ed.D., Rashall Hightower, Jahkiya McLoskey, De'Von T Walker, Nia Bush, JD, Courtney Franklin, MBA, Na'eem Wilkins, Kiana Foxx, PhD, Reginald Shaw Jr., Ehsam Kazimi, Jeromy Dickerson, Alexandra Curtis

Thank you Umoja Community Education Foundation, Inc. for the wonderful weekend...LA was fun , the conference was engaging & UCLA tour crowned our experience..UCLA

I had such an amazing experience attending Umoja Community Education Foundation, Inc. 2024 conference. The impact on students , counselors, and faculty was incredible and essential for the work we do. Thank you for creating a space to learn, grow, and heal.

Twentieth Umoja conference 2024 Umoja Community Education Foundation, Inc.

We are thrilled to welcome our Distinguished Panel Global Journeys Across the Diaspora with Dr.J West, Jules Lyons Thomas, Angelica Grover, Jeremiah Raekwon Riggins, Alia Grover, Ashley Chatman-Banks, Balinda Kibalama, Bonnie Louisa Ball Mendoza for this year's Umoja XX Conference! Umoja International Student Fellowship recipients will be sharing their impactful study-abroad experiences across the African diaspora and will reflect on how these international experiences enhanced their personal growth, academic success, and career readiness. Attendees will gain insight into the challenges, rewards, and long-term benefits of studying abroad for Umoja students. Join our cause to inspire academic excellence, foster unity, and celebrate cultural pride as we break down barriers to success! It's not too late to register for our Umoja XX Conference: https://lnkd.in/gQq3Z88F #umojacommunity #umojamarketplace #umojaxxconference #communityempowerment #africanamericanfoundation #studentsuccess #africancentered #africanamerican #culturaleducation

We are thrilled to welcome our Distinguished Panel Power and Presence: Black Women in Educational Leadership with Dr. Darla Cooper, Dr. Ashati Hands, Pamela Haynes, Dr. Devin Brown, and Dr. Helen Young for this year’s Umoja XX Conference! In this panel, we will explore the benefits of Black Women in Educational Leadership, as their experiences and insights can enrich decision-making processes and curriculum development, fostering a more inclusive learning environment, and serving as powerful role models. The hope is that seeing inspiring Black Women in Educational Leadership inspires other individuals of Black or African American descent to rise and pursue their own educational and career aspirations. ???? Join our movement to uplift academic achievement, cultivate community, and celebrate cultural pride as we dismantle barriers to success! ?? It’s not too late to register for our Umoja XX Conference: https://lnkd.in/gQq3Z88F #umojacommunity #umojamarketplace #umojaxxconference #communityempowerment #africanamericanfoundation #studentsuccess #africancentered #africanamerican #culturaleducation

We are thrilled to welcome our Distinguished Panel Power in UNITY: Leading for Black Student Success with Dr. Eric Mayes, Dr. Angelia Barfield, Dr. Erin Vines, an Dr. Arynn Auzout Settle for this year’s Umoja XX Conference! In this panel, we will be exploring how coming together in unity is necessary to encourage academic excellence and professional success, respect, and cultural pride as we simultaneously work to eradicate systematic, racial, and political barriers within society. Join our cause to inspire academic excellence, foster unity, and celebrate cultural pride as we overcome obstacles to success! It’s not too late to register for our Umoja XX Conference: https://lnkd.in/gQq3Z88F #umojacommunity #umojamarketplace #umojaxxconference #communityempowerment #africanamericanfoundation #studentsuccess #africancentered #africanamerican #culturaleducation