Umoja is a Swahili word that means unity. Walking into the Umoja Village, you can feel the meaning of the word. The positive energy, kindness and inclusivity of the village mark a strong start to Black History Month.
The Umoja Village at Fullerton College kicked off Black History Month with the Welcome Black Celebration on Tuesday, Feb. 4. They offered a breakfast buffet, icebreakers, games and a fun space to find community and friends.
“It was an opportunity for students to meet each other with icebreakers to get to know other people in their community and really highlight the excellence of Black history,” says Milani Smith, the outreach assistant at the Umoja Village. “It was fun seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces when they got a trivia fact right or when they finished the lyric correctly, something about seeing everyone come together no matter their beliefs or ideologies.”
The air was filled with laughter and music as everyone gathered together to play “Black History Trivia” and ”Finish the Lyrics Jeopardy” winning prizes at the end like Umoja water bottles, hoodies, eco-friendly notebooks, and Black history calendars where each month spotlights a different historical figure in the Black community.
“It was super fun, but everyone is so welcoming,” says Jaden Langston, a fashion merchandising major. “I’m really grateful that we have a space, but honestly the school needs to be louder about Umoja. There are a lot of Black students that don’t know about this program. Black people need to know that there’s a space for them on campus”
Umoja has a lot more planned for this semester to be louder and prouder than ever with events at least twice a week every week of February. Events this month include film screenings, informative talks and presentations, an open mic night and a field trip to the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art.
They’ve even partnered up with other groups on campus such as the APIDA Resource Center and the LGBTQIA+ Resource Program for some on-campus events.
After a fun-filled morning at the Umoja Village, students gathered around to hear the closing sentiments from Smith before trickling out and heading to their classes.
“Remember,” says Smith, “Black joy, Black excellence, Black community.”