Umoja Community Education Foundation, Inc.

🌟 We are thrilled to announce that Reggie Shaw has joined our team as the new Communications Manager! 🌟 Reggie was born and raised in Paducah, KY. He attended Murray State University, where he received his Bachelor’s in Art with an emphasis in graphic design and later received his Master's in Mass Communications. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Zeta Omicron Chapter, where he received the foundation of brotherhood, leadership, and the importance of service within the community. He has a strong background in residence life; he has served as a Residence Director for three years at Murray State while working on his Masters and for eleven years at UC Santa Cruz at College Nine and John R. Lewis College (formerly known as College Ten). Reggie resides in the Rosemont area of Sacramento with his beautiful wife, Dr. Domonique Casper Shaw, a licensed clinical psychologist, and my two "queens in training," Mila (age 4.5) and Alana (age 1.5). Reggie enjoys creating art via sketching digitally on an iPad or sketchbook, painting, making music, going on hikes with my family, early morning workouts at the gym, binge-watching my favorite shows on a rainy day, and attending live concerts/sporting events. Being the recipient of microaggressions, bigotry, and racism fueled his passion to seek out a sense of belonging and yearning to embrace his identity and learn how to uplift others around him. At an early age, Reggie discovered the art world and used it as an escape and platform to tell stories, express himself, and inspire others around him. He is a lifelong learner, dedicated to pouring into new relationships, communities, and ideas that build towards advancing, empowering, and uplifting the BIPOC community. He's grateful and super excited to meet everyone on the team and looks forward to the partnership in moving forward with the mission of UCEF!!! Reginald Shaw Jr., Eric Mayes Ph.D., Ed.M., Carmen Perkins, Myia C. Williams, M.A.Ed, Anita Bailey M.S., Rashall Hightower, Ahmed Naguib, Ed.D., Ehsam Kazimi

❗ ❗ NEXT WEEK ❗ ❗ We are approaching the Umoja Student Leadership Summit (SLS) 2024, taking place from August 1st to August 3rd at the University of California, San Diego! This year's theme, inspired by Lorraine Hansberry's powerful words—“The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any”—encapsulates our mission to empower our student leaders. This year, we are bringing together 200 student leaders and Umoja practitioners from 73 campuses across California and Washington. This gathering is a testament to the power of unity within the Umoja Community. Our partnership with UC San Diego enriches the experience by enhancing cultural identity and supporting students on their journey to self-actualization. The summit provides a unique opportunity for students to engage directly with university faculty, staff, and peers, and to explore pathways to increased admissions, resources, and retention efforts for Black students. This collaboration aligns with our goal to close equity gaps for Black transfer students and boost transfer readiness statewide. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for this transformative event! 🎓 ✏ 💫 #UmojaSLS2024 #LeadershipSummit #BlackExcellence #StudentLeaders #UmojaCommunity #HigherEducation #SocialJustice #STEAM #MentalHealth #CommunityBuilding #AfricanDiaspora #Ratchetdemic Eric Mayes Ph.D., Ed.M., Carmen Perkins, Anita Bailey M.S., Myia C. Williams, M.A.Ed, Ahmed Naguib, Ed.D., Rashall Hightower, Jahkiya McLoskey, Dr. Damien Danielly, Maryhelen Blake, Nia Bush, JD, Courtney Franklin, Kiana Foxx, PhD, Na'eem Wilkins,De'Von T Walker, Mayen B. Udoetuk, Ed.D., Reginald Shaw Jr.,

SAVE THE DATE FOR OUR 20TH CONFERENCE, MORE DETAILS WILL BE RELEASED NEXT WEEK! Eric Mayes Ph.D., Ed.M.Anita Bailey M.S.Myia C. Williams, M.A.EdDr. Damien DaniellyAhmed Naguib, Ed.D.Kiana Foxx, PhD

🌍✈️ Incredible Journey Completed! 🌍✈️ We are thrilled to share that the Umoja International Student Fellowship Program sponsored 16 remarkable students who have recently returned from their life-changing study abroad experience in Ghana, a credit-bearing program through the San Mateo Community College District (SMCCD). SMCCD, in partnership with Cultural Links, meticulously planned and facilitated the study abroad experience for these talented individuals! 🎉✨ Over the past few weeks, these students had the incredible opportunity to explore the heart of Ghana's cultural heritage and forge a deeper connection to the African Diaspora. During their immersive journey, these students visited iconic sites like the Ashanti Kingdom, W.E.B. Du Bois Memorial Centre, and the African American Association of Ghana. These establishments, woven by African American expatriates into Ghana's cultural fabric, allowed them to witness the vibrant repatriation narratives firsthand. Immersing themselves in African folk traditions, these students participated in interactive language classes, lively dance performances, rhythmic drumming sessions, intricate woodcarving, and the artistry of Kente cloth weaving. Through these hands-on experiences, they not only deepened their understanding of Ghana's rich cultural tapestry but also felt a profound sense of belonging to the African Diaspora. 💃🥁 But their journey didn't stop there! These students also had the chance to explore Ghana's breathtaking natural wonders through sustainable ecotourism attractions. From the Center for Plant Research and Medicine to the enchanting waterfalls and rare bird sanctuaries of Kwahu, they were captivated by the beauty and diversity of Ghana's landscapes. 🌿🦜 Moreover, this study abroad experience provided a unique opportunity for these students to collaborate with fellow scholars from prestigious institutions like the University of Cape Coast, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and Ashesi University. The exchange of knowledge and ideas enriched their academic journey and forged lifelong connections. 🎓🌏🤝 We are incredibly proud of these 16 students who have successfully completed this remarkable journey. Their experiences in Ghana have not only shaped their academic and personal growth but have also ignited a lifelong passion for understanding and celebrating the African Diaspora. 🌍❤️ As they return from this captivating journey, we are excited to see how their connection to the African Diaspora continues to deepen and transform their lives. Stay tuned for their stories and reflections on this life-changing experience! 🌟 #StudyAbroad #Ghana #AfricanDiaspora #CulturalHeritage #CulturalLinks #Homecoming Eric Mayes Ph.D., Ed.M., Carmen Perkins, Myia C. Williams, M.A.Ed, Ahmed Naguib, Ed.D., Anita Bailey M.S., Rashall Hightower, Ehsam Kazimi, Dr. Damien Danielly, Maryhelen Blake, Nia Bush, JD, Courtney Franklin, Kiana Foxx, PhD, Na'eem Wilkins, De'Von T Walker

Thanks, Michael Jackson, M.A.! It was great to have you in community with us.

The White Ceremony was originally called into being by Umoja Board Members who wanted to commemorate the growth and commitment of Umoja Practitioners through a rite of passage held at the annual Summer Learning Institute. Years later, we continue the tradition of inviting SLI participants into the heart of our culture, pushing them toward their most authentic embodiment of the Umoja Spirit. While in Sonoma for the 2024 SLI, we explicitly urged Umoja Practitioners to reflect on whatever maladaptive attitudes, behaviors, and work patterns they planned to leave in the past so that at the new dawn (symbolized by the early morning of the White Ceremony), practitioners could be bold and steadfast in their agreement and commitment to achieving the mission of our community, as the preeminent education organization where the voices and histories of our people add the most value to the academic endeavors of our students.    Anita Bailey M.S., Myia C. Williams, M.A.Ed, Na'eem Wilkins, Rashall Hightower, Courtney Franklin, Nia Bush, JD, Maryhelen Blake, Dr. Damien Danielly, Kiana Foxx, PhD, Ahmed Naguib, Ed.D.

As we reflect on the impact of the 2024 Summer Learning Institute, we recognize its role in cultivating a community of practice where educators exchange ideas, learn from one another's experiences, and ultimately, commit to driving positive change within their respective colleges. By empowering college faculty and staff with the tools and knowledge to implement Umoja’s model and other culturally responsive practices, the SLI prepared Umoja Affiliated Programs to create learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and uplifting for all students. One of the primary goals of the Summer Learning Institute is to unite college teams around the strategies and approaches that center the success and development of Black students. Through a series of dynamic and transformative discussions, interactive workshops, and expert keynote speakers, participants were able to refine their Umoja Programs, clarify their roles in increasing Black Student Success, and challenge conventional thinking about the true purpose of education. At the end of the 3-day experience, participants had developed their own personal compasses for navigating this deep and meaningful work. Furthermore, participants had, in their own ways, agreed to be held accountable to the mission of Umoja, and for carrying out the educational philosophy of the Umoja Community Education Foundation. The cultural elements embedded throughout the week made the insights and methodologies shared during the institute more relevant and powerful. Our intentions were to elevate African and African-American culture as valid contours of educational experiences that are both emancipatory and transformative. Even after the institute, as we ponder institutional metrics and outcomes for student success, we are considerate of the role that culture plays in informing, determining, and measuring the success of Black and other underserved student populations. Each year we convene, the Umoja Power Base grows stronger, more powerful, and better aligned to the values that situate us as the preeminent global education organization. Thank you to those who joined us in Sonoma for the Umoja 2024 Summer Learning Institute! Anita Bailey M.S., Myia C. Williams, M.A.Ed, Na'eem Wilkins, Rashall Hightower, Courtney Franklin, Nia Bush, JD, Maryhelen Blake, Dr. Damien Danielly, Kiana Foxx, PhD, Ahmed Naguib, Ed.D.

Umoja Community Education Foundation (UCEF) is thrilled to announce the successful selection of 30 outstanding students from 10 different California community colleges across 6 regions for the prestigious Umoja International Student Fellowship Program. This summer, these deserving students will embark on transformative journeys to three different countries, namely Ghana, South Africa, and Spain, leaving their footprints and expanding their horizons. The Umoja International Student Fellowship Program has proven to be a highly sought-after opportunity for students seeking global learning and leadership experiences. Looking ahead, UCEF is already preparing for the next round of applications for the Spring 2025 Umoja International Student Fellowship Program. With a proven track record of empowering students and fostering global connections, UCEF remains dedicated to providing opportunities for California community college students to engage in meaningful international experiences. For media inquiries or more information, please get in touch with Dr. J West at [email protected]. @losangelescitycollege @southwesterncommunitycollege @laspositascollege @collegeofsanmateo @skylinecollege @consumnesrivercollege @cañadacollege @collegeofmarin @orangecoastcollege @laneycollege

🌟 Join us in Welcoming a Beacon of Inspiration! 🌟 It is with great excitement and pride that we introduce the newest member of our esteemed team at Umoja Community Education Foundation! Please extend a warm welcome to Dr. Kiana Foxx, who joins us on our journey of empowerment and excellence. Dr. Kiana Foxx is the Regional Coordinator for Region 1 for the Umoja Community Education Foundation. Dr. Foxx is a dedicated advocate for educational equity, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as a regional coordinator. With a doctoral degree in Higher Education and Organizational Change from UCLA, and over 10 years of experience Dr. Foxx has devoted her career to dismantling systemic barriers and promoting inclusivity within education. Throughout her academic journey, Dr. Foxx has demonstrated her commitment to advancing equity in education through her rigorous research endeavors and her leadership roles. Her scholarly pursuits have focused on critical areas such as systemic racism, intersectionality, and diversity in higher education. Through her research, Dr. Foxx has tirelessly addressed the multifaceted challenges faced by underrepresented and underserved populations in educational settings. In addition to her scholarly pursuits, Dr. Foxx has been instrumental in leading, creating, and assessing programs. Her data-driven approach has resulted in several initiatives aimed at bolstering student success and fostering more inclusive environments for students. As a mentor and educator, she has empowered and aided various diverse students in thriving academically and personally, guiding them on their paths to success. With her passion for equity and a proven track record of success, Dr. Foxx is poised to make a meaningful impact on the lives of students and communities served by the Umoja Community. Kiana Foxx, PhD

🌟 Exciting News Alert! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce a new addition to our dedicated team at Umoja Community Education Foundation! Please join me in extending a warm welcome to Dr. Ahmed Nagiub as they embark on their journey with us, championing education and making a real impact in our community. Dr. Ahmed Naguib, a leader and scholar in educational research and community advocacy, serves in the role of Senior Manager of Research and Evaluation at Umoja Community Education Foundation. Through his work at UCEF, Dr. Naguib is focused on enriching the academic success and personal growth of African American, African Diaspora, and other students. Dr. Naguib earned his doctorate from the University of the Pacific in Transformative Action, producing pivotal research on community land trusts as alternative homeownership models, highlighting the essential role of community education in systemic transformation. This theme of community-focused engagement and transformative education is a cornerstone of his approach to his work at Umoja. Throughout his career, Dr. Naguib has developed a robust track record in higher education and college access work. He previously served in various roles at College Track, where he led significant initiatives and developed comprehensive college counseling services. His expertise also extends to his role at the California College Guidance Initiative, enhancing district-wide career and college guidance systems, and UC Davis, ensuring first year student success and well-being. With a career dedicated to furthering social justice, and fostering educational equity, Dr. Naguib continues to contribute to educational forums and local community initiatives, aligning with his core values of service to others and community engagement. Ahmed Naguib, Ed.D.