Umoja: Rooted in Love, Strengthened in Purpose

Unity is the heartbeat of my journey as a Black woman, mother, scholar, and advocate, serving as the foundation upon which I build my identity and purpose. Umoja—the Swahili word for unity—transcends being merely a principle celebrated during Kwanzaa; it is the vital thread that stitches the fabric of my life together, weaving together my experiences, aspirations, and responsibilities. This profound concept of unity is a powerful reminder that no achievement, no struggle, and no joy exists in isolation; rather, they are all interconnected, forming a tapestry rich with history, culture, and shared experiences. Umoja calls me to honor the sacrifices of my ancestors, whose resilience and determination paved the way for my existence, and to recognize the strength of my community, which has nurtured and supported me throughout my journey. It is this collective spirit that inspires me to forge paths for those who will come after me, ensuring that they too can experience the empowerment that comes from unity.

I strive to create spaces where voices are amplified, where stories are shared, and where the bonds of sisterhood and solidarity are strengthened. In every role I embrace—whether as a mother guiding my children through the complexities of life, as a scholar seeking knowledge and understanding, or as an advocate fighting for justice and equality—I carry the essence of Umoja with me, understanding that my actions are not just for myself but for the greater good of my community and future generations. This commitment to unity fuels my passion and drives me to work tirelessly towards a more equitable world, where every individual can thrive in the embrace of a supportive and unified community.

For me, unity begins at home. It starts with the love and grounding I create for my daughter. Every act of care I offer her reflects the lessons of my great-grandmother, Grandma Babe, whose wisdom shaped my understanding of what it means to nurture and be nurtured. Through her, I learned that family is a sanctuary, a place to root ourselves so we can bloom outward into the world. Umoja, at its core, is cultivated in the small, consistent acts of love and resilience we practice every day. It’s in the bedtime stories, the morning routines, and the quiet moments of laughter that strengthen our bond.

But Umoja doesn’t stop at my front door. It extends into the work I do in my classroom, my neighborhood, and beyond. As an educator, I create spaces where unity thrives—where children from different walks of life learn to value strength in diversity and see the power in collective understanding. As a Black feminist scholar, I carry forward the legacy of thinkers and builders who dreamed of freedom not just for themselves but for all of us. Every conversation I facilitate, every paper I write, and every initiative I lead is infused with the belief that unity can dismantle systemic barriers and pave the way for justice.

Unity is also resistance. In a world often designed to divide us, Umoja is a radical declaration: *We are enough, together.* It’s a commitment to the idea that collective liberation is possible when we stand firm in our truth and hold each other close. Whether I’m advocating for my South Jamaica, Queens community or amplifying underrepresented voices in academic spaces, my work is grounded in this principle. Umoja challenges me to resist isolation and instead believe in the transformative power of togetherness to heal, build, and uplift.

This is the essence of Umoja—a deep and steadfast commitment to unity that effortlessly extends from the individual to the community, creating waves of purpose, love, and justice that resonate through our lives and those around us. Umoja represents the belief in our interconnectedness and that our personal actions can contribute to a larger collective good. I sincerely hope that every step I take reaffirms this essential principle, honoring the sacrifices and wisdom of those who preceded me while also inspiring and uplifting those who will join us on our shared journey. For me, Umoja is not just an abstract ideal; it’s a daily practice I aim to embody in every part of my life. It guides me through the many joys and challenges life presents, helping me find strength, resilience, and purpose in the shared journey of humanity. Each interaction, each moment of connection, reminds us of our collective responsibility to promote unity and understanding among each other. In this way, Umoja serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path toward a more just and compassionate world, where love triumphs over division, and our shared humanity thrives in harmony.

As we close 2024, may we hold tight to each other, inspired by the infinite possibilities that togetherness brings. Because when we stand as one, there is nothing we cannot create, build, or overcome. Together, we are Umoja. Together, we are unstoppable.

Feel free to visit the Learning for Liberation link for some activities and community building.