UMOJA [OO-mo-jah] is Swahili for unity. As one of the seven principles of Kwanzaa, many African Americans have centered the value of unity in their families, communities, and in the entirety of the African American race. We believe that our UMOJA MN Black Heritage Camp honors this value as we pursue the unity of all races.
UMOJA MN inspires families to reflect on the beautiful ways African Americans have contributed to the development of humanity. We believe that by intentionally reflecting on the ingenuity and artistry of people of color from both the past and present, families are empowered to raise children of color who are proud of the skin they are in.
We believe that representation offers long-term psychological benefits for all people. For minorities, racial representation is rare. UMOJA MN offers an opportunity for youth to be led, taught by, and build relationships with teachers, care-takers, and community members of color. We are also proud of the way that UMOJA MN cultivates relationships amidst transracial families, encouraging parents to continue conversations around race and adoption long after their weekend long experience.
We Serve
Transracial families raising Black and multi-racial youth
All children of African heritage
Kinship, adoptive, and foster parents, and siblings
Families preparing for adoption or foster care
Black adoptees and their families
For Campers of Color
To promote positive racial identity development
To build relationships with other Black campers
To promote a safe place for honest conversation
To learn from teachers, artists, experts and entrepreneurs of color
For Parents
To learn the necessity of and gain tools to navigate lifelong racial awareness
To become more knowledgeable of basic skin and hair care for Black children
To engage with the beauty of Black culture
UMOJA MN accomplishes these goals by providing a powerful weekend experience for the entire family, which includes adult learning opportunities, child and youth programming, and large group cultural celebrations.
We are the only culture camp of this nature in Minnesota and one of only four nationwide. While only three days in length, it is our hope that this camp will springboard families into a lifelong pursuit of cultural competency; equipped to address subtle and overt forms of racism.
Upcoming Programing
Black Teens in Action
Black Teens in Action gives Black teens a space to collectively work together in the community to strengthen their community ties. The teens will work towards building relationships within the African-American community to create lifelong bonds and establish community partners. Black Teens in Action will meet for three sessions to plan a community enrichment program, and the fourth session will be facilitating the activity that the youth and the education team created.
Cultural Responsive Parenting
Cultural Responsive Parenting is a class centered around the understanding of racial and cultural differences for Black children in the foster and adoptive care systems. This class is for caregivers of Black children who are working towards gaining knowledge about the nuances of Black culture, racism and more.
Coffee Connection
Coffee Connection is a virtual safe space for parents and caregivers of Black fostered and adopted youth in Minnesota to engage in meaningful conversations about topics that are relevant to their cultural and racial identities.
This platform aims to create a safe and supportive space where participants can share their experiences, challenges, and insights on issues such as Black culture, anti-racism, parenting of Black children, and any other topics the group wishes to explore.
Coffee Connection is open to anyone who identifies as a parent or caregiver of a Black child or youth who are adopted or fostered in Minnesota, and who is interested in learning from and connecting with others who share similar experiences.
UMOJA MN is a MN DHS funded program for families and caregivers of Black children and youth who are adopted or fostered in MN.
Date: April 6th
Time: 9:00 - 10:30 AM
Location: Online; Zoom link will be provided after registration.
