It’s almost three years since the so-called ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests that erupted around the world in the wake of the brutal murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police. (1) At the time the time there was speculation that an injection of youthful energy was poised to take the baton from the old guard of the grassroots community. However,, the intervening years have indicated that spontaneity isn’t necessarily the best foundation for community organisation.
Beyond the glare of high profile demonstrations and “emergency meetings”, a group of young sisters have resolved to undertake the necessary building work by establishing the Umoja Project:
“Umoja (Swahili) – unity. That is the driving force and motivation behind who we are and what we do. We are a grassroots collective unifying our individual passions for Arts, Activism and Social Awareness – prioritising not only creativity but also unifying the African Diaspora. Community is at the heart of all of us and we invite you to join ours.” (2)
Their first event was a community fundraiser ‘Rise for Sickle Cell’. The second was a panel discussion exploring what it means to be Black in Britain where they also raised £700 for the Sistah Space charity. (3)
In acknowledgment of the legacy they have inherited their online platform highlights an ‘Activist of the week.’ Luminaries so far have included Assata Shakur, Walter Rodney, Angela Davis and the Mangrove 9.
Some of the collective were raised in grassroots organisations which clearly informs their current orientation:
“Our love for community is at the foundation of everything we do. Our drive for real life change and action is also apart of that.” (4)
(1) Afrika Speaks with Alkebu-Lan on Galaxy Radio (13/07/20) Black Lives/Police Protests: A moment or a movement? https://www.alkebulan.org/2020/07/13/aswag-288-moment-movement/
(2) The Umoja Projects (15/12/22) Umoja (Swahili) – unity. https://www.instagram.com/p/CmMm5HTo6SM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
(3) The Umoja Projects (26/03/23) Message from The Umoja Projects Team: https://www.instagram.com/p/CqQwNWlMj83/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
(4) The Umoja Projects (25/02/23) Umoja for Unity. https://www.instagram.com/p/CpFXOWMoLIz/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
we ask the question:
The Umoja Project: Time to pass the baton?
1) Is it necessary for young people to create new organisations to push the movement forward?
2) How important is identity to young activists?
3) Why is it important to be familiar with the work of activists from the past?
4) How well have we prepared our young people for activism?
Our Special Guests:
The Umoja Project: is a grassroots collective advancing a passion for Arts, Activism and Social Awareness, founded by a group of young sisters. (https://www.instagram.com/theumojaprojects/)
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