Stars, Soundtracks, and Signings

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Stars

The Umoja team inhaled and exhaled. We sat in plush seats on a black minibus behind tinted windows, like superstars of African-centered diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging initiatives. The bus’s vents circulated a mixture of Egyptian musk, incense, perfumes, air conditioning, and positive vibes.

We pulled away from the curb at 8:45 AM on a mission.

At the stop sign on the corner of 7^th Street in Sacramento, our driver turned right. We entered the expressway and drove toward Stockton for a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing ceremony at a community college. The driver announced instructions to access the Bluetooth speaker’s controls.

Soundtracks 

Some of us talked, others slept, and several team members worked while listening to the music of our resident “Dr. DJ.” As Kendrick Lamar, Dead Prez, and Tupac filled the cabin’s speakers, our minibus passed semi-trucks and cars in adjacent lanes. We had traveled several miles when one of Umoja’s Regional Coordinators requested a song.

The DJ Dr. listened but didn’t comply. “Everything that I desire is going to come to me,” the chorus of a song on his playlist repeated. A track's chorus reinforced one of the foundation’s practices. 

Umoja defines manifesting as a practice that “intends to make sure that all of what we do in our programs is applied, connected, and relevant to the students’ lives, and the learning manifests inside the identity-spirit and mind of the students.” Our programs, services, and courses must reflect the multiple facets of the students we serve.

Manifesting embodies a phrase of the pathway to becoming “Umojafied.” The route involves honoring, celebrating, and teaching about the African diaspora.

As we moved along the expressway, the soundtrack inside the bus changed from conscious hip-hop to commercial rap. We listened as an artist roasted and boasted about money, violence, and sexual conquests. The music made some of us appreciate the stellar beats and criticize the poor lyrics, rich with stupidity.

Others wondered why the artist attracted any fans. Me.

Contemplations about the dumbing down of America found a way into the bus’s circulation system. Thoughts about how ignorance became big business floated above our heads in cartoonish white clouds. One idea became real.

Rappers sell out venues and politicians win elections because of their ability to tap into a collective unawareness. Why do you think conservatives target “woke” curricula?  

Signings

Administrators, faculty members, students, and staff welcomed us to the college’s campus with open arms. We took the stairs and elevators to a meeting room for a discussion about the Umoja program and its key components. Our marketing team took notes and pictures.

Faculty members and administrators expressed enthusiasm for the foundation and called Umoja students “the promise” of the future. One professor said, “The students are the promise. They are the future that can’t be broken.”

Everyone pledged to support the courses, programs, and services.  

College administrators and board members asked questions to demonstrate their interest and commitment to Umoja. Our team responded with poise and more promises to work in collaboration with the campus.

The College President and a UCEF leader signed the MOU with a black Sharpie marker. Students, staff, administrators, and the Umoja team shared a celebratory lunch. Afterward, students took us on a campus tour with a stop in their academic hub.

The “Black Excellence and Empowerment Strategy” (BEES) center held occupancy on the second floor of the student affairs building. Inside the BEES hive, we spotted a picture of Beyonce among other images of cool celebrities, sexy scientists, and wise writers. Our team talked and shared cupcakes with students around circular tables in a room with space for computers and private meetings.

With our heads, hearts, and stomachs full, we boarded the minibus at 1:30 PM. DJ Dr. retook control of the Bluetooth speakers and played another one of his carefully selected songs. The mix did not include the late great soulful star D’Angelo.

When we returned to the headquarters, we debriefed in the conference room before splitting to do the work in support of Umoja’s mission and vision.

That’s my perspective, but I could be wrong.  Subscribe to see what I will get right next week.  Buy a book or enroll in coaching services for a boost in creative support and empowerment.