Umoja House: African American Cultural Center
Umoja House is Mary Baldwin’s longest-standing special-interest house. It is a living-learning community and cultural center combined.
Umoja is proud to house highly motivated young women committed to celebrating and exploring African American history and culture. While the center focuses on these cultural experiences, all students are welcome and encouraged to participate, regardless of their background.
About Us
Umoja House member and residents:
- Encourage co-curricular learning
- Sponsor events celebrating cultural engagement
- Provide a safe space for students
- Serve as support staff for the Office of Inclusive Excellence
- Host Minority Club United Organizations meetings and events
- Serve as Ubuntu Mentors
Events and Celebrations
Residents of Umoja House host many cultural celebrations and the traditions!
A reading group focused on banned books written by African American authors.
Students host a discussion with community members about the importance of representation in toys and dolls for young Black girls’ social development.
Students gather to watch classic and novel films by Black filmmakers.
A cooking competition with La Casa, the Latine Cultural Center.
A discussion with La Casa and Umoja to share their continuity of culture.
This annual fall lecture, named after civil rights journalist and activist Ida B. Wells, features prominent experts discussing topics of race and social justice within the context of current events.
Live and Thrive Together
Members of Umoja House live together in the ADP House. Here’s what to expect:
- Single and double occupancy rooms
- Full communal kitchen, TV room, and laundry facilities
- Special cultural programming and activities
FAQ
The Office of Inclusive Excellence will reach out to women who are both campus leaders and actively involved with the Office of Inclusive Excellence’s programming. Umoja House can accept and house up to 11 students.
While Umoja House serves as the cultural center for students of all ages, residents must be second-years and up. First-year students are invited to serve as nonresidential members of the Umoja House
For more information on MBU’s commitment to inclusive excellence and Title VI compliance, please visit the Title VI page.
Contact Us
Destiny Woodall (she/her)
Director, Office of Inclusive Excellence
Email: dswoodall@marybaldwin.edu
Instagram: @marybaldwinoie