Define Ujima
Ujima, a Swahili word, translates to "collective work and shared responsibility," encapsulating the essence of community solidarity and mutual support. Rooted in African traditions, Ujima emphasizes the importance of working together to solve problems and achieve common goals, reflecting a deep commitment to social cohesion and empowerment.
Historically, this principle has been a cornerstone of communal life, fostering resilience and unity in the face of challenges. At Ujima, Inc., we embrace this powerful concept to drive our mission of creating a legacy of health equity, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive through collective efforts and shared responsibilities. This guiding principle fuels our dedication to advancing health equity and building stronger, healthier communities together.
Community
Responsibility
Collective
Empowerment
Collaboration
About Us
PURPOSE:
The purpose of Ujima, Inc. is to eliminate health disparities impacting African Americans.
VISION:
The vision of Ujima, Inc. is for African Americans to enjoy a longer, healthier life expectancy through Health Equity.
MISSION:
Ujima, Inc. serves as a vehicle through which intellectual, financial, social and political resources flow to achieve health equity for African Americans by providing education, outreach and advocacy.
OUR HISTORY:
Ujima was established in 2010 by a group of African American professionals who recognized the need to work collectively to eliminate health disparities and disproportionality for African Americans. Ujima, Inc. is a local 501 (c), (3) organization created to improve health outcomes in African American communities across the country. By providing scholarships to students pursuing professional degrees in the Health Science field, we are potentially increasing the number of African American Health Care professionals who work to alleviate negative health outcomes.
Ujima has established an organizational structure and levels of collaborative involvement which are designed to achieve established goals.
These structures are as follows:
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE:
The Executive Board of Directors is comprised of a multi-disciplinary team of members with the legal, ethical and financial obligation to ensure that Ujima, Inc. is run with professionalism, competence, integrity, and pride. Through monthly Board meetings and collaboration, the work of Ujima, Inc. is carried out. It is incumbent upon each Executive Board member to financially support the Ujima Scholarship Fund, to the extent of their resources.
The Honorary Board of Directors is comprised of resource-rich individuals in the community who support the mission of Ujima, Inc. but are not available to serve regularly or consistently. They are connected professionally, politically, financially and socially. They share their resources, talents, and gifts with Ujima, Inc. and to serve as ambassadors by promoting Ujima, Inc. at every opportunity. Honorary Board members are expected to support the Ujima Scholarship Fund.
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Volunteers are individuals who agree to complete a specific, time-limited task to further the mission of Ujima, examples include: assisting with events, designing written materials. There is no obligation to attend monthly board meetings or work on committees. Volunteers are welcome to attend monthly board meetings, annual planning meetings and relevant conference calls. They further the mission of Ujima and serve as ambassadors by promoting Ujima, Inc. at every opportunity. Volunteers are welcome to support the Ujima Scholarship Fund.
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Key Champions (formerly known as Friends of Ujima) are individuals with a history, connection and sincere investment in the wellbeing of African Americans. They promote Ujima throughout their sphere of influence and open doors of opportunity. They extend the reach of Ujima into under-served and under represented communities. Key champions may assist Ujima in accessing businesses, corporations, churches, political leaders, professional associations, school districts, health-oriented agencies and philanthropic organizations.
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Strategic Partners are organizational entities who share Ujima’s goal of improving health outcomes for African Americans. Opportunities to collaborate and share resources are among Ujima’s key strategies. Health Science Schools with whom Ujima is currently working to provide scholarships are Western University of Health Sciences (Pomona, California), KECK Graduate Institute-Claremont, CA, University of California at Riverside School of Medicine, and California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA.
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS:
Alexis Dotson
President/CEO
Veronica Hilton
Vice President
Tommi Morgan
Board Member
Dr. Letitia Spenser
Board Member
Linda Thompson
Treasurer
Heather Douglas
Secretary
Mae Harris Acrie
Board Member
Dr. Dianne Jamerson
Board Member
Barbara Emery
Chaplian
Doris Dredd
Board Member
Dr. Kandyce Pearson
Board Member
Rudy Barbee
Board Member
KEY CHAMPIONS:
Dr. Beverly Sank Guidry, Senior Vice President, Western University of Health Sciences
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Susan Gomez, President and CEO, Inland Empire Community Collaborative
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Debra Ward, CEO, San Gabriel Valley YWCA
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Pastor La Quetta Bush Simmons, Pastor, Immanuel Praise Fellowship
Ujima, a Swahili word, translates to "collective work and shared responsibility."
Community and Support
The survival of our
community is up to !
us
Unity
Community
Empowerment
VOICES ON COMMUNITY
"Ujima calls upon us to build and maintain our community together, making our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems, and solving them together."
