State of Ujima - 2025

Alexis Dotson, President & CEO:

Ujima, Inc. is undergoing reorganization with a current Board of 10 members and 2 volunteers, aiming for 15 members to support our ambitious plans. Those interested in joining can visit our website at: WWW.UjimaScholarshipFund.org or email us at: ujimascholarshipfundsocal@gmail.com. 

We plan to expand our scholarship support from four to five medical schools and to launch a monthly donor program, allowing supporters to contribute $25 monthly.  Long-term, we plan to establish an endowment fund to support African American medical students nationwide. We need $25,000 in seed money to get started.

Our website has been upgraded to include the quarterly “Ask the Doctor” series on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, where viewers can submit questions in advance. A short promotional video will also encourage financial support and involvement.

The Ujima Newsletter is being revived to inform, enlighten, and empower readers. It will highlight African American health science professionals and our Ujima Scholars, who are selected based on academic performance, financial need, and a commitment to better health outcomes for African American. Scholarship applications have been sent to the four medical schools we support, with award announcements in May.

The newsletter’s Community News section will feature events promoting African American health and wellness. We are actively seeking partnerships with organizations, clubs, the San Bernardino County, Department of Public Health and churches to expand our reach and impact. Ujima, Inc. proudly partners with Pastor La Quetta Bush Simmons of Immanuel Praise Fellowship in Rancho Cucamonga for the quarterly Ask the Doctor presentations and with Debra Ward of the San Gabriel Valley YWCA on maternal and infant health. We continue to seek collaborations with other community organizations to further our mission.

Fundraising remains a priority. We have expanded efforts to include a Monthly Donor Program, Memorial Scholarship Fund, fundraising house parties, and grant applications. Donations are tax-deductible and can be made via our website.

We extend gratitude to our Board, donors, and grantors, including the OSAIC Foundation, Rancho Cucamonga VIP Club, and the Guillermo J. Valenzuela Foundation, whose contributions have enabled Ujima, Inc. to award $150,000 in scholarships. Special thanks go to Suzie Gomez of the Inland Empire Community Collaborative and to Debbie Cannon of AcademyGo for their continued support in strengthening our organization.

Health equity is a worthy pursuit. African Americans deserve to live a long, healthy life, free of disabling illness and premature death. Our Ujima Scholars are committed to improving African American health outcomes, and Ujima, Inc. has accepted the mantel of championing the issue of improved health outcomes for African Americans. Ujima must and will remain steadfast and committed to its mission.

Respectfully Submitted, 

Alexis Dotson

Alexis Dotson, Founder and CEO

Ujima, Inc.