The Umoja XXI Conference is coming to San Jose, CA
November 6–8, 2025!
We are thrilled to announce that the Umoja XXI Conference, our largest gathering to date, will take place at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. Serving more than 16,000 students across 80+ Umoja programs in California and Washington, the Umoja Community Education Foundation continues to lead the way in equity-focused education, intergenerational leadership development, and institutional change.
Building on last year’s momentum, this year’s theme, “Voices of the Future II: Elevating Student Leadership & Agency,” centers on the brilliance, voice, and leadership of our students, and reflects our shared commitment to culturally grounded, student-driven transformation. In partnership with Black Students of California United, Umoja XXI will bring together student scholars in college and K-12, faculty, campus coordinators, administrators, and community leaders for an unforgettable multi-day experience.
This year’s conference will also host the Inaugural UmojaCon!
The inaugural UmojaCon is a pioneering half-day comic book and creative arts convention that celebrates and uplifts Umoja Scholars, faculty, staff, and K–12 youth. Merging Afrofuturism with Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM), UmojaCon spotlights Black and other creators, visionaries, and innovators at the intersection of speculative fiction, futuristic storytelling, and cutting-edge technology. Join us for this powerful and joyful new space that honors creativity as a tool of resistance, reflection, and connection.
***SPEAKER ANNOUNCEMENTS!!!***
REGISTER for the Umoja XXI Conference (EXTENDED DEADLINE: THURS. OCT. 23)
(If you are paying by invoice, please be sure to use the discount code "paybyinvoice" at checkout. For any questions related to payments or invoicing, please contact accounting@umojacommunity.org)
Conference Hotel Room Blocks (SOLD OUT!!!)
Hotel Room Update for Umoja XXI Annual Conference & UmojaCon
Hotel blocks are now officially SOLD OUT at the San Jose Marriott and Hilton San Jose.
All Umoja Community guests will need to book a local hotel at the current rates.
If additional nights are needed, or if you prefer other options, please consider these nearby hotels just steps from the San Jose Convention Center:
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Hyatt Place San Jose Downtown
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Signia by Hilton
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Westin San Jose
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Four Points by Sheraton Downtown
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AC Hotel
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Hotel De Anza
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TownePlace Suites by Marriott San Jose Downtown
Secure your accommodations today and stay close to the heart of the Umoja XXI Annual Conference & UmojaCon experience!
Partner with us for a great conference!
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Call for Proposals – Be a presenter! : 2025 Umoja XXI Annual Conference Call For Proposals
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Be a College & Career Fair Vendor
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Become a Conference Sponsor
Important Dates & Deadlines
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DEADLINE EXTENDED!!! September 12, 2025 – Call for Proposals Submission Deadline
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October 23, 2025, at 5 PM – Last day to reserve hotel rooms
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October 23, 2025, at 5 PM – Last day to register for the conference
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October 24, 2025, at 5 PM – Last day to pay for registration by invoice
XXI Annual Umoja Conference
November 6-8 | UmojaCommunity.org/events
Posted August 27th, 2025
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Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 |
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Start Time |
End Time |
Activity |
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1:00 PM |
3:00 PM |
Pre Conference Summit |
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6:00 PM |
8:00 PM |
VIP Reception/Partner & Sponsor Appreciation |
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Thursday, November 6th, 2025 |
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8:00 AM |
3:00PM |
Registration Opens |
| 8:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
Umoja Swag Pickup and Networking |
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8:00 AM |
9:45 AM |
Breakfast and Morning Jams with DJ |
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9:45 AM |
10:25 AM |
Opening Drum Call and Ceremony |
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10:26 AM |
10:40 AM |
Welcome Board President and CEO |
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10:40 AM |
11:50 AM |
Special Keynote, Dr. Daniel Black |
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11:50 AM |
12: 00 PM |
Resident Poet, Sunni Patterson |
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12:00 PM |
12:15 PM |
Transition to Breakouts |
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12:15 PM |
1:05 PM |
ROUND 1 -- Breakout Sessions
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1:05 PM |
2:30 PM |
Lunch & African Marketplace |
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2:20 PM |
3:20 PM |
UmojaCon Feature Panel |
| 3:20 PM | 3:30 PM |
Resident Poet, Sunni Patterson |
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3:30 PM |
3:45 PM |
Transition Time |
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3:45 PM |
4:35 PM |
ROUND 2 - Breakout Sessions
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4:35 PM |
4:50 PM |
Transition Time |
| 4:50 PM | 5:10 PM |
Umoja Global Institute |
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5:10 PM |
5:30 PM |
Closing of Day 1 with DJ James |
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Dinner on your own |
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7:00 PM |
10:00 PM |
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Friday, November 7th, 2025 |
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8:00 AM |
2:00pm |
Registration Opens |
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8:00 AM |
9:00 AM |
Breakfast |
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9:00 AM |
9:30 AM |
Dance Off - Live DJ Mixing |
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9:30 AM |
10:20 AM |
UCEF Solidarity Panel |
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10:20 AM |
10:55 AM |
Speed Networking |
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10:55 AM |
11:45 AM |
International Student Fellowship Presentation Panel |
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11:45 AM |
12:00 PM |
Resident Poet, Sunni Patterson |
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12:00 PM |
1:30 PM |
Lunch |
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1:30 PM |
2:10 PM |
CEO’s Conference Charge for the Umoja Community |
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2:10 PM |
2:30 PM |
Black Student Pride (DJ Campus Hype/Roll Call) |
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2:25 PM |
2:40 PM |
Transition Time |
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2:45 PM |
3:35 PM |
ROUND 3 - Breakout Sessions
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3:35 PM |
3:50 PM |
Transition Time |
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3:50 PM |
4:40 PM |
ROUND 4 - Breakout Sessions
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5:00 PM |
6:30 PM |
College Fair |
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Dinner on your own |
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7:30 |
9:30 |
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Saturday, November 8th, 2025 |
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8:00 AM |
9:00 AM |
Breakfast and Networking |
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9:00 AM |
9:20 AM |
Affirmations from our Distinguished Guests |
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9:35 AM |
10:50 AM |
General Session Keynote, Dr. Cornel West |
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10:50 AM |
11:20 AM |
Umoja Community Awards |
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11:20 AM |
11:50 AM |
Closing Activity and Ceremony |
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11:50 AM |
12:00 PM |
Closing Remarks |
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12:30 PM |
1:30 PM |
Campus Tours: San Jose State, Stanford, Santa Clara University |