Umoja Conference XIV

Final Program (download final program at this link.)

 

November 8, 2018 

6:00 pm - 8:00 pm   VIP Reception -- By invitation 

 

NOVEMBER 9, 2018

7:00 am - 4:30 pm  Attendee Checkin 

8:00 am - 9:00 am  Breakfast 

9:00 am - 9:45 am Welcome and Opening Ritual 

9:45 am - 12:00 pm Keynote Speaker:  Eric Thomas, Ph.D. 

12:00 pm - 12:45 pm   Lunch 

12:45 pm - 1:15 pm - Announcements 

1:30 pm - 2:45 pm Workshop One 
Tradition, Culture, Opportunities and the Competitive Relevancy of HBCUs
Helen Young and Myko Campbell, California Community College Transfer Guarantee to HBCUs

Attendees will learn the benefits of attending Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs) which include higher graduation rates for African Americans when compared to predominantly white institutions, greater sense of belongingness, robust internship opportunities and job placement after graduation.  Participants will also learn about the many resources that are provided and how graduating from an HBCU provides a competitive edge in the job market and getting into graduate school.

African American Students' Interaction with Law Enforcement:  Principles and Philosophy versus Practices and Reality
Oliver Thompson, Riverside City College

This presentation will be an interactive discussion with students regarding how police officers are trained, what they may be thinking, how they engage in community relations and how African Americans can respond when encountered by police officers.  The presenter will encourage students to reflect upon law enforcement practices on their respective college campuses and in their communities and provide examples of how students can cultivate positive relationships with their campus and local police departments.

Student Leadership: A Focus on Self Development and Strategies for Success
Shadajah Adams, Moreno Valley College

The Umoja Community values student leadership and provides a training specifically focused on developing student leaders.  This workshop will focus on how student leaders develop themselves through planning, coordinating, and executing activities on their campuses and the strategies they use to accomplish their tasks. The attendees will explore the qualities and characteristics of a leader, share examples of Umoja student leadership, and relate these experiences to their own personal educational journey. 

We are the Ones We've Been Waiting For. Activating the Activist in You!
Denise Marshall-Mills, and Umoja Diop Scholars, Cosumnes River College

African Americans have been and are still targets of unjust and cruel practices, policies, and actions.  The unfair treatment of Blacks is deeply rooted in the birth of this nation.  In spite of this reality, Black people have historically engaged in various acts of self-love, self-preservation and other revolutionary acts.  In defiance to unjust treatment they have rebelled, protested, walked-out, sat-in, boycotted, and have taken a knee. The fight for social justice and the battle against social injustice is ever present and requires that today’s student takes action to ensure fair and equitable treatment.  Join us as we activate our ability to fight the powers that be.  In community, we will identify social justice actions that Umoja students can engage in.  Never forget, “You are who you’ve been waiting for”!  Ase!

Sista 2 Sista - Part II: More than Sugar and Spice
Chelena Fisher and Sheila Hill, Cerritos College 

Continuing from last year’s Sista-2-Sista presented by Cerritos College—we’re back to present an intentional and deliberate view of current images nationwide about the idea of what a woman “should be.”  This workshop will provide a porch forum for participants to dialog about who they ARE holistically.  Looking through the lens of body image, financial wealth, media, etc., this live learning experience will allow participants to gain a better sense of self-understanding and use their language as power to uplift and inspire each other.  It’s everybody’s business to empower others and make them aware of the current plight of who the Black female is in the 21st century.

Being Heard to Heal
Tom deWit, Chabot College

“Being Heard to Heal” is a live learning experience designed to build community.  In this workshop, participants will discuss what stops African American people from using their voices, how using one’s voice can heal, and why using our voice is essential if we intend to help heal others as well. Participants will work together to create a collage that voices the trauma African Americans live with by using quotes from Dr. Joy DeGruy, Malcolm X, Fred Hampton, Angela Davis, and more.  This student-lead discussion will help participants to discover, adopt, and embody pathways to healing by teaching a peaceful practice for bringing attention to the inequities African American people endure.

Allied Health Student Experience
Elroy Pinks and Ken Simons, Umoja Health and Wellness Initiative 

The Umoja Health and Wellness Initiative works to inform and also provide a pathway for students to enter into allied health careers. Important resources that help students complete their education and career goals will be highlighted. These resources include exposing students to a wide range of career options and pathways to those careers, connecting students to peer networks that support them along the way, assisting them in building competencies as well as in clarifying career choices and the education required. This workshop brings together current allied health students and their unique experiences and insights to inspire, connect, and propel other students toward success in allied health professions.

Infusing Umoja with Guided Pathways
Julian West and Luis Chavez, Career Ladders Project

As California community colleges are focusing on guided pathways and equity funds are being merged with basic skills and Student Success and Support Program funds, Umoja programs will need to shift their strategy in advocating for resources and support at their local campuses.  This workshop will present the expectations of California community colleges through the Guided Pathways paradigm shift.  While there are several interpretations of how to implement guided pathways at various colleges, this workshop will dissect the specific objectives the state has for guided pathways implementation.  The presenter will also provide some tangible ideas and strategies on how to integrate guided pathways objectives from the state with Umoja Practices.

Transfer Pathways to Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Nursing, Kinesiology, Pre-Med and STEM Focus
Elaine Moore and Arynn Azout, California Community College Transfer Guarantee to HBCUs

Attendees will learn about the easy and seamless process California community college students can take advantage of by completing only 30 transferable units for a guaranteed admission to 37 different Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).  The California Community College Chancellor’s Office has partnered with 37 HBCUs to admit students who have achieved a 2.5 GPA in 30 units.  This workshop will provide information about the admissions guarantee, priority housing, in-state tuition for select schools and potential scholarships available through this partnership.  This workshop will include the voices of students who have transferred and are currently attending one of the HBCU partner institutions.  An emphasis on transfer opportunities available at partner institutions with the following majors will be highlighted: Nursing, Kinesiology, Pre-Med and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math).  Come and learn more about the caring and supportive environment that exist at HBCUs and how attending one of these schools is like continuing the Umoja experience at a four-year university.  HBCU representatives will be available to answer specific questions.

Building CommUNITY in Umoja at DVC
Yvonne Canada-Clarke and Carmen McNeil, Diablo Valley College

Building a strong sense of community is an Umoja Practice and a cornerstone of the Diablo Valley College (DVC) Umoja Program.  Come learn how DVC builds and sustains a strong sense of community among students in Umoja learning community cohorts and with Umoja faculty, counselors, and staff.  This workshop will also highlight how the DVC Student Leadership Team have applied the skills they learned and the training they received at the Umoja Student Leadership Conference in August of 2018.

How to Job Hunt When You’re Black or Brown
Jeridel Banks, Mira Costa College

Looking for a job? Switching industries?  Need some job-hunting tips that apply to you as a person of color?  This workshop shows how small changes to your resume, your online presence, and overall personal brand can help overcome initial explicit bias during the job-hunting process.  While this workshop mainly focuses on job hunting, there will also be tips on interviewing and creating or updating your own brand.

African-American Students' Transfer Journey: Where Are the Opportunities to Increase Transfer
Darla Cooper, RP Group

Among California community college students who complete all or nearly all of their transfer requirements, African-American students are more likely than any other race/ethnicity to transition to a university. However, African-American students are also the least likely to advance this far along their transfer journey.  In this session, the RP Group will share findings from the first phase of our “Through the Gate” Transfer Study.  This research focuses on “high-leverage learners” whose course-taking shows them “at” or “near” the transfer gate, but who have not yet made it through to a university. Participants will engage in discussing this key finding about African American students, exploring what factors may be impeding their initial progress, and examining the intervention points and action items colleges can do to support more African-American students to transfer.

Starting an Umoja Program
Donna Colondres, Umoja Community

This workshop will provide the historical context of the creation and subsequent expansion of the Umoja Community Education Foundation.  The steps to take to develop and launch an Umoja affiliated program as well as a review of the requirements which are stipulated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will also be discussed.  The importance of sustaining programs that support students of color will be highlighted along with Umoja's relevance and intersections with other statewide initiatives (i.e., Guided Pathways, Student Equity and Achievement, SSSP, etc.).

2:45 pm - 3:00 pm Break

3:00 pm - 4:15 pm Workshop Two 

The Miseducation of Disability—Holla Back Because You Got My Back!
Nicole Harris, Skyline College

This co-creative conversation will unpack, engage, uplift and give each participant tangible tools on how to act in solidarity as an accomplice. Microaggressions and social exclusion are key factors in impacting the success of community college students before and after transfer.  Engaging questions will take participants on a journey where they will learn how to create naturally inclusive environments as well as promote the use of “Disability “Resource Centers and use of all accommodations.  This workshop provides the opportunity to ask taboo questions and create solutions that will shatter the stigma surrounding “disability” which will strengthen and reunite our community.

UC Black Excellence:  Insight into the UC Experience as a Scholar of the African Diaspora
De’Von Walker and Jessica Troupe, University of California

The University of California as a system is renowned for being one of the top university systems in the country and they want you!  Come learn about the UC Black experience, ask questions of UC Umoja scholars, and leave knowing there is a village for you at a UC campus.

Promoting Social Change Through Advocacy: Translating Wokeness into Direct Action
Saba Mengistab Hagos Gebre, Chabot College

In light of the inequitable social conditions around us, it is critical that Umoja Community members arm themselves with the information and skillset to engage in advocacy efforts that challenge the status quo.  In this workshop, participants will examine their role as advocates and activists. Presenters will provide resources, recommendations, and creative tools to participants to promote social change on campus and in public arenas. This workshop will be grounded in Umoja Practices and social justice theories such as Critical Consciousness, Feminism, and Transformational Resistance frameworks.

Transfer Pathways to Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Sociology, Psychology and Education Focus
Karen McCord, Jovon Duke, and Linda Condon, California Community College Transfer Guarantee to HBCUs

Attendees will learn about the easy and seamless process California community college students can take advantage of by completing only 30 transferable units for a guaranteed admission to 37 different Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).  The California Community College Chancellor’s Office has partnered with 37 HBCUs to admit students who have achieved a 2.5 GPA in 30 units. This workshop will provide information about the admissions guarantee, priority housing, in-state tuition for select schools and potential scholarships available through this partnership. This workshop will include the voices of students who have transferred and are currently attending one of the HBCU partner institutions.  An emphasis on transfer opportunities available at partner institutions with the following majors will be highlighted: Sociology, Psychology and Education. Come and learn more about the caring and supportive environment that exist at HBCUs and how attending one of these schools is like continuing the Umoja experience at a four-year university.  HBCU representatives will be available to answer specific questions.

The HOME Room as the Hub for African American Student Success
Kristi Woods and Ariel Sales, Riverside City College 

The HOME Room (Hope, Opportunity, Mentoring and Empowerment) at Riverside Community College is literally the campus home for the Umoja program.  This is a space where community building takes place as students interact with one another and with supportive faculty and staff.  This Engagement Center is representative of intentional and deliberate integrated student support. It is where academic counseling, peer mentoring, tutoring, studying, student club meetings, and workshops take place.  Our HOME Room environment is steeped in African American cultural values and traditions. The presenters will highlight the program goals and services and explain the impact on student engagement, persistence, and success.  How the program evolved from its targeted support of African American males, through the Men of Ujima program will also be highlighted.

UC Yourself Here: Student Panel and Discussion from Current UC Students
Jewel Bourne, UCLA

What does it mean for a transfer student to thrive in his or her new community? Participants will learn about the programs California community college students can take advantage of in transferring to one of the nine University of California campuses.  This workshop will include the voices of students who have transferred and are currently attending one of the nine undergraduate campuses.  The University of California is a world leader in academics and is working actively with the Umoja Community to ensure accessibility for African scholars.  Participants will hear firsthand, the accounts of current students beginning with the transfer process to their current experiences, student life, paying for school, and much more. The audience will also have an opportunity to ask questions of the panelists.  During this workshop, panelist will highlight resources and programs available for students to utilize as they prepare for transfer.

Live Your Legacy: The Bob Marley Experience
Secret Brown, EPIC Training Solutions

Using the life and works of Bob Marley, participants will explore how they can use their natural gifts, talents, and abilities to make a change in their community.  The presenter will explore and dispel common myths and misunderstandings about Black youth and how Black youth can begin the work of breaking the chains of negative stereotypes and reshape the narrative of how black and brown students are viewed in classrooms and boardrooms.

Umoja Community Supports: Perceptions of the Effectiveness and Usefulness of Statewide Resource
Rogeair Purnell-Mack, RP Group

Workshop participants will learn how a representative sample of program coordinators experience and perceive the effectiveness and usefulness of various events, resources, and support offered by the Umoja Community. A summary of recommendations and suggestions for improvement based on the program coordinators’ input and feedback will be shared. Opportunities will be provided to allow participants to share their successes and challenges and offer their own recommendations and suggestions as to how to strengthen Umoja Community capacity building and professional development offerings.

Music Builds and Heals Leaders: Using Music Healing Strategies to Build an African American Male Leadership Community for Educational Success
Eric Handy and Terence Elliott, Diablo Valley College

Participants will learn how art and culture become the foundation to explore equity minded social-emotional healing practices and strategies that improve the success of African/Black male students.  Integrated learning sessions include African drum circles, the power of identity and culture, and conscious hip hop tracks.  Presenters will discuss creating intentional spaces for community building, leadership development, and intrusive counseling to occur.

Umojafying the Four C’s: How to Use Social Media Projects to Engage and Empower Black Minds
Ammanda Moore, Norco College

Are you looking for a creative way to engage student voices?  This session will show how social media projects can be used to engage and empower students to make changes in their communities.  Attendees will learn to incorporate a social media project into their current curriculum in order to build the four C’s: creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.

An Intercultural Sojourn to South Africa: Creating Access to Study Abroad for Our Students
Danielle Powell, Zaid Ghori, Delisle Warden, Melissa Aliu, Angelica Goodman, and Gabriel Garrett, Skyline College 

According to the 2017 Open Doors report, only 6% of African American college students participate in a study abroad experience. Of the top 25 study abroad destinations, only one African country is listed: South Africa.  Study abroad can provide transformative learning experiences that align with Umoja Practices, as well as provide demonstrable gains that prepare students for participation in the workforce.  Studying abroad in an African country helps connects Umoja students to the African Diaspora in ways that are often immeasurable and that cannot be replicated in traditional classrooms.  Unfortunately, African American students still face numerous barriers to participating in these experiences, including financial barriers, ill-defined or non-existent institutional policies, and personal or professional obligations which prevent them from participating in traditional abroad experiences. Panelists will share how their institution is addressing barriers to study abroad to make it accessible and relevant for Umoja students.

The Art and Science of Successfully Pursuing Allied Health Careers
Elroy Pinks and Ken Simons, Umoja Health and Wellness Initiative, and Keith Goshay, Geo Group Inc.

The Umoja Health and Wellness Initiative works to inform and also provide a pathway for students to enter into allied health careers.  Important resources that help students complete their education and career goals will be highlighted.  These resources include exposing students to a wide range of career options and pathways to those careers, connecting students to peer networks that support them along the way, assisting in building competencies as well as in clarifying career choices and the education required.  This workshop brings together current allied health students and their unique experiences and insights to inspire, connect, and propel other students toward ultimate success.

Branding Yourself! Networking and Making Connections through Social Media and Beyond
Keontae Hogains, Antelope Valley College

Life is all about networking and making connections with people who have similar interests.  This workshop will focus on the importance of networking and how technology can be used to connect with millions of people.  The goal is to transform the way people look at social media from just posting that cute selfie to actually seeing it as a way to monetize their own unique brand. The presenter will share his experience of creating a brand and a business while growing his followers on Instagram to more than 700,000 people.

4:15 pm - 6:15 pm College Fair 

6:15 pm - 7:30 pm Dinner on your own 

7:30 pm - 10:00 pm EduTainment

 

NOVEMBER 10, 2018

7:00 am - 2:00 pm  Attendee Check In

8:00 am - 9:00 am Breakfast

9:00 am - 10:15 am Workshop Three 

Transfer Pathways to Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Meet HBCU Partner School Graduates Who Successfully Transferred from a California Community College
Arynn Azout and Linda Condon, California Community College Transfer Guarantee to HBCUs

Panelist:  Jovon Dukes - Fisk University, Kayla Jones - Clark Atlanta University, Alana Slade - Tuskegee University, Nichrissha Wiggs - Dillard University

Attendees will learn about the easy and seamless process California community college students can take advantage of by completing only 30 transferable units for a guaranteed admission to 37 different Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).  The California Community College Chancellor’s Office has partnered with 37 HBCUs to admit students who have achieved a 2.5 GPA in 30 units. This workshop will provide information about the admissions guarantee, priority housing, in-state tuition for select schools and potential scholarships available through this partnership.  This workshop will include a panel of individuals who have transferred and graduated from a partner HBCU. Transfer opportunities in many majors will be covered.  Come and learn more about the caring and supportive environment that exists at HBCUs and how attending one of these schools is like continuing the Umoja experience at a four-year university.  Representatives from partner HBCU’s and members of the California Community College Transfer Guarantee to Historically Black Colleges and Universities project team will be available to respond to questions.

Funding Your Umoja Program: Finding Money on Campus and Within the Community
Karen McCord, Umoja Community and Rashall Hightower, Antelope Valley College

During this workshop, participants will learn creative ways to secure funds for their Umoja program by tapping into different funding sources.  Participants will learn more about the resources currently available and how they may be accessed and utilized to support student success.  Ways to identify private funding sources will also be covered.

Homelessness and Housing Insecurity and Umoja Student Engagement in Oakland, CA
Amy Marshall, Terance Williams, and Kimberly King, Laney College

Attendees will learn about Laney College’s new civic and community engagement initiative around gentrification and housing insecurity in Oakland, California.  Nationally, 42% of community college students say they are food insecure, and 46% struggle to pay for housing.  At Laney College in Oakland, approximately 14% of the student population is homeless and the rising cost of rent is creating homeless encampments on streets throughout the city.  This presentation will highlight the work of Umoja students and staff at Laney College and their efforts to promote civic and community engagement around housing insecurity.  Presenters will discuss their work on a campus wide teach-in on housing insecurity which featured speakers from homeless camps and the community.

The Power of Sankofa: Sharing our Umoja Stories for Empowerment
Tommy Reed, Chabot College

The Chabot College Umoja Program in Hayward, California has positively served this Bay Area community since its inception in 1988.  In commemoration of the program’s 30-year anniversary, presenters will reflect on the programs’ history and examine the stories that demonstrate wisdom, growth, and best practices.  Participants will have the opportunity to reflect and together identify what works and what doesn’t work in practice.  Participants will also collaboratively develop strategies to improve program outcomes.

Walk It Like I Talk It: A Survival Guide for Student Leaders
Nicole Harris, Skyline College

Student leaders have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on their campuses.  As a person of influence on campus, student leaders might also become overwhelmed by their academic and personal responsibilities. This workshop will provide student leaders with strategies and tools to ensure that they maintain their grade point average and graduate from community college on time.  The presenter will also discuss the benefits of becoming a student leader such as scholarship opportunities and travel as well as providing a solid foundation for the leaders of tomorrow.

Sawubona (I see you) - Building CommUNITY through Student Empowerment, Service Learning, and Leadership
Don Love, Christine Sidela, Carolyn Goodspeed and Kevin Huey, Mira Costa College

Creating and sustaining an Umoja program is built on a foundation of trust, community building, advocacy, and shared accountability.  In this workshop, attendees will learn best practices on how to foster a strong sense of community that is based on trust and transparency, as well as one in which individual and collective student strengths are best leveraged to promote leadership development.  Attendees will also receive practical and concrete tips on how to embed service learning and utilize community service as a tool to build community among students, faculty, staff and administrators.  Umoja student voices will be highlighted as part of the presentation as they share their transformative experiences with service learning programs that directly connect to Umoja Practices and support Black student success.

Who’s Minds Matter? BLACK MINDS MATTER!!!
Christina Perry, Moreno Valley College

This workshop is geared toward elevating Black minds, as well as all other participants, by highlighting where African Americans have come from as a people, where African Americans are today, and what African Americans must be accountable for to ensure a better tomorrow.  The spirit of Umoja will permeate this workshop by focusing on the Nguzo Saba (the seven principles of Kwanzaa).  The goal of the workshop is to deliberately and intentionally inspire students to first take action with “self” and then take actions to better the lives of their family members, their home life, and their communities.

Rituals: Their Importance, Their Relevance and How to Design One
Jeri Marshall and Judy Mays, American River College 

This workshop will explore West African views on the importance of ritual in promoting physical and spiritual wellbeing.  The various parts of a ritual will be explained as well as the ritual elements.  Participants will also have an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of rituals by designing a ritual based on the information provided.

Leadership Through Purpose and Service: Understanding your WHY Behind Leading and Learning to Lead Larger!
Caliph Assagai, Caliph Assagai Speaking & Coaching

The value of the opportunity to develop leadership skills as a student cannot be overstated.  However, there are challenges inherent in stepping up as a student leader on campus.  When faced with challenges, it is one’s purpose that propels true leaders to overcome those challenges.  In this workshop, students will undergo a guided experience that will help them understand their why behind stepping up to be a leader.  They will identify their purpose, the group they are most interested and committed to serving, and the reasons behind it.  Students will dive deep into their role as student leaders and leave with a roadmap that provides an understanding of how to further develop their leadership skills and how these skills will benefit them in their future careers.

Engage, Educate and Empower to Create More Change in Health and Wellness
Ernesta Wright, The G.R.E.E.N Foundation and Lezlee Matthew, Loyola Marymount University

In this workshop, attendees will explore basic nutrition and health from a historical and cultural perspective; how a focus on health and wellness in a non-medical environment ultimately improves the lives of people; how to become a health educator and advocate for healthy living by identifying innate qualities and passions; explore career pathways to enhance and improve health status and overall community health; and how to identify current skills to build upon passions.

Transfer Pathways to Historically Black Colleges and Universities: Business, Communications, Criminal Justice and Visual and Performing Arts Focus
Elaine Moore and Linda Condon, California Community College Transfer Guarantee to HBCUs

Attendees will learn about the easy and seamless process California community college students can take advantage of by completing only 30 transferable units for a guaranteed admission to 37 different Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).  The California Community College Chancellor’s Office has partnered with 37 HBCUs to admit students who have achieved a 2.5 GPA in 30 units.  This workshop will provide information about the admissions guarantee, priority housing, in-state tuition for select schools and potential scholarships available through this partnership. This workshop will include the voices of students who have transferred and are currently attending one of the HBCU partner institutions. An emphasis on transfer opportunities available at partner institutions with the following majors will be highlighted: Business, Communications, Criminal Justice and Visual and Performing Arts.  Come and learn more about the caring and supportive environment that exist at HBCUs and how attending one of these schools is like continuing the Umoja experience at a four-year university.  HBCU representatives will be available to answer specific questions.

The Black UC Legacy: A History of Excellence at the University of California
Elroy Pinks, UC Davis

Learn the truth about the University of California directly from campus admission representatives, who will demystify common misconceptions about the UC system, and provide you with a clear and achievable transfer pathway into our campuses.  Our goal is to inspire and prepare you to join our family, and for you to help us continue our tradition of Black excellence.  Learn about the abundant resources available to help you succeed, both before and after being admitted to a UC campus.  Topics will include an overview of the ongoing legacy of leadership, scholarship and success of Black students, staff, faculty and administrators; the unparalleled opportunities for academic, social, and research engagement; the Transfer Admission Guarantee program and other campus-specific transfer access programs; post-admission student transition and support programs; and an open forum to allow your concerns to be addressed, and your voices to be heard.

10:30 am - 12:00 pm Keynote:  Dr. Joy DeGruy 

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm  Closing Ritual 

1:00 pm  Event Concludes (Box Lunches Available)