Umoja Community

Umoja, (a Kiswahili word meaning unity) is a community and critical resource dedicated to enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of African American and other students. We believe that when the voices and histories of students are deliberately and intentionally recognized, the opportunity for self-efficacy emerges and a foundation is formed for academic success. Umoja actively serves and promotes student success for all students through a curriculum and pedagogy responsive to the legacy of the African and African American Diasporas.

Umoja Application Form

Benefits of the Community

Supportive Environment
Counseling
Tutoring
Cultural Workshops and Events
Leadership Development
Academic Workshops
Faculty and Staff Mentoring
Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCU) Tours

Program Requirements

To join and remain eligible for the program, please complete the following:

Complete the Umoja Application
Attend Umoja orientation
Meet with a counselor to develop an educational plan

If you have any questions, please email Dr. Marion Bly, Umoja Coordinator. or email Dr. Blaine Simmons, Umoja Counselor.

Meet the Squad!

Email: @email
Phone: (323) 953-4000 ext. 1305

Dr. Blaine Simmons was raised in a multi-racial family in Corona, CA. He is a first-generation student who received his AA in Behavioral Sciences from Riverside Community College, BA in Sociology from CSU Northridge, MA in Guidance and Counseling from Loyola Marymount University, and an Ed.D in Educational Leadership from San Diego State University. He has worked within multiple capacities in the Umoja program at varying colleges and currently works as a Counselor for the Umoja program at LA City College. Dr. Simmons is a strong advocate for equity in education and is dedicated to using inquiry-based methods of finding solutions to closing the equity gap for Black students.

Email: @email
Phone: (323) 953-4000 ext. 2263