empowering young scholars.
honoring our roots.

At UMOJA, we unlock Black students’ potential and celebrate their culture. With the community’s support, we’re transforming lives with an educational program that doesn’t just prepare our children for the world—but empowers them to change it.

UMOJA - Empowering Young Scholars

message to the berkeley community

Welcome to our vibrant community at Longfellow Middle School, where every day is a journey toward excellence, understanding and empowerment.

Here at the UMOJA Program, we stand on the foundation of a powerful vision: a world where every Black student’s brilliance is ignited, their cultural heritage is celebrated, and their potential is realized to the fullest. We are not just another educational program. We are a movement dedicated to transforming the lives of our students by offering them an environment that is intellectually stimulating, culturally enriching, and deeply nurturing.

As the program director, my promise to you is a partnership that values your voice, respects your experiences, and seeks to uplift your child’s aspirations. Together, we are creating a legacy of excellence, resilience and cultural pride that will resonate for generations to come.

Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of being a part of your child’s educational journey. Together, let’s empower the leaders of tomorrow and forge a path toward a brighter, more equitable future.

— Kamar O’Guinn, Program Director

our mission

As a unique elective class offered during the school day, the UMOJA Program is more than just an academic course. We are a cultural enrichment program that was designed to uplift and empower our students with an African-centered education.

When Black students experience the program, here is what they (and their parents) get that is not offered in the traditional classroom…

A Nurturing Environment

We make sure our curriculum not only stimulates intellectual growth but also honors and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of Berkeley Unified’s Black students.

Peace of
Mind

Rest assured, parents! Your child is on an educational path that deeply values diversity, champions equity, and prepares them for a bright, successful future.

Peace of Mind

Rest assured, parents! Your child is on an educational path that deeply values diversity, champions equity, and prepares them for a bright, successful future.

Community and Collaboration

We provide opportunities for parents and educators to come together, which helps us to build a supportive network that fosters shared goals and mutual understanding.

Challenging the Status Quo

Our dedication to systemic change is in perfect harmony with the aspirations of the many parents we have learned from who are seeking a more equitable educational landscape for their children.

why a tailored educational approach is needed

Our program was created to address some pressing and heartbreaking realities facing Black students in our district. The following aren’t just statistics. They reflect the real struggles and barriers our students encounter every day.

UMOJA exists because we believe in a brighter, more equitable future for our children. Our program is designed to tackle these challenges head-on with an approach that’s tailored to uplift, empower and celebrate our students.

3x

Did you know that Black students here are three to seven times more likely to be suspended than their peers?

1 in 3

And only one in three are ready for college or a career.

1 in 5

It gets even more concerning—just one in five eighth graders meet the math benchmarks

1 in 4

And only one in four Black students complete the A-G requirements needed for UC/CSU admissions.

UMOJA Family
UMOJA Family
UMOJA Family
UMOJA Family

why parents choose umoja

Why do parents consistently choose the UMOJA Program for their children’s middle school journey? The answer lies in the transformative impact and unwavering support that our community offers.

81%

Say the UMOJA Program played a major role in their decision to select Longfellow as their children’s school.

87%

Say their children’s participation in the program improved their thinking and critical analysis skills.

90%

Recommend the program for other families.

100%

Say it’s important for Black students to have an affinity space that is only for them at school.

let’s hear what else our community is saying

"It's a combination of academic and emotional support for my child that provides community and a safe space for young African American students at the school."
UMOJA Parent
"It's a combination of academic and emotional support for my child that provides community and a safe space for young African American students at the school."
UMOJA Parent
"I was like, finally, for once, we have a Black teacher. With his support and the support of my family, I was able to finish eighth grade strong …and I’m grateful for that."
UMOJA Scholar
"I was like, finally, for once, we have a Black teacher. With his support and the support of my family, I was able to finish eighth grade strong…and I’m grateful for that."
UMOJA Scholar
"I feel honored to have worked with many of the UMOJA 8th graders. These young adults have brought joy, love and excellence to my classroom, and they have created a positive environment for all by being leaders and learners."
Longfellow Teacher
"I feel honored to have worked with many of the UMOJA 8th graders. These young adults have brought joy, love and excellence to my classroom, and they have created a positive environment for all by being leaders and learners."
Longfellow Teacher

pioneering a new path in education
since 2019

Founded in 2019 on the belief that every Black student deserves a learning experience tailored to their unique history, culture and potential, the UMOJA Program has been redefining what it means to be educated in our community. Through a curriculum enriched with African-centered pedagogy, mentorship and community engagement, what we are doing in the Berkeley Unified School District stands as a testament to what is possible when education transcends boundaries and truly honors the identity and aspirations of every student.

Longfellow Middle School

meet the heart and soul
of our program

Our program is more than just a curriculum. It’s a personal mission brought to life by our team, who bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and empathy to the classroom every day. Get to know the dynamic Umoja staff whose dedication and drive continue to inspire our community, shape futures, and redefine what it means to be educated in Berkeley Unified.

learn more about kamar
Kamar - UMOJA
Kamar - UMOJA

meet the heart and soul
of our program

Our program is more than just a curriculum. It’s a personal mission brought to life by our team, who bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and empathy to the classroom every day. Get to know the dynamic Umoja staff whose dedication and drive continue to inspire our community, shape futures, and redefine what it means to be educated in Berkeley Unified.

learn more about kamar

frequently asked questions

connect with umoja

Have a question about our program? Passionate about empowering your child’s education with a program that celebrates their heritage, champions their potential, and is dedicated to their success? Reach out to us today and a member of our team will get back to you.

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kamar o'guinn

umoja founder

Kamar O'Guinn has dedicated his career to uplifting and empowering African American students. He is the devoted leader and architect of the African American Success Project/Umoja program.

Before joining BUSD, Mr. O'Guinn was an Assistant Principal of an Oakland public school. In addition to his administrative leadership, he has significant experience spearheading efforts of public schools and nonprofit organizations to design, implement, and coordinate supports that assist students in building intellectual, social, and emotional capital.

Kamar is a native of Oakland, California. He credits his community for helping him to understand the relationship between education and social mobility. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University East Bay, where he graduated summa cum laude.