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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact Form
support the vision
Invest in the future of UMOJA! Your donation is more than a gift. It’s a powerful statement of belief in our mission to uplift and transform the lives of Black students in our community. All donations are made through the Berkeley Public Schools Fund.