Umoja House
Umoja House is a cultural house on campus that serves as a gathering place for Black students. It was formed in the 1970s after the Trinity Coalition of Blacks (later Pan African Alliance, and now Imani) and the Trinity Coalition of Black Women Organization set out to appreciate Black culture and make the campus more welcoming for minority students. Umoja means “unity” in Swahili and is one of the principles of Kwanzaa.
Inside Umoja House, there is space for students to relax, hang out with friends, and watch TV. There is also a library on the third floor with archives, books, and magazines for students to use. The building was originally located at 110-112 Vernon Street and was called the Black Cultural Center until 1980-1981, when it was renamed Umoja House. In 1997, it moved to 70 Vernon Street, a decision that was not disclosed to the larger student body beforehand. This led to confusion and anger at the time over its slightly more remote location in relation to the center of campus.
Umoja houses many organizations for Black students on campus including Imani, Trinity College's Black Women Association, and the Men of Color Alliance. Together at the house, these groups work to raise awareness and show appreciation of Black history and culture by hosting educational events, movie screenings, and block parties at the House. Events hosted by Umoja have included commemorations for Martin Luther King, Jr., Black alumni gatherings, and activities for Black History Month.
Sources
The Trinity Tripod, 03/31/2003.
Trinity College in the Twentieth Century (2000) by Peter and Anne Knapp, p. 473.
The Trinity Tripod, 01/20/1998.
The Trinity Tripod, 09/23/1997.
The Trinity Tripod, 10/02/1990.
The Trinity College Handbook, 1981-1982, p. 125.
The Trinity College Handbook, 1980-1981, p. 140.