View of Umoja House from Vernon Street

The Umoja house is a cultural house on campus that serves a gathering place for Black students. It was formed in the 1970s after 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.

The building was originally located at 110 Vernon Street and called the Black Cultural Center. It was later renamed to Umoja, and moved to 70 Vernon Street in 1997. This move was not disclosed to the larger student body beforehand, leading to confusion and anger over its more remote location. Inside, there is space for students to relax, hang out with friends, and watch TV, and there is a library on the third floor with archives, books, and magazines for students to use.

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.

The Trinity Tripod, 10/02/1990

The Trinity Tripod, 09/23/1997

The Trinity Tripod, 01/20/1998

Trinity College in the 20th Century (2000) by Peter Knapp, pp. 473

The Trinity Tripod, 03/31/2003

Umoja House