ENFIELD — Ujima African American Alliance is hosting an open house for the first African American exhibition on Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Enfield Historical Society, 1294 Enfield St. Light refreshments will be served.
Founder and Vice Chair Rosalind Swift said, “Our goal is to introduce African American culture to our community. For years we have not had a voice, which is part of our core mission for Black African Americans to have a voice in Enfield, so that’s the main reason for having this exhibit and hopefully we’re going to continue to grow it, add history to that piece and look for more people of color to get involved in the town of Enfield.”
Secretary Melissa Woodyard added, “This exhibit is specifically to those who are within the town of Enfield. You’re going to see people in the 1800s that were African Americans here in Enfield, so that’s pretty exciting to know that we have history that goes back that far and the fact that we are making it known to people that African American history is American history.”
Ujima African American Alliance is a grassroots organization engaging, educating and inspiring African Americans as well as the community at large.
Ujima is a Swahili word meaning collective work and responsibility, building the community together and solving problems as a group.
Ujima African American Alliance look to see what the problems are within the community and within the focus of African Americans in the community. Things that are missing or may need more of, they are looking to solve those problems, bring awareness and let people know that Ujima is an outlet in which they can help assist with problems.
Ujima has adopted Eli Whitney School and will help with school supplies. They also work with other nonprofits in the community and have attended meetings with KITE and SURGE.
“We would like for people to walk away with knowledge and information of African American culture,” said Swift. “We are here to be a fabric of the community, having a voice and working together for the benefit of our community.”
To learn more about Ujima African American Alliance, visit its website at uaaaenfield.org, follow on Facebook or contact uaaaenfield@gmail.com.
