Today, Thursday, May 8th is the day we celebrate, honor & raise funds for the causes & organizations who are really about that life. Ujima STL is absolutely making moves & one I’ve been involved with since 2020! (Here’s an OG podcast episode if you want to tune in.)
Ujima, one of the 7 pillars of Kwanza, means collective responsibility. We focus on urban farming, culinary arts, food justice & youth empowerment. With land in North City @georgewashingtoncarverfarms & The Sunflower Institute, our flagship apprenticeship program, we are 1000% changing lives - particular for Black teens.
Bringing beauty, mentorship & practical skills to our babies & surrounding neighborhoods. Paying the apprentices $20 an hour, providing transportation to & from the summer program, laptops, VR equipment, field trips, national park & preservation visits as well as opportunities to speak & present on behalf of the organization.
As a proud board member, mama & former classroom teacher, Ujima does it ALL. Mental health, life skills, agricultural development & real-life support that these kids will remember forever.
My sons & I have harvested sweet potatoes, planted seeds, help film, do strategic planning, resume building, professional development & even taught the youth how to play Spades. Ujima is so well rounded & holistic. It’s an honor to witness this level of support for the next generation.
Come out & celebrate with us tonight, Thursday, May 8th, from 6:30-8:30 PM at @intertwinewinebar 🥰🙏🏽✨ Meet the founder, former graduates, the staff & board members to catch this energy in-person!
Donate, create a matching corporate program with your employer & learn how you can get involved with this incredible organization!
This work is truly the gift that keeps on giving. From volunteer days to camping trips, farmers markets & climate change conferences, Ujima is ABOUT IT.
Show some love, learn more, donate & support Ujima for Give STL Day!
https://www.givestlday.org/organization/UjimaSTL
Tag your friends & come on down to celebrate on this beautiful spring day 🌻🫶🏽✨
Founder Nickolas Speed
Board Members
Rebecca Weaver, CNP
Tori S. Mays
Donald Reeves
Drew Foster
Jessica S. Samuel, M.Ed., Ph.D.
Support Staff
Dr. Brittany Conners
Natasha Woodard, MS, MSW, CHLC
Check out my recent episode on the Align With Anna®️ Podcast where we share what’s happening with the new farm, the 5th year of the Sunflower Institute & more!
Come Have Dinner With Us 🥳
There is also an opportunity to join the team for dinner at Chipotle on South Grand, Saturday, May 10th from 4-8 PM!
Order in-person or online for pick-up!
Upcoming Volunteer Day 🪴
Join us April 26th, May 12th, May 19th, May 26th at George Washington Carver Farms (3714 Penrose Street) for our Saturday volunteer shifts!
Stop by between 10AM - Noon & support our urban farm!
Volunteer tasks include weeding, planting seeds/seedlings, harvesting, moving soil/mulch and picking up trash.
Sign up here!
Stay Blessed,
Anna Ortiz-Aragon
Founder of Align with Anna & The Pachamama Shift 501(c)3
#ujima #foodjustice #youthempowerment #sustainability #nextgeneration #stl #givestlday #stlouis
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