UJIMA MEN’S COLLECTIVE PROMISES TO BE EDUCATIONAL, ENLIGHTENING AND ENTERTAINING

Denise Royal

This fall, the Ujima Men’s Collective will hold its upcoming conference. Ujima is derived from the third principle of Kwanzaa and means collective work and responsibility. That’s what the Conference is all about. Some attendees compare it to a family reunion.

It is a safe space to share ideas, thoughts, and feelings among men with similar experiences. Participants are from all walks of life and represent a variety of nationalities, ages, and gender expressions. The 2023 theme is Living in the Light.

The Conference is on Oct. 13-15. It will be held at the Gallery One Doubletree Hotel. Organizers ask anyone interested in presenting at the Conference to submit an abstract.

“We are seeking abstracts from individuals with expertise, interest, and experience willing to share on our five tenets – leadership, advocacy, relationships, spirituality, and health and wellness,” said Lorenzo Robertson, executive director of Ujima Men’s Collective. “We just want the best people to share and facilitate a fantastic presentation. We are seeking wisdom from our presenters.”

This year, Ujima Men’s Collective is hosting its Noir Diamond Awards Affair on Oct. 14. Nhojj, an award-winning singer, will perform at the awards affair and the opening luncheon. Comedian Sampson will perform some of his stand-up. New York Times Bestselling author Daniel Black will speak and share about his books, Black on Black, Perfect Peace, Don’t Cry for Me, and The Coming.

The Collective also seeks nominations for its five leadership, advocacy, relationships, spirituality, and health & wellness awards. For more information about the conference, nominations, and abstracts, visit www. ujimamen.net.

~ Alan Harris