What?
What?
Black History Experience 2/24/26 @Cooley Ranch. Register Below!
We are excited to introduce UMOJA, a new dual enrollment program designed especially for our African American students in Colton Joint Unified School District. "UMOJA" means Unity in Swahili, and it reminds us that when we work together, we can achieve amazing things for our children.
This program will allow students to earn college credits while still in high school, setting them up for success in the future. The UMOJA vision doesn’t start in high school—it starts in TK through 6th grade, guiding our students with practices that support and empower them.
But it's not just about the students; it's about our teachers too. We’re providing them with tools and strategies to better support African American students and make sure they feel valued in the classroom. When educators lead with purpose and cultural awareness, it helps our students thrive.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more supportive system for everyone. And this is just the beginning—exciting things are ahead!
Why?
Why?
The reason behind launching the UMOJA program is rooted in both our district's quantitative data and qualitative findings from student voice interviews. Our data shows that African American students in our district have faced challenges with academic achievement. At the same time, interviews with African American students revealed a need for improvements in the overall school climate and culture, higher academic expectations, and more relevant, culturally responsive instruction.
These findings highlight a crucial need for a shift in how we support our students. The UMOJA program is designed to directly address these areas by fostering a positive school culture, setting high academic standards, and offering instruction that is meaningful and connected to our students' lives. UMOJA brings these guiding practices to life, ensuring that our African American students have the support and opportunities they need to succeed academically and feel valued in our schools.
How?
How?
Student
Student
U.M.O.J.A
Educator
Educator
U.M.O.J.A
Teachers can use these practices to assess how well students are connecting their learning to their personal, cultural, and spiritual identities, while creating spaces to express themselves and advocate for others. They should observe if students explore language with confidence, understand their place in the global African Diaspora, and embrace diversity by sharing their knowledge and celebrating differences within the community. These actions reflect the core values of the Umoja program, helping students grow academically and personally.
Uplift Identity through Manifestation
Students apply their learning in ways that affirm who they are—spiritually, mentally, and culturally—making connections to their own lives.
Make Space on the Porch
Students build and protect spaces where they can speak, listen, and advocate for themselves and others.
Own and Play with Language
Students explore language with curiosity and confidence, using it as a tool for expression, joy, and empowerment.
Join the Journey of the African Diaspora
Students discover, connect with, and speak about their place in the global Black experience.
Activate Gifts and Embrace Diversity
Students share what they learn, teach others, and celebrate differences as essential to the Umoja community.
Educators can use these practices to assess if students are connecting their learning to their cultural and personal identities, advocating for themselves, and exploring language with confidence. They should also observe if students are understanding their place in the global African Diaspora and embracing diversity by sharing knowledge and celebrating differences. These actions align with the core values of the Umoja program, supporting both academic and personal growth.
Uphold an Ethic of Love
Educators approach teaching holistically—honoring African American students' whole selves: body, mind, and spirit.
Make Learning Live and Emergent
Educators create space for generative, student-centered learning that evolves in the moment.
Open Language as a Bridge to Power
Educators honor African American students' language and cultural expressions, deepening trust and empowerment.
Join in Building Communal Intelligence
Educators spotlight African American student strengths to co-create community and collective growth.
Affirm Mattering and Activate Umoja as a Power Base
Educators elevate African American students' experiences as critical knowledge while committing to reciprocal leadership and celebrating diversity as a strength.
UMOJA End of Year Celebration 2025!
UMOJA End of Year Celebration 2025!
Thank You Principal Lang!
Thank You Principal Lang!
At our last AAPAC Celebration of the year, we announced that Ms. Tabreshia Lang, one of our former AAPAC facilitators, will be moving out of our school district. We wish her the best, but we know we will see her around. Please visit our AAPAC_CJUSD Instagram to see the reel created to capture highlights from this night. Shout out to our special guest speakers, Lawrence Hardy from Golden Touch Productions, and Justin Hudson, who is not only an adjunct professor but also an entrepreneur.
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