UMOJA week explores how all aspects of black lives matter

Last week, cultural clubs representing the African diaspora celebrated UMOJA week. Throughout the week, UMOJA focused on different aspects of Black culture and community.  Each day, a different concept covered the theme, "Black ______ Matters."

Sunday: Black Spirituality Matters was held by the New Spirit of Penn Gospel Choir, which has been performing at and around Penn for 15 years. The event focused on the power of faith in times of crisis.

Monday: At Black Health Matters, a discussion was facilitated about the link between sexual violence and mental health. Issues of mental health are difficult points of conversation, especially in the minority community where such matters are not as openly discussed. 

Tuesday: At Black Education Matters, participants engaged in a conversation about the pros and cons of attending historically black colleges as opposed to predominantly white institutions. The event was held by the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and the Black Student League.

Wednesday: Black Professionals Matter was an event where participants talked about what it is like in the black professional world facing unique challenges in the work place and in the hiring process.

Thursday: Black Art Matters celebrated the arts with singing, dancing and theatrical performances by minority groups. This event represented the importance of culture within the black community.

Friday: Black Community Matters was an event that allowed black students to relax and enjoy each other’s company. The goal of the event was to give students a sense of community amongst other minority students.

Saturday: At Black Activism Matters, Chuck D, a member of the rap group Public Enemy spoke about how he has used hip hop as a platform for activism. Public Enemy's music is known for calling out the media in the 1980’s and 1990’s for its misrepresentation of black people. The event discussed how music can be used to influence society and what messages current musicians are sending to the masses.

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