About Ujima Academy
Program Overview
What We are About
What We are About
The Ujima Academy’s Rites of Passage Program is a spiritually based mentorship initiative, designed to guide Middle and High School Students between the ages 13-18 years old through a structured journey of self-discovery, character building, and life preparation. Grounded in the principles of Ujima (collective work and
responsibility), t
The Ujima Academy’s Rites of Passage Program is a spiritually based mentorship initiative, designed to guide Middle and High School Students between the ages 13-18 years old through a structured journey of self-discovery, character building, and life preparation. Grounded in the principles of Ujima (collective work and
responsibility), the program incorporates weekly sessions that address essential
facets of adulthood, including financial literacy, public and civic service, social
justice, health and hygiene, spiritual growth, and mental well-being just to name a few.
What We are About
What We are About
What We are About
The Ujima Academy Rites of Passage program was developed within the context and spirit of the
traditional African customs. This year, 2025, will be the inaugural celebration of the program at
Metropolitan Baptist Church. The youth in the program will be referred to as
“Mwanafunzi” (mwah-nah-FOON-zee ) which
means student or learner in Swahil
The Ujima Academy Rites of Passage program was developed within the context and spirit of the
traditional African customs. This year, 2025, will be the inaugural celebration of the program at
Metropolitan Baptist Church. The youth in the program will be referred to as
“Mwanafunzi” (mwah-nah-FOON-zee ) which
means student or learner in Swahili. The sessions are conducted by men and women of the church and
community called Ujima Elders, who share their varied experiences with the youth. All of our lead elders have passed a CORI background check.
The program is composed of two groups: “Kentake” (ken-tah-kay) which means Nubian Queen in the Kush, for the young females and
"Adigun Nkosi" (ad-di-goon n-koh-see) Adigun means “righteous” in Yoruba and the word Nkosi means “ruler” in Zulu , for the young males.
Program Objectives
Program Objectives
Program Objectives
Strengthen Personal Identity and Cultural Awareness: Instill a deep sense of pride and
understanding of African heritage and legacy.
Develop Life Skills for Adulthood: By equipping participants with practical skills necessary
for adulthood.
Foster Leadership and Community Responsibility: Encourage participants to see themselves
as leader
Strengthen Personal Identity and Cultural Awareness: Instill a deep sense of pride and
understanding of African heritage and legacy.
Develop Life Skills for Adulthood: By equipping participants with practical skills necessary
for adulthood.
Foster Leadership and Community Responsibility: Encourage participants to see themselves
as leaders within their communities and inspire a commitment to service.
Promote Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Wellness: Provide tools and guidance to support
holistic development.
Ujima does not serve as a space for religious indoctrination, but as a nurturing, spiritually
conscious, and culturally rooted supplement that responds to the urgent needs of our
community.
Program Structure
Program Objectives
Program Objectives
Start Date:
Sunday, August 17 th
End Sunday, November 9 th
Duration: 13 weeks, with weekly 2-hour sessions on Sundays 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: All sessions will be based from Metropolitan Baptist Church, 393 Norfolk Street,
Dorchester, MA 02148.
Some sessions include a proposed venue or virtual/hybrid options
Session Format: Each week’s sessio
Start Date:
Sunday, August 17 th
End Sunday, November 9 th
Duration: 13 weeks, with weekly 2-hour sessions on Sundays 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: All sessions will be based from Metropolitan Baptist Church, 393 Norfolk Street,
Dorchester, MA 02148.
Some sessions include a proposed venue or virtual/hybrid options
Session Format: Each week’s session will include a combination of discussion, storytelling, practical
workshops, and activities tailored to the week’s topic.
Ujima - Collective Work and Responsibility
Our Mission
To affirm, guide, and equip our youth through culturally grounded spiritually rich mentorship.
Meet The Ujima Elders
Elder Arnetta Neville, Founder & Director - Ujima Academy
Elder Robin Harris , Cultural Educator and Community Leader
Elder Robin Harris , Cultural Educator and Community Leader
I created Ujima Academy to offer our youth a transformative journey that affirms their identity and prepares them for purpose. This Rites of Passage program was born from a deep desire to interrupt cycles of disconnection and replace them with legacy, leadership, and love. My why is rooted in the belief that when we guide young people wi
I created Ujima Academy to offer our youth a transformative journey that affirms their identity and prepares them for purpose. This Rites of Passage program was born from a deep desire to interrupt cycles of disconnection and replace them with legacy, leadership, and love. My why is rooted in the belief that when we guide young people with intention, we don’t just change lives, we shift generations.
Elder Robin Harris , Cultural Educator and Community Leader
Elder Robin Harris , Cultural Educator and Community Leader
Elder Robin Harris , Cultural Educator and Community Leader
"I believe in the power of community to share strong, purpose driven young people. Ujima Academy gives me the opportunity to pour into our youth spiritually, culturally and emotionally so they grow up rooted in who they are and ready to lead with confidence and integrity."
Elder Cheyenne Ashley Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student & Therapist
Elder Robin Harris , Cultural Educator and Community Leader
Elder Cheyenne Ashley Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student & Therapist
I serve with Ujima Academy because I believe in the healing power of identity, culture, and community. My passion lies in creating safe, affirming spaces where young people can explore who they are and develop the emotional tools to thrive.
Elder Steven D. Neville, Ph.D. Sr. Pastor -Metropolitan Baptist Church
Elder Calvin Hill Ph.D. Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging at the University of Massachusetts Boston
Elder Cheyenne Ashley Clinical Psychology Doctoral Student & Therapist
My life and success, such as it is, depends on the intentional decisions of men and
women, both inside and outside of my family, to make themselves and their wisdom
available. It would be utterly selfish of me, in view of my own history and experience, to not pay it forward to another generation and it would contradict my calling to extend
My life and success, such as it is, depends on the intentional decisions of men and
women, both inside and outside of my family, to make themselves and their wisdom
available. It would be utterly selfish of me, in view of my own history and experience, to not pay it forward to another generation and it would contradict my calling to extend the gospel to live disconnected from others, when Jesus carried out His ministry closely among His disciples.
Elder Calvin Hill Ph.D. Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging at the University of Massachusetts Boston
Elder Calvin Hill Ph.D. Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging at the University of Massachusetts Boston
Elder Calvin Hill Ph.D. Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging at the University of Massachusetts Boston
I’m excited to serve with Ujima Academy because its mission aligns with my life’s work and expanding access and opportunity for those too often left out. I believe education and justice are the two forces that can truly change the world. I bring to Ujima my passion for teaching as a tool of transformation, and my belief that justice is a
I’m excited to serve with Ujima Academy because its mission aligns with my life’s work and expanding access and opportunity for those too often left out. I believe education and justice are the two forces that can truly change the world. I bring to Ujima my passion for teaching as a tool of transformation, and my belief that justice is about how we uplift, engage, and support one another on the journey toward collective empowerment.
Elder Mike Zouzoua, Executive Finance Manager
Elder Calvin Hill Ph.D. Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging at the University of Massachusetts Boston
Elder Calvin Hill Ph.D. Vice Chancellor for Inclusive Excellence and Belonging at the University of Massachusetts Boston
My rite of passage experience growing up in my village is still vivid in my mind as if it
were yesterday. That experience inspired me to be who I am today. Serving as an elder and mentor in the Ujima Academy allows
me to support young people's success and growth, much like I do with my own children.