Partnerships reflect the spirit of ubuntu and the third Kwanzaa principle of ujima representing collective work and responsibility.
"The Black Student Union (BSU) at Utah Valley University will strive to foster a sense of community for Black students. It will provide an opportunity for students to express their views concerning current events, academics, culture, arts, and campus life. We envision the Black Student Union to be more than just a club, but a family. Being away from home and family is never easy, so we hope that Black student union can give students an outlet for anything they're dealing with while away in college. Our main focus is on providing a safe space for all Black students of the diaspora. Although we're starting small, we envision great things for the future. In order to promote a better atmosphere for Black students, we, the Black students of Utah Valley University, have created this organization to serve the overall well being of the black student body in the UVU community. We aim to serve as a voice for Black students and to establish a sense of identity, community, and pride. Black Student Union will focus on bringing our diverse culture to the campus, allowing all students to be exposed to our way of life."
"A voice for black students, establishing a sense of identity, community, and pride. A community designed to support a network of black students and all students of the diaspora. We aim to promote togetherness and unity through programs and partnerships that foster conversations and support students’ passions and gifts. Simply put, a home away from home."
UVU's Black Student Union existed long before the African Diaspora Initiative. In tradition with the Black Campus Movement (Rogers), it was the BSU student leaders, in partnership with UVU faculty, staff, and administrative mentors who worked to bring the African Diaspora Initiative to fruition.
We continue this partnership by co-hosting the weekly socials (Thursdays) as well as larger events (Proud to Be African, BHM Roller Skating, African Diaspora Graduation). We also provide the student club leadership with mentors, food vouchers, letter of recommendation, scholarship opportunities, and a spring leadership transition retreat.
Ngoma y'Africa Cultural Center (NACC) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in the year 2016.
"We are dedicated to teaching the community about African cultures and to creating a support network for African descent families in Utah by:
At our culture learning center, we aim to create a safe environment where different cultures come together in the African spirit of UBUNTU of diversity, humanity, unity, partnership, collaboration, and inclusion."
Founded and lead by UVU alumnus Yvonne Nsabimana, NACC partners with us to provide nurturing African centered and inclusive programs and services for UVU students and community members in Utah County. NACC provides free dance and drumming classes for UVU students every Friday in the Student Life and Wellness Center. NACC is also partnering with us on the first African Diaspora Holiday celebration on December 16th at 8:00 PM.
ETG is an Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) free college and career awareness and readiness event for African, African American, Black students and communities in Utah.
"Cultural Envoy is a UVU sponsored leadership program that validates students' cultures and supports their pathway to completion. As a student in the Cultural Envoy Program you will learn to navigate and negotiate your experience at UVU, your community, and other critical spaces that you may celebrate as important.
The program is open to all students who want to understand and refine facets of their culture, identity, and lived experiences to facilitate their development as scholars, change agents, and stewards of a globally interdependent community."
"As our students create, perform, view, and interpret dance as a socio-cultural phenomenon at UVU they will be engaged in transforming their ideas from a classroom setting to dance floor. In learning about dance forms of diverse cultures, we come to appreciate the cultural stories of people, in the past and in the present time, and validate the student experience outside of the classroom."
CELP maintains an African diaspora section of CELP. The ADI works in partnership with the program director of CELP to find resources for student leaders in the section. The section also supports ADI events with performances.
