A place where tweens and teens address their racial identity
Registration is open.
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Umoja is a weekend experience for families that have black/bi-racial children being raised by parents or guardians of another ethnicity. The weekend is designed to be an opportunity for children and their families to examine, explore, reflect, understand and celebrate the rich and diverse traditions of black identities and culture in the United States. The program takes a family based approach with age appropriate sessions for the children and adults during the day and large group educational and celebratory evenings.
The mission of UMOJA is to empower transracial families to raise children that will:
Become an UMOJA family. Empower your multi-ethnic family in ways you never imagined.
“Umoja has been a comforting, exciting, inspiring and challenging experience for our family. Our girls have expressed that Umoja weekend is their “favorite family vacation.” It is a truly wonderful event where deeper understandings and lifelong connections can be made.” -Mommaerts Family
“Our family loves UMOJA! It’s been great for our boys to learn and play with other kids, and it’s been eye opening for us dads as we learn and grow with other parents. Our family is stronger because of the experience.” -Smith Sherer Family
“We love UMOjA, the speakers, the entertainment on Saturday night, the beautiful location. But the number one reason is the other families. It’s an amazing feeling to be with families that look like ours and understand us. We have made so many friendships through UMOJA. It is our favorite weekend of the year! -Sevilla Family
As a cofounder, Dr. Delano-Oriaran develops and directs the curricula focus for the Umoja theme (programming, secures presenters, creates the schedule and materials.
Dr. Delano is currently a Dean and Professor of Education in the Teacher Education Department at St. Norbert College in De Pere, WI. She inspired and co-founded Umoja, and the Fox Cities Rotary Multicultural Center in Appleton, Wisconsin. Dr. Delano is the recipient of the Downtown Appleton Rotary Club Charles and Patricia Heeter Award. Most recently she was name one of the most influential African Americans in the state of WI by Madison 365 Magazine. She is also the 2019 faculty recipient of the St. Norbert College Founder’s Award in recognition of her contributions to the college and community at large. Most recently, she released a book of essay entitles Teaching Brilliant, Beautiful, Black Girls.
As a co-founder, Ms. Ryno directs all the marketing, fundraising and logistics for Umoja.
Ms. Ryno is the retired National Sales Manager for Diversified Woodcrafts. She was inspired to co-found Umoja when seeking a heritage experience for her two children, Sarah and Caleb. During her career Ms. Ryno served on several boards in the Education Market including Ed Market Association, The Hands-On Science Partnership and the Council for Art Education. Ms Ryno, along with her husband, Bill, were named the 2012 Champions of Adoption by the State of Wisconsin for their work with Umoja. Ms. Ryno was presented with the prestigious David McCurrach Distinguished Service Award at the EdSpaces Show on October 23, 2019, for her outstanding commitment to the Educational Industry.
