Our Mission
Ujamaa /n. (ooh-JAH'-mah)
The fourth principle of Kwanzaa; To build and maintain our own stores,
shops and other businesses and profit from them TOGETHER
“Our Vision: Economically vibrant, green and sustainable communities for people of African descent.”
The Ujamaa Collective is a non-profit organization of women of African descent who are entrepreneurs, artisans, artists and individuals who are committed to serving their community through leadership. Through Ujamaa, artisans have an economic outlet for their work, micro-enterprises have the support to grow, customers gain access to locally-produced items, and Pittsburgh has a regional destination to draw customers and visitors to the Historic Hill District.
“Our Mission: To create spaces, opportunities, networks, education and support for women of African descent to grow as entrepreneurs, artisans, and servant-leaders so that we may “lift as we climb”.”
Utilizing a mixed model of entrepreneurship training, creative financing, marketplace establishment and cooperative establishment and cooperative business practices, Ujamaa assists in filling the gap for African American women in economics, education and opportunity.
The Components of Ujamaa Collective:
- Ujamaa Retail Boutique
- Entrepreneurship Preparation Program (EPP)
- Open-Air Marketplace
- Start-up Business Incubation
- Agricultural Initiatives
Objectives:
- To increase entrepreneurship among women of African descent, particularly in the Hill District;
- To promote economic development and entrepreneurial activity through cooperative means in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, thereby combating community deterioration;
- To provide training, marketing and other support to increase entrepreneurship among women of African descent, particularly low-income women in the Hill District;
- To establish standards of quality and promote the cultural awareness and connectivity of craftswomen of African descent (through the establishment of artist guilds);
- To create spaces of exchange and commerce that are healthy for the minds, bodies and spirits of people of African descent;
- To create infrastructure that increases the wealth accumulated and circulated within communities of African descent, particularly the Hill District;
- To educate the public in the artistry, history and cultural significance of African-centered crafts and foods;
- To promote agricultural activity, nutritional education and healthy eating habits in communities of African descent, particularly the Hill District
