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Ujamaa

Ujamaa (pronounced ''oo-ja-ma'') celebrates the rich and diverse heritage of Black people in the United States, Africa, the Caribbean, and other regions of the world.

The word Ujamaa in the East African language of Ki-Swahill means the process of working together as an extended family to build and maintain a cohesive community.  This theme characterizes the atmosphere at Ujamma Residential College, a friendly, warm, and cooperative living environment that supports its members and helps students excel at Cornell.

Since its founding in 1972, Ujamaa has supported its mission through a variety of activities and events such as lectures by internationally renowned speakers, dinners hosted by affiliated faculty members, celebrating Black History Month, and hosting the State of Black America Conference, the annual Festival of Black Gospel, and the weekly student-organized forum Unity Hour – at which lively and educational discussions are never in short supply.

Strong associations with Ujamaa often extend after graduation, resulting in mentor-type relationships that become an extension of the entire living and learning experience.  Ujamaa’s vast and loyal alumni network becomes a valuable resource for information and advice on academic decisions, career choices, and personal goals.

Community features:

• 144 residents
• Located on North Campus, near Robert Purcell Community Center and Appel Commons, and within a short walking distance to the Africana Studies and Research Center
• Suite-style rooms, with residents of each unit sharing a study room, social lounge, and kitchen
• Three TV/social lounges, a computer room, study lounge, a piano, and a library

For more information about Ujamaa, call (607) 255-4922 or email ujamaa@cornell.edu. 

To learn more about the House and meet Ujamaa residents, attend Unity Hour on Sunday evenings at 8:30pm in Ujamaa’s main lounge.