Background

The concept of servant leadership is a philosophy and set of practices that enriches the lives of individuals, and ultimately creates a more just and caring world. Ujima, uses this philosophy and incorporates the rich and empowering history of African and African American contributors, to promote personal healing, self and cultural awareness, and a community building mindset.

Dr. Asa Hilliard often researched, wrote and spoke about cultural memory recovery as a solution to the systematic assault upon people of African descent (Hilliard, 1995; Hilliard, 1997; Hilliard, 2003). In the Introduction to The Maroon Within Us: Selected Essays of African American Community Socialization, Hilliard observed, "It is a people's culture, their shared creativities and struggles as they have evolved over time and space, that defines their essence. Culture is the tie that binds. If there is no shared culture, there is no group, no unity, no solidarity. This is why the engine of group oppression is always cultural genocide" (Hilliard, 1995, p. 10).

Mission

To center students in the best of their culture to examine and analyze information, organize and mobilize others to meet needs and solve problems in their communities and the world (Akua, 2020).

Vision

To create an all-encompassing mindset that embraces the idea of selflessness, positive self and racial esteem, cultural competence and community building. 

Program Goals

Goals of the program include teaching students the characteristics of servant leadership through self-awareness, cultural competence, virtue development, broadening exposure and expanding opportunities for participation in this leadership program.

Objectives

• To provide a culturally rich environment of learning that instills self-confidence, awareness of self, and the positive contributions of their culture.
• To provide opportunities for all students to feel a sense of belonging to the school community. 
• To reduce student failure and potential dropouts.
• To provide opportunities for students to use their critical thinking skills to solve real community problems.

The Power of Sanfoka: 

Sanfoka is a word in the Twi language of Ghana that translates to "Go back and get it". Sanfoka seeks to provide enlightenment of black culture through educational, cultural, and social events and activities. 
“Sankofa” teaches us that we must go back to our roots in order to move forward. That is, we should reach back and gather the best of what our past has to teach us, so that we can achieve our full potential as we move forward.