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Testimonials
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"As an advocate for environmental and social justice, I find volunteer work with Uhuru Furniture deeply satisfying. I love knowing that the time and energy I commit to this local initiative contributes to African self-determination and empowerment around the globe. At once, I can help recycle housewares in Philadelphia and raise funds and enthusiasm for resolving education, health, and economic disparities worldwide."
- Jacqueline B., Philadelphia, PA
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"It doesn't get any better than to have Uhuru Pies on the table for Thanksgiving--they taste divine, they make a difference, and the price is right all at the same time. That's the true spirit of the holiday! Don't buy just one or you will regret it!!"
- Michelle P. and Andre K., Tampa, Fl
Oakland
7911 MacArthur Blvd.
Oakland, CA 94605
(510)569-9620
uh_oak@apedf.org
Introducing the Marcus Garvey Upliftment Project!
It was a HOT summer at the Oakland Uhuru House
Conceived and spearheaded by Nyisha Moncrease, the Marcus Garvey Upliftment Project (MGUP) was launched in early July. MGUP is a free arts and education center with the mission to provide “a safe environment for tomorrow’s leaders by teaching skills needed for African community self-determination”. The first program offered by MGUP was the 2011 summer day camp for children, which featured dancing, theatre and visual arts classes Monday through Friday.
The MGUP Summer Project was a triumph for APEDF as well as for the children, their families and the community of East Oakland. The children lined up outside the Uhuru House in the mornings – eager for the doors to open – and then didn’t want to leave at the end of the day. Parents and extended families participated throughout the two months. The community embraced MGUP and applauded the Uhuru House.
The MGUP Summer Project concluded on September 3rd with a performance that showcased the knowledge and arts the children obtained over the summer and exposed the packed house to presentations by APEDF President Ona Zené Yeshitela and Executive Director Nykeba Griffin. The parents were all extremely appreciative and said that the showcase was far beyond what they expected.
Nyisha Moncrease leads the way
Nyisha showed the city of Oakland and the entire Uhuru Movement that she is an extraordinary organizer and leader. The kids of MGUP Summer Project nicknamed Nyisha “Crazy”. If they were to expound on that, they would say “crazy” as in a whirlwind of positive energy, an unrelenting fighter for African people, a joy to work with and, a visionary who uplifts and inspires those around her, a whirlwind of goal-oriented achievement, a powerful African woman.
She is 21 years old. She graduated from Berkeley High School in 2008 and has been taking African American Studies at Merritt College ever since. When asked about her experience in building MGUP, this is what she said:
”My experience with the MGUP Summer Camp has been really educational. I’ve learned a lot, having had to do different types of research as well as learning to maintain a level of professionalism. It has been uplifting and has helped me personally, to self-reflect and to see what type of person I am. To realize the type of potential that I possess has been really fun. It has also been therapeutic for me, being so creative and so close to the arts. I love acting and dancing. Last but not least, it’s been extremely hectic and challenging. To not know how to do something, or to think you don't know then recognize that you do, or to be taught how to do something takes patience and tenacity.
Over all, my experience with MGUP is motivational because it just fuels my drive for change and gives me a glimpse of what change looks like, or could look like for our community!”
The summer project was an intensive for the children and interns
Nyisha Moncrease lead the way, but it could not have happened with out MGUP’s dedicated staff of interns. Charlene Yoakum, Tamika Phillips and Diamond Lewis all played critical roles.
The camp had a different theme each day:
- On Moving Mondays, the children learned about local leaders and activists in their community including MGUP itself.
- On International Tuesdays they learned about International activists and leaders.
- On Historic Wednesdays they had full-blown history lessons on the civil rights movement, including Malcolm X, Frederic Douglass, Robin Williams and Omali Yeshitela.
- On Theatrical Thursdays they took a closer look at Africans in the entertainment industry. They learned how to think critically about negative messages from the entertainers that they idolize.
- Last but not least, on Fit Fridays the focus was on health education, including the disparities faced by the African community. They made healthy snacks and then worked out in the ever-popular obstacle course.
The summer day camp also offered a free lunch program, supplied by Alameda County. The lunches were free to the whole community, adults and children alike.
The summer day campers went on three Field trips. They went to the movies,
They watched a performance at Destiny's Arts, a youth performance company.
On their trip to U.S. Hastings School of Law they listened to full-time students talk about their experience. They learned about the process of becoming a lawyer as well as critical components of law. The campers all participated in a sleep over, retreat. The students stayed the night at the Uhuru House and played games. They had important discussions, facilitated by the interns, about personal issues including sex, drugs, abuse, being insecure and more.
What’s next?
MGUP is also planning a series of campaigns so as to be consistently giving back to the community. MGUP is coordinating a School Supplies Drive on October 15th 2011.They are hosting an event at the Uhuru House where they will distribute the school supplies. They are collecting supplies now through the event. You can drop items off at Uhuru Furniture & Collectibles at 3742 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA.
A local car club will bring their flashy cars to the event and the children can have their picture taken next to the cars. There are currently weekly dance and yoga classes for adults. A mentoring program with the parents of the Summer Program is launching soon to continue a relationship with the student and parents. Ultimately it will be a monthly meeting with the parents. The interns will also continue to pick up the children from home or school and help them with their homework maintaining a big sister/ big brother role in their lives.
Get involved
Uhuru Vintage is a major intern opportunity. It is the primary fundraising program for MGUP. They accept clothing donations and sell them. The mission, in addition to raising money for MGUP programs, is to combat negative social images and depictions of Africans. “We believe Africans possess a wide range of beauty. Africa and Africans are beautiful! Student photographers, student makeup artists and models have an excellent opportunity to create a portfolio while making a contribution to MGUP.
Uhuru Vintage clothing is currently available for purchase at Uhuru Furniture & Collectibles in Oakland, CA. It will soon be sold at flea markets, as well as on their bog, on Craigslist and on EBay.
MGUP is by, and for, the community. Your contributions of time, cash donations, ideas, support, school supplies and referrals are all welcome.
We are looking for volunteers as well as teachers (academics, yoga, visual arts, and more). You can also become a committee member and help make it happen.
Contact Nyisha 510-314-6027 to get involved.