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Ujamaa (pronounced ''oo-ja-ma'') is a concept that is derived from the East African language, Ki-Swahili. There is no single word in English that fully conveys its meaning. The concept of ''Ujamaa'' is a process where all the members of a community work together as an extended family to build and maintain a cohesive community that nurtures and supports its residents. Those choosing Ujamaa as their home at Cornell will not only share a friendly, warm cooperative living environment, but also learn a great deal about the history, culture and forces that helped shape the lives of Black people in the United States, Africa and the Caribbean.

Here, you will find 144 residents from various metropolitan, suburban, and rural communities from around the world. Ujamaa enjoys a central location on North Campus between the Robert Purcell Community Center and the new Community Commons Center - both housing exceptional, award-winning dining facilities. It is also close to bus routes, a fitness center, and the Africana Studies and Research Center. The residence features a three TV/social lounges, a computer room, study lounge, library, and lobby conference.

Since it's founding in 1972, the mission of Ujamaa has remained steadfast - to create a living environment that celebrates the rich and diverse heritage of Black people, while promoting the integration of personal goals with academic and professional opportunities. This mission is supported through a variety activities and events that include lectures from internationally renowned speakers, Black Women's History Month, faculty dinners, and the State of Black America Conference. Lively, engaging, and educational discussions on a variety of topics are never on short supply during the weekly student-organized forum called ''Unity Hour.''

Consistent with its theme of working together to create a successful community, Ujamaa residents are very involved with several off-campus programs like Thakangeng (a community youth-education program), La Voz Boriken (a student social-action group), and the long-standing annual Festival of Black Gospel. Then there are the numerous, on-going social activities like movie night, bi-weekly dances, intramural athletics, and group dinners provide the opportunity to get to know other residents and form life-long friendships.

Friendships is not all that continue long after graduation, strong associations with Ujamaa often result in mentor-type relationships that are an appreciated extension of the entire living and leaning experience.This vast and loyal alumni network becomes a valuable resource for information and advice on academic decisions, career choices, and personal goals. It is much like an extended family that reaches far beyond the walls of Cornell.

For more information about Ujamaa, call (607) 255-4922 or send e-mail to ujamaa@cornell.edu

Ujamaa Residential College Features

• Freshmen, transfer and returning students
• Occupancy: 144
• Room arrangement: suites
• Typical room contents (per person): extra long twin bed, desk, desk lamp, desk chair, dresser, book case, waste basket, closet or wardrobe
• Typical room sizes:
  • Single: 10'0" * 10'0"
  • Double: 13'0" * 16'0"
• Facility information: TV/social lounge, piano, laundry, kitchen, computer networking, study lounge, library