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The College of Marin Umoja program is open to all eligible students and is designed specifically to increase the retention, success, graduation, and transfer rates for students of African ancestry. All College of Marin students are encouraged to participate.

Umoja, (a Kiswahili word meaning unity) is a community of educators and learners committed to the academic success, personal growth, and self-actualization of African Americans and other students.  The Umoja Community seeks to educate the whole student body, mind, and spirit. Informed by an ethic of love and its vital power, the Umoja Community deliberately engages students as full participants in the construction of knowledge and critical thought.

The Village is a dedicated Umoja space on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, Umoja students are welcome anytime—including the hours shared with the tutoring center.

ABOUT UMOJA

Umoja is a community of educators and learners committed to the academic success, personal growth, and self-actualization of African Americans and other students. The Umoja Community seeks to educate the whole student body, mind, and spirit. Informed by an ethic of love and its vital power, the Umoja Community will deliberately engage students as full participants in the construction of knowledge and critical thought.

Students and Faculty Spotlights

Anna McShea

Transferring to Morgan State University

Paul Jonathan Sanders

Transferring to Howard University

Martina Abeta

Transferring to UC Irvine

Gavonyah Warren

 

Graduate in cap and gown holding a diploma cover on an outdoor field, wearing a colorful Umoja stole and floral-decorated cap.

The Umoja Community proudly celebrates Gavonyah Warren for receiving a Student International Fellowship Scholarship to study abroad in Ghana, Africa. This incredible opportunity reflects her hard work, dedication, and academic achievement, and it will give her a meaningful experience in cultural exchange and global learning. Gavonyah graduated in Spring 2026 with three degrees: an AA in Dance, an AA in Psychology, and an AA in Liberal Arts, Social and Behavioral Science. She will transfer to UC Berkeley this fall. Congratulations, Gavonyah! We're excited to see all you accomplish on this journey!

Umoja Student Survey