{"id":287,"date":"2024-12-19T11:03:03","date_gmt":"2024-12-19T16:03:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aig.alumni.virginia.edu\/ubunye\/?p=287"},"modified":"2024-12-19T11:03:03","modified_gmt":"2024-12-19T16:03:03","slug":"happy-holidays-from-ubunye","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aig.uvaalumni.org\/ubunye\/2024\/12\/happy-holidays-from-ubunye\/","title":{"rendered":"Happy Holidays from Ubunye!"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"DebbyJambo!<\/p>\n

Whew! The end of the year is approaching us, and what a year of anguish, celebrations, and transitions it has been. I\u2019ve learned more about myself and made the important decision to do even more activities and be with people who bring me joy. Period. Yes, life is too short for anything less. The holiday season often provides us the opportunity to purposefully reset and reflect on what can be. Why do I spend time with them? What is the heart of our relationship? How do we lift one another up? What does support look and feel like? An end-of-the-year tune up is so very valuable.
\nI close this year expressing my thanks to so many Black alumni who volunteer their time and treasure to help our community thrive and to those who have responded with action to the heartbeat of service and Wahoo engagement. Witnessing so many acts of kindness and creativity is motivational to me, students, staff, and faculty on Grounds. And of course, as alumni, we feel this inspiration when we come together at events. Please enjoy the spirit of the season and get involved with Ubunye programming. We must continue to find and execute ways to keep our bond tight and together \u2013 unlike no other.<\/p>\n

Go Hoos!
\nDebby Stroman (Educ<\/abbr> class of <\/span>\u201982)<\/strong>
\nPresident, Ubunye<\/p>\n

Stay Connected<\/h2>\n

\"\"In our second year of operations, we seek to turbo charge our marketing and communications, and we need your help! To better support one another and to ensure a good time at Black alumni happenings, we need to let one another know what is going on in our community. Please repost our activities, events, and news to both your Hoos and non-Hoos networks.<\/strong> Follow us on Instagram @ubunye_uva<\/a> and join the groups on Facebook<\/a> and LinkedIn<\/a>.\u202fGreater D.C., if you are hosting an event in January or February, Ubunye is interested in promoting your gathering and helping to bring Hoos together. Send an email to ubunyeuva@gmail.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

December Happenings<\/h2>\n

Happy Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1)<\/h3>\n

\"\"Kwanzaa<\/a> was created in the 1960s to celebrate and honor African American culture and heritage. It is based on African harvest festivals and is celebrated with a series of seven principles, or Nguzo Saba, which focus on the values of:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Umoja (Unity)<\/li>\n
  2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)<\/li>\n
  3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)<\/li>\n
  4. Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)<\/li>\n
  5. Nia (Purpose)<\/li>\n
  6. Kuumba (Creativity)<\/li>\n
  7. Imani (Faith)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Universal Human Rights Month<\/h3>\n

    In 1948, with the memory of World War II still fresh, the United Nations crafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)<\/a>. The very first article states: \u201cAll human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.\u201d This important guiding document helps to inspire the fundamental human rights that should be universally protected and respected. Translated into over 500 languages<\/a>, the UDHR values are antithetical to human and labor trafficking. Consider reading and honoring its message this holiday season.<\/p>\n

    Engage with Current Students<\/h2>\n

    The University provides many ways to guide and stay in touch with our current students, with both formal and informal options available. We hope you will choose to be involved with any or all of the following:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion’s Men\/Women\/People of Color, Honor, and Ambition (MOCHA\/WOCHA\/POCHA)<\/strong><\/a> one year-long impactful programs are available. Mentors commit to meeting virtually or in person with their mentees twice a semester (four times a year) for a minimum of approximately 30 minutes. Questions? Contact Dr. Joshua Epps at xqn8yu@virginia.edu<\/a>.<\/li>\n
    2. The Office of African American Affairs (OAAA) and Ubunye leaders are excited to connect Black students with Black alumni through the Virginia Alumni Mentoring (VAM) program. By joining VAM, you\u2019ll have the opportunity to guide and support our students as they navigate their academic and professional journeys. Register with VAM<\/a> today to make a meaningful impact!<\/li>\n
    3. UBSA Connect<\/strong> – Want to help students but can’t commit to a formal mentoring role at this time? Consider our virtual drop-in session the first Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. ET. Alumni and students chat about careers, culture, life, school, and what\u2019s in the news. With no agenda and no commitment, it\u2019s an easy way to engage with students and make new young friends. Note: The January session has been moved to January 8, 2025, because of the New Years Day holiday.<\/strong> Questions or need the Zoom link? Email ubunye@virginia.edu<\/a>.<\/li>\n
    4. The Black Student Alliance<\/strong> held several events throughout the fall semester. Read the winter edition of Keeping Up With BSA<\/em><\/a> to learn more about these events as well as upcoming engagement opportunities. If you would like to be highlighted in future BSA communications, please complete this form<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Save the Date: MOCHA\/WOCHA\/POCHA National Conference<\/h2>\n

      Ubunye is excited to partner with the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to help develop workshops and provide volunteers for the MOCHA\/WOCHA\/POCHA National Conference at UVA on April 2, 2025.<\/strong> This event is free for students (middle school through college) and provides tools to help youth strive for personal, professional, and academic success while working towards developing themselves as leaders and role models in the community.<\/p>\n

      Ubunye Achievements<\/h2>\n

      A big thanks to those who have been working hard and smart to continue the work of connection and service to our alumni base. The staff at the Alumni Association provide us with insight, experience, tips, and applause. We are grateful for their support. A short list of our ongoing projects and achievements is below:<\/p>\n