MLK DAY
Thank you to everyone who attended this year's event. Umoja 56 was a powerful and honorable night, celebrating unity, history, and the future. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, 'The time is always right to do what is right.' May we continue to uplift, empower, and dream together."
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Davies High School student Florence Sherman is President of the North Dakota Association of Student Councils and the North Dakota State Representative for the National Student Council. She served as a keynote speaker at the Educational Justice Summit and has been actively involved in Umoja Writing Workshops and the Fargo Public Schools Long-Range Facility Planning Steering Committee. In her leadership roles, she has championed respect for diversity, amplified underrepresented voices and worked to dismantle systemic barriers in education.
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Lexx Francis is a multidisciplinary artist and activist dedicated to advocating for marginalized communities in Fargo. Their work, including writing, performing and volunteering with organizations like the Human Rights Coalition and Pride Collective, cultivates inclusion and diversity. Through art, they explore themes of liberation, identity and bodily autonomy, empowering people of color and LGBTQ+ communities. Francis’ commitment to supporting community members in need has left a lasting impact, inspiring future generations to embrace their identity and seek equity.
Watch there impact:
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CHI Friendship advocates for the rights of individuals with disabilities. The Fargo-based nonprofit organization works to challenge stigma, restore personal freedoms and foster independence. CHI Friendship has successfully reinstated the rights of hundreds of clients and, in many cases, helped them find paid employment. The organization strives to create a more inclusive, respectful community where people with disabilities are empowered and viewed as contributors to society.
Watch this organiations’s impact:
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Mora Sanders is a social media manager, photographer and organizer with the Indigenous Association in Fargo. Her work promotes cultural pride by creating opportunities for Indigenous community members to connect, engage, and preserve traditional practices. Her collaboration with CampusFM and her work with the Latino Networking group has helped build bridges across diverse communities. She has supported the LGBTQ+ community by advocating for inclusion and ensuring accessibility to resources and events that foster understanding and equity.
Watch her impact:
Living the dream
Umoja 56 it’s a journey through history, community, and the future we can build together.
This year’s theme, “Living The Dream,” explores the decades following Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic vision, bringing his dream to life in our modern context. Through dynamic performances, thought-provoking panel discussions, interactive art, and powerful spoken word, we’ll honor the progress made and confront the challenges that remain.
Attendees will experience:
1. Performances by Local and National Talent – From Tristan Love and Davies Vivace choir ensembles to spoken word artists, witness artistry that connects the past to the future.
2. Engaging Panels – Learn from community leaders, educators, and activists who are shaping the future of justice and equity.
3. Youth-Driven Conversations – Hear directly from young voices about their vision for change.
4. Cultural Expression and Connection – Immerse yourself in a unity mural project, symbolic of our collective power.
Why You Should Come:
• Be Inspired: Leave with a renewed sense of purpose and community.
• Create Impact: Your presence amplifies the importance of events like Umoja 56 in fostering equity and cultural appreciation.
• Celebrate Progress: Reflect on the journey of justice and dream of what’s possible.
• Connect with Community: This is more than an event—it’s a gathering of like-minded individuals committed to creating a better tomorrow.
2024
Youth are the future.
Local community Martin Luther King Jr celebration. This event was youth led and youth driven. Special Shout out to project managers Gabby Clavo and Kayla Jones.
Umoja 55
Join us at Umoja 55: Where dreamers unite where youth creativity knows no bounds, and Martin Luther King Jr timeless values continue to light the path towards unity and progress.
Prepare to be swept away by the vibrant energy of youth creativity and the enduring values of Martin Luther King Jr. In a captivating 2.5-3-hour performance, we pay homage to the legacy of Dr. King while showcasing the boundless talents of our local youth.
As we gather at the Fargo Theater on January 15th, we embark on a journey through time, guided by the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The young artists who take the stage – our performers, speakers, singers, dancers, and poets – will transport you through the pages of history and into the dreams of tomorrow.
In the 55 years since Dr. Kings assignation, our nations quest for equity, anti-poverty initiatives, and improved education has not waned. Umoja, the Swahili word for unity, takes center stage as we rally the communities support for consistent growth and change.
2024 Special Guest Performers
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Zinnia Marquette
Keynote Speaker
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Davies Highschool Choir
Choir led by Carly Grandner
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Afro-All Stars
Dancers
2023
Umoja 54’
To commemorate and celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we propose a community event that features a timeline of his life, legacy, and impact, along with performances by young performers, speakers, singers, dancers, and poets.
The 54th anniversary of the death of Dr. King marks a continuation of our nation's commitment to equity, anti-poverty initiatives, and improved education. In Swahili, umoja means unity, which represents the support required by the community in order to accomplish change.
This year’s celebration intentionally engaged all ages to ask write a positive affirmation for a stranger in the community.
All photos taken by Josh Bell
All photos taken by Josh Bell
All photos taken by Josh Bell
All photos taken by Josh Bell
Radical Change Awardees.
At the event, Radical Change Awards were presented to individuals from the community. We will be honoring these individuals for their contributions to the growth and development of Fargo, ND. Reason for nomination is on the right side of the screen.
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The Radical Change Award recognizes individuals, groups, or organizations that have significantly contributed to the advancement of freedom and human rights in our community.
The winner of the Radical Change Award is a Junior at Davies High School and actively engaged in the arts through his original poetry and essays through film and spoken-word performances.
This young person invites other black youth into collaboration and creates space to explore their stories and identities. His work creates space for representation on screen and paper, inspiring other youth to do the same.
Clarence Monpleh is the winner of the Radical Change award.
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The Sow a Seed Award honors someone who initiates or participates in activities that contribute to the educational, social, economic, or political life of the community, ultimately leading to a greater impact in the future.
The winner of the Sow a Seed Award is an organization that focuses energy on community building. They plan and organize events in a positive, safe, and comfortable environment where people are encouraged to connect and build relationships.
The leaders of this organization have vision, relatability and a true servant’s heart. They are fearless in their pursuit that no one goes without food, hygiene items and clothing.
They know that barrier-free events help the community prevail and provide space where youth and new Americans feel welcome.
The winner of the Sow a Seed Award is Life Care Unites Foundation.
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Centering Youth in our Society Award This award is given to an individual, group, or organization leaving a legacy for the next generation who may open new pathways to learning, self-discovery, or achievement, helping youth in our community become future leaders.
The winner of Centering Youth in Our Society Award is a strong-hearted leader who truly emulates the spirit of MLK. He engages the community in a pursuit for peace and harmony. He does this by engaging students, community members, elected city leadership, and even himself, to step outside of ourselves to consider a different perspective.
We appreciate and respect this person for the numerous depths of his experience and what he gracefully overcomes to empower, raise and inspire us to do better in our community.
The Winner of Centering Youth in Our Society is Wess Philome.
Umoja 53’
In the spirit of the person, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and all that he has come to represent, the community is invited to attend Umoja 53’, a celebration that featured speakers, singers, dancers, poetry and awards. Umoja in Swahili means “unity”. It has been 53 years since Dr. King’s death. It’s time to use our voice, it’s time to really push “Radical Change”.
This year’s celebration intentionally engaged all ages to ask the question: “what does it mean to be free?”
2022
All photos taken by Gabby Clavo
All photos taken by Gabby Clavo
All photos taken by Gabby Clavo
All photos taken by Gabby Clavo
All photos taken by Gabby Clavo
All photos taken by Gabby Clavo
All photos taken by Gabby Clavo
All photos taken by Gabby Clavo
All photos taken by Gabby Clavo
All photos taken by Gabby Clavo
All photos taken by Gabby Clavo
All photos taken by Gabby Clavo
All photos taken by Gabby Clavo
All photos taken by Gabby Clavo
All photos taken by Gabby Clavo
Radical Change Awardees.
At the event, Radical Change Awards were presented to individuals from the community. We will be honoring these individuals for their contributions to the growth and development of Fargo, ND. Reason for nomination is on the right side of the screen.
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Won the “Centering Youth in our society” Award. For giving youth the ability to train in basketball for free. Aswell as work on their self esteem and mental health.
Centering Youth in our Society Award is given to an individual, group, or organization leaving a legacy for the next generation and helping community youth become future leaders, particularly those from underserved communities. This award recognizes and supports excellence in programs that open new pathways to learning, self-discovery, and achievement.
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Won the “Sow A Seed” Award. For their faith based works and the commitment to our community through action.
The Sow a Seed Award honors someone who initiates or participates in activities that contribute to the educational, social, economic, or political life of the community, ultimately leading to a greater impact in the future.
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Won the “Giving youth the platform” Award. For having a predominantly Black football team, creating tomorrows leaders.
Your truth will increase as you know listen to the truth of others
Martin Luther King Jr