2024

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

  • Zinnia Marquette

    Keynote Speaker

  • Davies Highschool Choir

    Choir led by Carly Grandner

  • 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.

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Won the “Imani” Award. For her huge nonprofit impact and cultural events.

  • 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