35 Years of Umoja On Vernon Street

Trinity's Cultural Houses came together to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Umoja and the fifth anniversaries of the Asian-American Students Association and La Voz Latina last weekend. Students and administrators spoke about the history of the cultural houses and what the houses mean to them. Everyone enjoyed food provided by the houses and music by Trinity band The Family."This is a great birthday party to have," said President Jimmy Jones. "It is wonderful to have the exterior [of these houses], but what really counts is what goes on inside."

Erick Soto, the head of La Voz Latina, spoke about the founding of the LVL House when, "over 5 years ago, a group of students saw it necessary to leave an imprint here" and did so by establishing places that would be "all-inclusive" for the community within and outside Trinity. La Voz Latina promotes awareness of Latin American culture, politics and social issues at Trinity. Soto called all three cultural houses "gifts of the opportunity to thrive and reach our highest potential" as an institution and as individual students.

Anne Kim '07, a member of AASA's executive board, spoke next to "prolong and preserve the history" of the cultural houses and "make sure everyone understands what the cultural houses are for."

The Asian American Student Association, through educational and social programming, explores Asian and Asian American culture and provides a sense of community for Asian and Asian American students and others interested in Asian culture.

Yusuf George '07, the president of Imani, spoke about Trinity's oldest cultural house, the Umoja House. "Thirty-five years is not just a milestone; it is a legacy," said George. Umoja is the Swahili word for unity, and the Umoja House is home to Trinity's Imani, Men of Color (MOCA), and Trinity College Black Women's Organization. These organizations heighten cultural and social awareness and support for black students and are open to all members of the Trinity community.

Trinity alumnus Charles Botts '01, a former member of Imani, commended "everyone for coming and for caring about the houses." Botts, who now works at Trinity's Office of Career Services, attended Trinity at a time when then-President Evan Dobelle was "literally ripping down the walls surrounding Trinity College," the beginning of "an administrative mission to push diversity." Botts described the 1997 move of the Umoja House from the site where Vernon Social Center now stands to its current location at the other end of Vernon St. and encouraged current students to "keep the history going" despite fluctuations in membership and levels of activism.

Dean of Multicultural Affairs Karla Spurlock-Evans also spoke about the history of the houses and the efforts of administration, faculty, and students to advance cultural acceptance and diversity at Trinity, giving "shout-outs" to various student leaders and professors. "On this campus," said Dean Spurlock-Evans, "the movement to diversify and become more embracing and more reflective of the American experience has been one of challenge and response," and students have found "creative, fruitful ways to respond."

Dean Spurlock-Evans encouraged students to view the administration as potential friends and partners in implementing change. She outlined the establishment of the AASA and LVL Houses five years ago with a donation from Henry Zachs and Evan Dobelle's appropriation of two Vernon St. houses previously reserved for administrative use. Dean Spurlock-Evans praised Trinity's three cultural houses as "places where students can learn about their cultures and invite in the wider Trinity community."

"I'm really glad this event could happen," said AASA e-board member Priya Kalyan-Masih '05, who helped choreograph and plan the anniversary celebrations. "Even after being involved for four years, I learned a lot about the cultural organizations and houses.