Ujima News

Kiswahili (Swahili) is a widely spoken language in Africa, mainly prevalent in the East and Horn of Africa. The language originated from the Bantu tribes of today’s Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique and has been influenced through centuries of interactions between locals and traders arriving via the Indian Ocean. Swahili also lends us the principles that…

Our mission at CACC is to promote systems change through collaborative projects that address poverty-related issues, encourage civic engagement and advocate for equitable resource allocation. But what does “systems change” entail and why is it important in the grand scheme of things. Systems change can be understood through “The Water of Systems Change” framework proposed…

The parallel between poverty and food insecurity is apparent to most, but we rarely think about the demographics that are most at risk of facing food insecurity in Canada. In November 2023, Statistics Canada released its insights into “Food insecurity among Canadian families” which used data from the 2021 Canadian Income Survey. The survey indicated…

Toronto-based artist, Ekow Nimako uses LEGO as a medium to reimagine ancient African kingdoms, focusing on the mysterious 14th-century sea voyage of Abu Bakr II. Through a blend of architecture and imaginative storytelling, Nimako celebrates the resilience of Black civilizations and envisions liberated futures. Based in Toronto, Nimako’s work invites viewers on a journey through…

Mount Royal University Institute for Community Prosperity presents the inaugural Banff Systems Summit aimed at addressing the need for a systems-driven approach to tackling global challenges. The summit brings systems thinking to the forefront of how we approach global challenges like healthcare, housing, climate change, food security, racial justice, and political polarization, among many, many…

Ujima, ‘the principle of collective work and responsibility’ is deeply ingrained into the upbringing in our different African communities. However, when we immigrate to Canada, we often assimilate to the extent of shrinking our traditions to make space for new norms. I distinctly remember holiday celebrations while growing up in Uganda that seamlessly melded tribal…

“Culture enriches our lives in countless ways and helps build inclusive, innovative and resilient communities -” a quote from UNESCO that needs no embellishment. Culture is also diverse, influenced by our upbringing, migration, media, education, politics, and even our own individual dispositions. In a constantly transforming society such as Calgary, respecting cultural diversity has to…

The Power of Collective Voice and Thematic Cohorts Since our inception, the Calgary African Community Collective (CACC) has embraced the philosophy of Ujima—a shared responsibility for the collective upliftment of our communities. In line with this, we have created regular Community Conversations as a platform for reflection, dialogue, and, most importantly, action. These sessions engage…

By Dr. Charles Odame-Ankrah The concept of disruption has transformed many industries—most famously through companies like Uber and Airbnb, which upended traditional transportation and hospitality models. But disruption isn’t just confined to the world of business. It begs the question: Is it time for disruptive philanthropy to take center stage in funding grassroots organizations? For…

Welcome to another edition of Ujima News! We’re excited to bring you a collection of impactful announcements, events, and opportunities designed to empower, connect, and uplift our community. Let’s take advantage of these opportunities and continue building a resilient and united African community in Calgary! Youth Cohort Monthly Meeting by CACC If you’re involved in…