We are a community organization of Johnson City, TN.
Our mission is that of a group of people interested in seeing the people of Johnson City/Washington
County and surrounding areas in Upper East Tennessee develop a community, united in every way.
Umoja has learned to understand and respect each group's history, traditions, and contributions to
America's history and to reduce violence with knowledge. To create a community that is economically
secure: to promote and support community-based businesses; and to insist that the school system be
inclusive of all races in the employment and curriculum. Also to break the chains of racial prejudices,
drugs, violence, low self-esteem, imprisonment and anything that is negative in the lives of our youth.
Our name is Swahili meaning unity; unity is to be in harmony and of one accord. We are best known
for our summer festival and unity is the heart of this event with a history of more than a decade of
successful celebrations. The Umoja/Unity Committee is an all-volunteer arts and cultural organization.
While we do put a heavy emphasis on the African-American population, we strive to be the most diverse
festival in the area. Our dedication was so strong that East Tennessee State University approached us
to become vital part of the festival and for the past two years recognized storytellers have been a part of
our celebration.
The work of the Umoja/Unity Committee does not end with the festival; staying true with the
summer celebration, Umoja holds a Kwanzaa celebration during the Christmas season. In our
Celebration of Cultures program, we make sure various ethnic and cultural groups in the area are
invited to present their artist expressions on stage. We do this program to show that Umoja has learned
to understand and respect each group's history, traditions and contributions to America's history.
These programs are always free to the public. The population of African-Americans in the upper
northeast Tennessee area is small so, it is important to keep traditions and history alive. The dates of
the festival were established to coincide with the Emancipation Proclamation.
Umoja has proven to be a great asset to our community and we take great pride in being a part of this
community and the great state of Tennessee.
We invite you to attend our summer festival and become a part of the overall Unity of the festival.
