What is Ujima?
Urban Tilth’s UJIMA Program is a powerful initiative rooted in the values of collective responsibility and community empowerment, designed specifically to uplift Richmond’s Black youth. The program creates spaces where young people can reconnect to the land, develop leadership skills, and build confidence — all while contributing to the physical, mental, and spiritual health of their neighborhoods.
Operating year-round at Crescent Park Community Garden, UJIMA also leads an after-school garden program at the Shields Reid Community Center in North Richmond and runs the UJIMA Summer Youth Apprentice Program. In addition, the program supports Urban Tilth’s Black Caucus, ensuring Black voices are centered in the organization’s goals and projects.
A key part of UJIMA’s mission is fostering Black youth leadership. UJIMA centers on collective responsibility, encouraging young people to build skills that improve their community’s physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The program emphasizes the Black experience, reconnecting participants to the land and empowering them to share their knowledge in ways that resonate with others.
Weekly mentorship sessions cover essential topics like community engagement, local history, entrepreneurship, and resilience. Participants not only gain practical skills — like gardening, tool use, and project management — but also explore personal growth, collaboration, and envisioning a stronger, more just future for their community.
Through hands-on work and intentional mentorship, UJIMA empowers a new generation of Black youth leaders, instilling a sense of pride, purpose, and responsibility. The program continues to evolve based on community feedback, ensuring it remains a vital, supportive force for Richmond’s Black community.
Meet TJ and Wesley!
When TJ became the UJIMA Program Manager in 2023, he first met Wesley while recruiting for the Summer Youth Apprenticeship Program. A neighborhood friend recommended Wesley to join the group’s camping trip.
Wesley stood out from his first summer. Though shy at first, he stuck around after the program ended, continuously asking about more opportunities. He pushed himself to grow, showing up even when it was uncomfortable. By 2024, his leadership was undeniable — all youth attended the camping trip that year, a major improvement from previous summers, and Wesley played a key role in that shift.
Over time, Wesley naturally grew into a big brother figure for the younger kids. He’s goofy, warm, and makes people feel welcome. During a major shed-building project at the garden, he not only contributed to the work but also mentored the younger participants, teaching them to use tools and build their confidence — a key trait for future leaders in the program.
For TJ, UJIMA’s importance runs deep. Growing up as a Black man in Richmond, he knows how crucial it is to see different kinds of representation. His hope for every participant is that they walk away willing to face their fears and try new things — even when it’s uncomfortable. As he puts it, “A lot of the time, our lights are dimmed by other people. UJIMA helps these young folks shine.”
