BY WENDY EKUA QUANSAH
NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
Approximately 75 attendees gathered at the 1st Annual Ujima Awards at the South Orange Performing Arts Center on Saturday to recognize African-American community leaders for their hard work, dedication and service. Among the honoree included Newark Council President Donald Payne Jr. and Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche.
The word Ujima, which means “collective work” and “responsibility,” is the third of seven Kwanzaa symbols. It charges African-Americans to build and maintain community together, to collectively help one another solve problems.
The founders CEO of Fashion for a Cure, Sean Christopher, Founder and Program Director of I.M.A.N.E.E., Lauren Jackson, and Founder of Kay Marie PR, Krystal Davis felt a need to celebrate unrecognized individuals among the community who uphold the principles of Ujima.
“The creation of this awards ceremony was a result of a missing factor in our community,” said Christopher. “We feel it is imperative that our community leaders and activist know that we appreciate them and we believe one way to show our appreciation is a public celebration.”
The ceremony which lasted four hours comprised of poetry selections and songs sung by students. Between each rendition, an award was presented by close friends and family members.
Newark Council President, Donald Payne Jr. received the Award for Political Activism, Corresponding Secretary for Peoples Organization for Progress, Ingrid S. Hill received the Award for Community Excellence, Founder of The P.E.T.E Organization, Janet Hinton received the Award for Youth Involvement and Tiffany "The Budgetnista" Aliche received the Award for Professional Development.
Honorees shared a few inspirational words of thanksgiving.
In wake of his father, Congressman Donald Payne Jr. accredited his successes in office as a community leader to the lessons instilled in him by his father as a young man.
Aliche says the awards ceremony was an example for all to see it is possible to build a successful business around serving others.
“For me, The Ujima Awards also confirms that the community at large will take note and not only patronize you, but celebrate your success as well,” she added.
As a successful author, speaker and passionate teacher of engaging, financial empowerment, Aliche’s near future goals include publishing her first (financial) children's storybook this year, and developing and producing "The Budgetnista Show."
Hinton whose organization focuses on mentoring young women shares similar emotions.
She too feels many go unnoticed. “The Ujima Awards Celebration fills that void and provides a great platform to acknowledge those unsung heroes,” Hinton said. “It was truly an honor to receive the Award for Youth Involvement.”
The P.E.T.E. Organization is scheduled to launch their official launch event this fall.
With an expectation of a mere 40 attendees, Jackson was nearly speechless about the successes of the first ever Uijma Awards.
“The only way to describe my emotion is grateful. Grateful for the opportunity to work with amazing individuals,” she said. “Grateful for the love and support we received from attendees and grateful that people believed in our vision so much so that they want us to do this again.”
Davis says the next step is to build longevity.
“When Lauren, Sean, and myself are no longer here, unsung heroes, role models, and change agents will still be making strides towards bettering communities,” said the PR guru, “and The Ujima Awards will forever be a platform to celebrate as well as honor those individuals.”
For Christopher, Jackson and Davis, the award ceremony was a small opportunity to say a big "Thank you" to everyone making a difference in the community.