| Written by Rutgers–Camden Alumni Reet Taylor and Ayinde Merril and Editor in Chief Breanna R. |
When you hear the word “unity,” what comes to mind?
For a group of local graduates—two of which are Rutgers–Camden alumni—unity is a vision that extends across the globe. Reet Taylor (Rutgers–Camden, 2018), Ayinde Merril (Rutgers–Camden, 2018) Camile Wilson (Rowan University, 2017), and Amadi Merril (Chestnut Hill College, 2019) traveled to Kenya in 2015 to implement programs for clean water and recreation. While in Kenya, they visited the Watu Moja Lee Academy (Lee Academy, for short), an elementary school. After their visit, the group was inspired to promote unity and support the Lee Academy and other endeavors abroad. So, they founded Watu Moja.
Watu Moja (Swahili for “one people”) is an official 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Camden, New Jersey that connects young Afrikan American and Afro Latino people to the global community and especially the world-wide Afrikan Diaspora and those on the Afrikan continent where together they can serve, connect, and develop life-long, life-changing relationships centered in mutual love, encouragement, and investment.
The roots of the organization are planted firmly in community, generating funds for their various initiatives entirely on word of mouth and an extended international network of friends and family. They’ve begun a series of social art events that create a safe space for the expression of people of color, a platform for local (Camden, Cherry, Hill, and Pennsauken) artists, up-and-coming poets, musicians, visual artists, and craftspersons, while simultaneously raising funds for the support of the Lee Academy.
This past February (2019), Watu Moja hosted the first event in their series, Ujaama Black Art Showcase, at Camden Fireworks.
By popular demand, a second event was held at Circle of Hope in Pennsauken. Hosting a multitude of talents and crafts, “Kuumba” was their most successful event to-date. The following images were taken at this event.
Watu Moja seeks to keep their momentum going with a third showcase, scheduled to take place in the Cherry Hill Mall at the 1776 Founders Market on Saturday, August 24, 2019.
Follow Watu Moja on Facebook and Instagram (@watumoja) to stay updated.
Look out for upcoming posts that share the personal journeys of alumni Reet and Ayinde.