Our Impact
2,358
people engaged in Umuwi programming
100%
of Racial Healing & Resourcing Cohort participants reported improved emotional health & program excellence
Racial Healing & Resourcing Cohort
2nd year
100% rated “Excellent” or 5/5
100% strongly agreed, “I experienced an improvement in my mental/emotional health”
100% 10/10 likelihood to recommend Umuwi to a friend or colleague
Funded through Healing Illinois grant
“This year’s monthly cohort meetings have shifted how I think about teaching, not just as a profession but as a form of resistance, healing, and care. Before this experience, I saw my role mainly through the lens of instruction and student support. But now, I understand teaching as part of a larger movement rooted in community and storytelling.”
“I have done 4 PD’s this summer and this was by far the best.”
13
strong ongoing partnerships with Chicago & Illinois-based organizations
Grow Your
Own Partnership
Completed our first year of partnership and kicked off a second year
8-month training program for 125 community-centered teacher candidates using Ethnic Studies teaching methods
95% rated experience a 5/5 (61%) or 4/5 (34%)
“In creating this cohort, I want you to know that you’ve touched and changed lives. I know for me, you have helped clear a lifetime of pain that I never could stop carrying. Thank you.”
“I enjoyed each of the sessions. I’ve been here for 25+ years and this is the first time that I can say that. It was especially useful that we began each session with a true discussion among peers. Everyone was heard, and everyone’s ideas/points of view were validated. Thank you for that. This has been an enlightening experience.”
80%
of Grow Your Own cohort members feel empowered and equipped to practice anti-racist, culturally responsive teaching.
Anti-Racist
Teaching Cohort
Year-long cohort in partnership with CPS’s Social Science Department
Early indicators of success:
Overall experience rating: 4.9/5
Builds relationships and a culture of care and reciprocity: 4.9
Establishes and practices working agreements that cultivate safety and trust: 4.8
Establishes working definitions of racism and anti-racism: 4.8
Builds understanding of embodiment and racial healing: 4.6
“I carry a renewed sense of purpose: to be the model I once needed. To teach with authenticity. To lead with empathy. To fight for access, equity, and dignity. And to never forget that our stories are our power—and I will use mine to inspire, to uplift, and to open doors.”
“I’m going into my first full school year of teaching Ethnic Studies, so thank you for the frameworks, resources, and community of educators! I feel much more supported and connected.”