A call to build, organize, and dream
Born from the truths that Black and AAPI voices are frequently sidelined in the immigrant justice movement, and Black and AAPI communities have historically been pitted against each other in the US and across the world, Woori Ujima is a call to build and organize across communities too often marginalized. As a growing network of Black and AAPI immigrants, we create a long-missing space where our leadership is centered and our solidarity becomes power.
We build toward a future where our communities lead and shape what comes next. Through political education, advocacy, and fellowship, we've sparked collaboration – from Black-AAPI Immigrant Action Days to national gatherings, from panels on the L.A. Uprisings to UCLA's Dream Summer Fellowship.
Our work continues to grow because our communities demand more connection, care, and space to strategize together. This is that space – and our commitment.
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Our meaning
Woori • Ujima
/woo-ree oo-jee-mah/ noun
Our collective work and responsibility.
"Woori" meaning “we” or “our” in Korean. "Ujima” meaning “collective work and responsibility” in Swahili.
UBN and NAKASEC see it as our collective work and responsibility to build deep and authentic relationships with one another towards the liberation of all peoples.
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Our commitment
Together, we aim to create a future where solidarity and true unity dismantle systemic divisions and uplifts all marginalized communities.
Our goals
- To create spaces to build authentic and deeper relationships and exchanges
- To foster dialogue to help us understand the differences and similarities between our communities within local, national and international historical and present contexts
- To work to cultivate solidarity that fosters deep love, trust and true allyship between our communities, determine concrete next steps for our work together, and builds towards a collective future where we are all thriving
Our learnings
- Building relationships between Black and Asian immigrant communities requires intentionality, vulnerability, and time.
- Deep, lasting bonds are rooted in both shared work and shared joy.
- Breaking down barriers requires risk taking, experimentation, and brave conversations.
- Inner-community work is critical in making cross-community unity possible. Asian Americans, in particular, must address anti-Blackness within their communities both before and during coalition building.
- Regular gatherings and long-term commitment are essential for meaningful connection.
- 92% of participants noted that they spend little to no daily engagement with the other community, highlighting the need to build habits of connection.
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