At Akoma Unity Center, our unwavering mission is to educate, heal, and transform historically excluded communities of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). We are dedicated to creating a more equitable and just society by organizing individuals, cultivating healthy families, and empowering communities to overcome systemic barriers. Through our comprehensive programs and initiatives, we strive to foster holistic healing, educational empowerment, and economic opportunities. By addressing the unique challenges faced by BIPOC communities, we aim to dismantle inequities, uplift voices, and create sustainable change.
Our commitment to education is rooted in empowering individuals with knowledge and critical thinking skills. We provide a wide range of educational programs, mentorship opportunities, and resources that support academic achievement and lifelong learning. By investing in education, we believe in equipping individuals with the tools to navigate a complex world and contribute to their communities.
Healing is at the core of our work. We understand the intergenerational trauma and systemic injustices that have impacted BIPOC communities. Through culturally responsive and trauma-informed approaches, we provide spaces for healing, mental health support, and personal growth. By fostering resilience and well-being, we aim to empower individuals to thrive and lead fulfilling lives.
Transformation is the ultimate goal. By empowering individuals, we aim to transform families, communities, and systems. We actively engage with community members, fostering collaboration and collective action to address systemic disparities. We advocate for social and economic justice, creating pathways for BIPOC individuals to access resources, opportunities, and leadership roles.
With a vision of equity, justice, and prosperity, we are committed to creating a future where historically excluded communities thrive. Our work is driven by the values of inclusivity, respect, integrity, and social responsibility. Together, we can build a society where every individual has the opportunity to reach their full potential, and where the strength and resilience of BIPOC communities are recognized and celebrated.
We utilize an African-centered framework and approach to educate, heal, and transform historically excluded communities by cultivating healthy families, organizing communities, and creating economic empowerment. We utilize an African-centered framework and approach to educate, heal and transform historically excluded communities by cultivating healthy families, organizing individuals for climate and racial justice, and creating economic empowerment.
It is our vision to create a lasting infrastructure to address all the direct and indirect and short- and long-term challenges facing children and families to produce self-regulating and self-sustaining communities wherever Akoma Unity Centers reside.
Self-Determination Guided by Self-Love and the Knowledge of Self
Leadership Development and Practice Rooted in Maat
Economic Independence Built on Communal Interdependence
We are Akoma – the heart – the physical manifestation of perfect love. Therefore, we love ourselves for self-love is the prerequisite for being fully human. It gives us the power to transform ourselves, our families, and our communities. It demands excellence from us, others, and our environment. It causes us to honor our elders and ancestors and to sacrifice for our children. We have no limits. Love has no limits. Akoma has no limits. We are Akoma! We have heart!
Since 2017, Akoma Unity Center (Akoma) has been a pillar in the community and a beacon of hope. Headquartered on the Westside of San Bernardino, Akoma has served over 3,500 youth and families in the County of San Bernardino and beyond. Akoma not only provides a highly esteemed After School Program but in addition too, quality wrap around services to meet the basic needs of youth and communities. We believe when youth succeeds, so do communities.
