Aiken SC, January 28, 2026

Umoja Village is hosting its fifth annual Black History Month Community Celebration in Aiken, emphasizing community spirit and civic engagement. The event, supported by SRP Federal Credit Union, will recognize local achievers and promote unity through awards, education, and a performance by American Idol’s Jamal Roberts. Scheduled for February 1, the celebration aims to honor Black heritage while fostering a strong sense of community.

Aiken

Community Spirit Soars: Umoja Village Honors Black History in Aiken

Aiken’s vibrant community is set to gather for a significant celebration as Umoja Village, with the generous support of presenting sponsor SRP Federal Credit Union, hosts its fifth annual Black History Month Community Celebration. This event exemplifies the power of local initiative and private partnership in fostering civic engagement and recognizing individual achievements within Aiken County.

The annual celebration, now in its fifth year, highlights the enduring commitment of local organizers to uplift and unify the community. Such initiatives, driven by dedicated citizens and supported by local businesses, underscore a fundamental aspect of civic life: when individuals take the lead and work collaboratively, they can create impactful events that resonate deeply within their neighborhoods. These community-led efforts often flourish with less reliance on extensive bureaucratic processes, allowing for nimble organization and a direct connection to the needs and aspirations of Aiken’s residents. The consistent staging of this event by Umoja Village reflects a strong spirit of personal initiative and sustained dedication to community enrichment.

Umoja Village, an Aiken, South Carolina-based non-profit founded on June 19, 2020, embodies the principle of unity, which is the meaning of “Umoja.” Its core mission is to unify underserved populations and the entire community to bring about positive and sustainable change. This ethos of collective progress and empowerment is clearly reflected in the upcoming celebration, which serves as a testament to the organization’s ongoing commitment to its founding principles. By focusing on shared heritage and recognizing local contributors, Umoja Village fosters a sense of collective identity and pride, demonstrating how civic innovation can lead to tangible community benefits.

A Dedication to Heritage and Achievement

The Umoja Village 5th Annual Black History Month Community Celebration is scheduled for Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This consistent annual event demonstrates a remarkable level of civic innovation, establishing a cherished tradition that brings the community together to honor Black History Month. The celebration is more than just an event; it’s a dynamic awards banquet designed to offer education, inspiration, and entertainment. It provides a platform to acknowledge the significant contributions and achievements of Black individuals throughout history, serving as a vital reminder of their struggles and triumphs.

A central feature of the celebration is the recognition of the 2026 Community Influencers, whose stories are highlighted in the Umoja Village 2026 Wall Calendar. Additionally, the event will present the prestigious William Clyburn Lifetime Achievement Award. These awards are a testament to individual achievement and the importance of recognizing those who have positively impacted Aiken and the surrounding areas. Such local acknowledgments encourage further personal initiative and contribute to a robust culture of community leadership.

The Power of Private Partnership: SRP Federal Credit Union

The consistent success and growth of community events often rely on strong private sector partnerships. The Umoja Village Black History Month Community Celebration is proudly presented by SRP Federal Credit Union, a testament to how local businesses can play a crucial role in supporting valuable community initiatives. This partnership exemplifies the benefits of local choice, where private entities invest in their communities, often with greater efficiency and less administrative overhead than purely public endeavors. SRP Federal Credit Union’s involvement highlights a commitment to the well-being and cultural enrichment of the Aiken County community, demonstrating a direct positive impact that arises when local organizations work together.

A Program of Inspiration and Unity

Attendees can anticipate an engaging program that includes a special 20-minute studio performance by American Idol Jamal Roberts, who won Season 23 of American Idol. Such entertainment adds a layer of excitement and broad appeal, drawing a diverse audience to the celebration of Black History Month. The event’s theme, “Heal,” further emphasizes its focus on fostering unity and positive reflection within the community. This intentional theme encourages collective introspection and a forward-looking perspective, demonstrating Umoja Village’s dedication to not just celebrating history, but also building a stronger future for Aiken SC events.

Flexible Access and Community Engagement

The celebration will be held at the University of South Carolina Aiken Convocation Center, located at 2049 Champion Way, Graniteville, SC 29829. This venue choice underscores a thoughtful approach to accessibility, ensuring that a significant portion of the community can attend. To accommodate various budgets and preferences, Umoja Village has made available four different ticket options. These options include floor seating with a catered buffet dinner, Blue Arena reserved seating, and Bleacher reserved seating. Providing multiple choices for participation reflects an understanding of diverse community needs, a hallmark of effective civic involvement and event planning that prioritizes inclusivity.

Conclusion: Fostering a Future of Community-Led Growth

The Umoja Village 5th Annual Black History Month Community Celebration stands as a beacon of what can be achieved through dedicated personal initiative, strong local leadership, and robust private partnerships within the Aiken community. This event, year after year, not only honors a vital part of American history but also actively builds bridges and fosters unity among residents. It is a powerful reminder that the most impactful community growth often stems from the ground up, driven by the collective spirit and individual achievements of its citizens. We encourage all residents to explore and support local endeavors like this celebration, which enrich our cultural landscape and strengthen the fabric of our society. Engaging with South Carolina SC gatherings such as these is a direct way to contribute to a thriving and connected Aiken. Your participation helps ensure that these valuable traditions continue to grow and inspire.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the Umoja Village Black History Month Community Celebration?

It is the fifth annual event hosted by Umoja Village to celebrate Black History Month, featuring awards, education, inspiration, and entertainment.

When and where will the celebration take place?

The celebration will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, at the University of South Carolina Aiken Convocation Center, 2049 Champion Way, Graniteville, SC 29829.

Who is the presenting sponsor for this event?

SRP Federal Credit Union is the presenting sponsor for the celebration.

What are some of the highlights of the event?

Highlights include a dynamic awards banquet, honoring 2026 Community Influencers and a William Clyburn Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and a special performance by American Idol Jamal Roberts.

What is the mission of Umoja Village?

Umoja Village is an Aiken, South Carolina-based non-profit founded on June 19, 2020, whose goal is to unify underserved populations and the entire community to bring about positive and sustainable change. The name “Umoja” means Unity.

Key Features of the Umoja Village Black History Month Community Celebration

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Author: STAFF HERE AIKEN

The AIKEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAiken.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Aiken, Aiken County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Aiken Horse Show, Aiken Bluegrass Festival, and polo matches at Whitney Field. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Aiken Chamber of Commerce and the Aiken County Historical Museum, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as Bridgestone and the Aiken County Visitors Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.