Ubuntu Youth & Young Adult Group Lexington, KY
Community support and empowerment group for youths and young adults in Lexington, Kentucky, ages 10-25.
Building Strong, Confident, and Purpose-Driven Generation
Welcome!
Mission
To provide a safe and supportive community that empowers young people through mentorship, shared storytelling, cultural values, and holistic well-being support, enabling them to develop resilience, character, and purpose as they pursue their dreams.
Vision
A thriving community where youths and young adults feel a strong sense of belonging, live with purpose, and contribute to social change and community transformation.
Ubuntu Values
Friendship, Respect, Unity in diversity, solidarity, compassion, generosity, dignity, acceptance, and social justice.
Ubuntu Motto
“Ubuntu! I am because we are!”
Monthly Meetings
We meet on the third Saturdays of each month for support, empowerment, and learning.
Programs and Activities
Monthly Meetings (on the 3rd Saturday)
We meet once a month to:
- Connect, talk about life, and share our stories
- Support one another, have fun, and build friendships
- Learn about our culture and values
- Feel proud of our heritage
- Work on community projects
- Learn to care for others
- Learn healthy coping skills
- Build confidence
- Grow emotionally
- Mentor younger peers
Adinkra Symbols from The Akan’s in Ghana (West African Wisdom)
Aya
Aya means “fern.” It is a symbol of endurance, independence, defiance against difficulties, hardiness, perseverance, and resourcefulness.
“Sankofa” Go back and take it (Reflection)
To reflect on the past for important lessons for the present and the future. A symbol for the wisdom of learning from the past to build for the future. From the Akan proverb, "Se wo were firi na wosan kofa a, yenkyiri," meaning, "It is not taboo to go back for what you forgot (or left behind)."
“Sankofa” Go back and take it (Reflection)
This stylized heart with spirals is an alternative representation of the Sankofa symbol. The coils in the spirals represent returning to the past, one's roots, to draw lessons for the present and the future.
(From Adinkra.org)
"Boafo Ye Na,"
"Boafo ye na," literally means "Helpers are rare" The scarcity of a willing helper. It is a symbol of support, patronage, cooperation, and teamwork.
Akoma/Heart.
A symbol of love, goodwill, patience, faithfulness, fondness, endurance, and consistency.
“Funtunfunefu Denkyemfunefu” The Conjoined crocodiles or Siamese crocodile.
A symbol of unity in diversity.
The story is that the Conjoined crocodiles or Siamese crocodile share one stomach, yet they fight over food. This reminds us that in infightings are harmful to human flourishing. In our shared commonalities, unity is paramount.
(From Adinkra.org)
Ubuntu Safe Space Principles
Safe Space
Ubuntu safe space provides:
- A supportive, non-judgmental environment
- Unconditional love and acceptance
- A strong sense of belonging and identity
- Freedom to be oneself
- Courage to be open and vulnerable
- Support to build resilience and thrive
- Empowerment for holistic wellbeing (social, emotional, physical, and spiritual) as youth pursue their dreams and purpose
The Sacredness of Our Shared Space
- Treat shared spaces with respect and dignity
- Honor the humanity in others
- Recognize we are part of a greater whole
- Be aware of ourselves and others
- Understand that actions affect everyone
- Value each person’s gifts and contributions
- Respect our right to life, freedom, and purpose