BLACK TEENS IN ACTION

A short-term leadership cohort for Black youth ages 13–17 to plan and lead a community-impact project while building skills, confidence, and connection. Meeting weekly for 4–6 weeks, teens collaborate to create meaningful change in BIPOC communities and form lasting relationships in an affirming, culturally rooted space.

Youth will receive a stipend of $550 for their time and leadership if they participate in the entire program. Dinner will be provided at each meeting.

To qualify for Black Teens in Action, teens need to be:

Between 13-17 years-old
Identify as Black or African American
Have been adopted, or currently in Foster Care or Kinship Care in Minnesota.

This program can only accommodate 10 youth on a first come first serve, all other youth will be waitlisted.

Dates:

January 6, 2026
January 13, 2026
January 20, 2026
January 27, 2026

2026 Cohort

Our application period is now closed. If you’d like to join the waitlist or be notified when the next cohort opens, please email us at umojamn@evolveservices.org.

BTIA Application

Culturally Responsive Parenting

Culturally Responsive Parenting is a class centered around the understanding of racial and cultural differences for Black children in the foster and adoptive care systems. This class is for caregivers of Black children who are working towards gaining knowledge about the nuances of Black culture, community, representation, racism and more. The group will be held for six weeks at a time, and is designed to be an ongoing conversation for caregivers.

UMOJA MN hopes to bring awareness and understanding to our caregivers about the intersectionality of being in care and being Black. We will touch on subjects such as Hypermasculinity in Black boys, microaggressions, AAVE and more.

The group will be held for four weeks and is designed to be an ongoing conversation for caregivers. The in-person sessions will be facilitated by Elliott Manago-Lawler, LICSW, PMH-C, on Tuesday's from 6-7:30 PM at the Minnesota Valley Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Bloomington, MN.

The group will meet for four Tuesday's starting October 28-November 18 from 6-7:30 PM.

October 28
November 4
November 11
November 18

Coffee Connection

Coffee Connection is a virtual safe space for parents and caregivers of Black fostered and adopted youth in Minnesota to engage in meaningful conversations about topics that are relevant to their cultural and racial identities.

This platform aims to create a safe and supportive space where participants can share their experiences, challenges, and insights on issues such as Black culture, anti-racism, parenting of Black children, Black youth activation, Black representation and why it matters, and any other topics the group wishes to explore

November 7th 9-10:30am at Bichota Coffee - 3740 Chicago Ave, MPLS

UMOJA MN Black Heritage Camp

UMOJA MN Black Heritage Camp serves as a transformative experience of Black culture for youth and families, specifically catering to those in Adoptive, Guardianship, and Kinship Care.

At UMOJA Black Heritage Camp, youth will be participating in activities to foster connectivity and nurture positive self-identity through a rich tapestry of activities while their caregivers participate in cultural learning and care sessions. Be ready for a wide variety of offerings including keynote speakers, hair care experts, activity stations, and entertainment.

Stay tuned for our Spring Camp date.