What is Pamoja Place?
Pamoja Place is an organization dedicated to growing community and a sense of belonging for BIPOC individuals on Whidbey Island. Our organizational vision is a thriving, resilient BIPOC community on South Whidbey, with empowered youth as we stay connected to each other and connected to our empowerment. Our mission is to create structures, processes, relationships, and spaces that nurture the joy, safety, and liberation of our youth and BIPOC community. We center the needs and aspirations of BIPOC in order to rebalance our attention, energy, and resources toward our community.
What does the word ‘Pamoja’ mean?
Pamoja, comes from the Swahili language, a language from East Africa, and means “together” or “togetherness.” Pamoja expresses our commitment to bringing the Whidbey Island BIPOC community, white allies, and cultural organizations together in collaboration, reflection, education, and celebration.
What does Pamoja Place Do?
We will utilize a multi-pronged, healing-centered approach to build resiliency and togetherness as we address intergenerational, historical, and societal traumas via three initiatives:
Community Education
We will educate community through, conversations, cultural gatherings, interactive panels, and storytelling because telling our own stories are empowering. Storytelling is our root and wings.
BIPOC Youth Mentoring & Engagement
To build youth self-awareness and self-worth and empower the youth to have a sense of belonging in society and amongst each other. Closing the generational gap, by utilizing BIPOC elders as mentors, they can impart their wisdom and stories of navigating society.
Adult BIPOC Affinity Groups
Provide opportunities for BIPOC adults to share experiences, uplift and empower each other. We will provide coordination and support for regular BIPOC gatherings, including in smaller affinity groups so friendships and relationships can be more easily formed.
Let’s Collaborate
Kenesha Lewin | Executive Director
721 Camano Ave, Langley, WA 98260