Welcome, Paige!
The Boston Ujima Project is proud to announce the arrival of our new Culture and Communications Associate, Paige Curtis!
Paige (she/her) joins the Boston Ujima Project as the new Culture & Communications Associate. An Atlanta native, daydreamer, rabble-rouser, and third culture kid, she believes a more equitable future is possible. Formally trained in Environmental Management from the Yale School of Environment, she's most excited by community-based solutions to climate and economic issues.
When she's not writing or biking around the city, she's reminding folks that pineapple pizza is not only good but oh so necessary. She's currently based in Cambridge, MA.
Welcome Fresh Food Generation to the Ujima Good Business Alliance!
In 2013, Fresh Food Generation began as a food truck whose mission was to disrupt food disparities by creating a healthier food experience for Boston residents. Over the years, co-founders Cassandria Campbell and Jackson Renshaw managed to expand their Caribbean farm-to-table business, adding a catering and cafe space to their business. Since 2020, the duo and their staff have been working hard throughout the pandemic, distributing groceries and prepared meals through their collaborative efforts with CommonWealth Kitchen and the Food Project.
Last month, Fresh Food Generation was invited to join the Ujima Good Business Alliance, a rigorous process that involves compliance with our 36 Good Business Standards, for a second year. We share Fresh Food Generation's pride in their outstanding business practices. Some highlights include:
- Everyone on their team is paid a living wage
- After six months everyone can get a 401k, without matching
- Fair scheduling has never been an issue for them, as most of their team have consistent scheduling
- They do not do Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) checks, except for one instance with a healthcare partner, which requires background checks for vendors and suppliers
- Although not every employee can vote, they were all willing to feed voters and poll workers during the 2020 election
On a phone call last month, Cassandria Campbell, co-founder and spoke with us about joining the Ujima Good Business Alliance and opening their first restaurant.
On joining the Ujima Good Business Alliance
Cassandria Campbell: In addition to being an Alliance member, I’m a general member and a Boston resident. I am looking at it from two different perspectives. The first being: what kind of community do I want to live in? What kinds of businesses do I want in my community?
As a business owner, it allows me to build community with like-minded owners; a network of support; an organization that is looking out for you; a great way to be continuously challenged to do better. Having both hats on, I want to support businesses that are doing good things, and I want to do good things. We pay our team a living wage, it didn’t happen overnight we had to work and fight for it to get to that place and bring in enough revenue to guarantee work at a living wage. That tension is healthy. Ujima is both supporting and challenging businesses.
June 24: Disco Virtualé!
Join us on June 24th, 2021 from 7-9PM EST to celebrate the combined missions of BAMS Fest, Union Capital Boston, Boston Ujima Project, and King Boston.
Bring your funkiest attire and grooviest dance moves for a night of disco, love, peace, and soouuuuuuuuuuul! This year we’ve joined forces to celebrate our work— not as separate organizations but together.
We’ll have lots of surprises, special guests, and an amazing emcee, to be announced soon! Throughout the evening, you’ll hear remarks from artists, supporters, and community leaders instrumental to our work, and feature some performances you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned!
If you would like to volunteer you can reach out to us at comms@ujimaboston.com!
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#UjimaWednesdays: Co-Direct
Wednesday, June 2nd, from 6:00pm-8:30pm.
Time: Wednesday, June 2nd, 6PM | Location: Zoom Only
- 6:00PM-7:15PM - #CoDirect: Join us for deeper organizational updates with Ujima Staff.
- 7:15PM-8:30PM - #CoCreation: Arts & Cultural Organizing Member Team and Podcast Member Teams
PLEASE RSVP. Thank you!
- June 2 - #CoDirect with Ujima Staff
- June 2 - Arts & Cultural Organizing Member Team: This quarter, the Arts and Cultural Organizing Micro-learning Pod is led by Ujima fellow Mercedes Loving-Manley. Through studying the works of 3 filmmakers, we will learn the role of community and storytelling for Black Queer and Trans people.
- June 2 - Podcast Member Team: Help create a member-led podcast, by and for the Ujima community.
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#CoLearn Recap:
Assembly Next Steps
Last week discussed the future of the 2021 Citywide Investment Plan, as well as other Businesses We Love Lists that have been generated. Check out the link to view the full video and notes here.
Upcoming Ujima Meetings
We hold Open Meetings every Wednesday at 6PM via Zoom.
Check out our June calendar below!
#UjimaWednesdays Meeting Agenda:
6:00-7:15 - Community Building + Financial and Political Education.
7:15-8:30 - Member Team Meetings (Based on a rotating schedule; See calendar above) |
