As their website states, the Nyumburu Cultural Center is “the Center for black social, cultural and intellectual interaction” on UMD’s campus. Rooted in community, education, and the arts, Nyumburu offers a variety of exhibits, productions, seminars, academic courses, and creative workshops. Furthermore, Nyumburu provides opportunities for students to connect with their African, Caribbean, African-American, and Black heritages.  Please read on to find the words generously shared with us by Dr Ronald Zeigler, Director at the Nyumburu Cultural Center, describing what students can expect from Nyumburu in the Fall 2020 semester.

“The Nyumburu Cultural Center provides a myriad of cultural, social, artistic, musical, civic, educational, and community-oriented programming to students enrolled at the University of Maryland.  Our department provides student-oriented programming for students of the African Diaspora and the wider campus. The overall goal of these activities assist UMD in promoting diverse and inclusive learning experiences that are innovative, enjoyable, and educational.

“Therefore, as our campus reinvents new ways of learning, our Nyumburu Fall, 2020 programming will include In-Person learning opportunities for students and virtual activities that are designed to enhance the college experience and teach new skills related to cultural awareness, instrumental and vocal musical performance, Leadership development, interpersonal communication and oratory, and healthy living and lifestyles.

“Funds from Student Fees enable our undergraduate and graduate student populations to partake of these student services. Specifically, Nyumburu’s productions, offerings,  and activities include the following: Lectures and seminars, art exhibits, meeting rooms, workshops in the dramatic arts, dance, music and diversity. Academic courses in blues, jazz, gospel music performance and diversity are also offered. The staff of the Nyumburu Cultural Center is dedicated to advancing and augmenting the academic and multicultural missions of the university by presenting a forum for scholarly exchange, as well as artistic engagement via the rich culture and history of the African Diaspora.  For more information please visit our web site: www.nyumburu.umd.edu or telephone, (301) 314-7758.”
– Ronald Zeigler, Ph.D.
Director, Nyumburu Cultural Center