Greetings, and welcome to the website of the
Kuumba Singers of Harvard College!
Kuumba. This group of individuals is much more than an organization or a choir.
Kuumba is a family. Founded in 1970, the Kuumba Singers of Harvard College is an organization that values
not only the music we perform and the new connections that we forge, but also the legacy created by our predecessors.
The oldest existing Black organization on Harvard’s campus, Kuumba continues to honor its cultural history.
This family remains anchored in a place of great power – strength in our past and our hopes for the future.
Whether you are a prospective member, an alumnus, or an avid supporter, we sincerely appreciate you visiting our
site and supporting our work.
The word “kuumba” is a Swahili verb which means “to create.” This word embodies the mission
and vision of Kuumba: to proudly proclaim and celebrate the creativity and spirituality of Black people.
Kuumba strives to do what we can with what we have to leave a space better than it was when we inherited it.
This essence permeates our performances, our community work, and the relationships we build with others.
This essence is the vision of the Kuumba Singers.
The past year has been an incredible year for Kuumba. Last fall, Kuumba held a wonderful night of worship
and praise with our annual Christmas concert. This concert was followed by an amazing opportunity to meet and sing
for Lionel Richie. In February 2012, our Black Arts Festival engaged with the community in order to benefit Boston
minority youth; proceeds from the events supported Teen Empowerment and the Tobin Community Center in Mission Hill.
During the upcoming year, we aspire to expand Kuumba’s influence and community engagement even more.
On December 7th and 8th of this year, we will hold our 42nd annual Dr. S. Allen Counter Christmas Concert in
Memorial Church in Harvard Yard. This upcoming spring, we will also present the 15th annual Dr. Walter J. Leonard Black
Arts Festival, an extraordinary weekend celebration of art from the African diaspora. Following this celebration, we will
embark on our spring tour in March to spread Kuumba’s vision and mission outside of the greater Boston area. Finally,
in May 2013, we will hold the 43rd annual Dean Archie C. Epps Spring Concert. These are only a few of the exciting
opportunities to see the Kuumba Singers perform during the coming year.
During its 42 years of existence, the Kuumba Singers has achieved extensive accomplishments.
Kuumba has served as a safe space and a source of support for its members in the Cambridge and greater Boston community.
It has also served as a space for spiritual exploration, creative expression, and cultural understanding.
Kuumba maintains its stance as a Black organization that strives to inspire individuals through our musical ministry.
Kuumba is not something that one can simply explain; rather, it is something that one must personally experience.
We encourage you to take on this challenge by not only exploring our website and music, but experiencing Kuumba in person as
well. We hope that you will support our creative efforts to expand the Kuumba community and to influence the community
around us.
Sincerely yours,
Danitra Wansley, President
president@kuumbasingers.org
