The joy of African culture and community filled the Scottish Rite Masonic Center on Oct. 25, as community members gathered for the fourth annual Ubuntu Dinner Fundraiser, hosted by Africa House Sacramento. The event celebrated the essence of ubuntu, a Southern African philosophy meaning “I am because you are, therefore we are.”
With this year’s theme of bridging gaps across cultures, communities, and continents, the evening served as a cultural celebration and a call to action for community advancement.
Dr. Ernest Uwazie, Africa House Sacramento chairman, reflected on the organization’s mission and long-term vision during his remarks.
“We want to strengthen families, preserve heritage, and create pathways for community advancement,” Uwazie said. “As part of our long-term vision, we are leaning towards Africa House as a permanent multicultural community and resource center in the heart of Sacramento.”
Dance group the Crown Jewel performs for dinner attendees. Russell Stiger Jr., OBSERVER
Africa House Sacramento is a community-driven organization dedicated to uplifting African, African American, Caribbean, and broader diaspora communities through education, advocacy, and cultural exchange.
Its mission extends beyond celebration. It’s about creating opportunity and empowerment. The organization is leading a fundraising campaign to establish a 10,000-square-foot multicultural and community resource center in Sacramento.
The proposed facility will host a range of cultural events, workshops, language classes, youth empowerment programs, art exhibitions, and health and wellness services. It also will offer legal and immigration support, job development, and peacemaking circles, creating a foundation for cultural preservation and economic mobility.
The organization aspires to raise $5.5 million over the next two to three years to acquire, build, and renovate the facility and officially launch programs. The Ubuntu Dinner marked an early milestone in that journey, as Africa House announced new commitments and recruited community “table captains” to help drive the campaign forward.
“When it is fully established, it will debut as a home away from home, a hub for celebration, learning, and wellness — a place where the spirit of ubuntu comes to life, and where cultural connections and legacy will thrive,” Uwazie said. “Together, we are building something historic: a movement that will inspire generations to come.”
Dr. Ernest Uwazie says Africa House Sacramento is spearheading “a movement that will inspire generations to come.” Russell Stiger Jr., OBSERVER
The evening also recognized a major milestone. Africa House Sacramento was selected as a recipient of a three-year cultural and arts grant from the Sacramento City Council and the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors.
The event featured Azizza Davis Goines, president and CEO of the Capital Black Chamber of Commerce and executive director of its foundation, as the keynote speaker. Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen also attended and contributed $2,500.
For many attendees, the evening reinforced the importance of community and togetherness.
“I think this is an important event for the Black community here in Sacramento because it’s a very inclusive event,” said Chibuike Michael Ezeh, a Sacramento State mechanical engineering student. “It helps to build community, especially within the Black community.”
Volunteer Miracle Oluwatofunmi Majasan, a second-year health science student at Sacramento State, echoed the sentiment.
“We have different ethnic groups here gathered together,” Majasan said. “It brings a sense of togetherness as a community. It also helps us to learn about African culture and embrace who we are.”
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