The Umoja movement began at the Umoja I Conference at Diablo Valley College in October 2006. Faculty, administrators and staff from throughout the state agreed that a unified effort was needed to improve the success and retention of African American students.
Currently, a consortium of colleges is supporting the Umoja movement. The consortium is providing guidance and meeting with legislators, the Chancellor's Office, foundations and other interested parties to lay the groundwork for a future statewide program in all community colleges.
Utilizing existing instructional and student support services on campus Citrus College initiated the Umoja Program in fall 2008 with a learning community made up of History 111: History of the African-Americans and Counseling 145: Career/Life Planning.