Restoring Culture, Building Futures
~ Mary Hoover

The Nairobi Saturday Sessions are monthly, intergenerational gatherings designed to bring elementary students, teens and young adults, and parents/guardians together in a shared learning space rooted in African American history, culture, and future-building. Each session is anchored in a Kwanzaa principle and blends art, creativity, dialogue, and hands-on activities to make learning engaging and meaningful for all ages.
Youth can expect fun, interactive experiences that include art-making, storytelling, movement, and imagination-driven activities. Teens and young adults explore identity, leadership, and community issues through discussion, creative expression, and future-thinking tools. Parents and guardians engage in guided conversations and practical learning that supports advocacy, cultural grounding, and student success.
Every session begins with a shared community opening and ends with a collective reflection where families contribute ideas, insights, and commitments to a community knowledge board. The Saturday Sessions are designed to be welcoming, joyful, and purposeful—creating space for families to learn together while strengthening identity, connection, and collective responsibility.

The Nairobi Community BSU is a space for middle school, high school, and college-age youth to connect, learn, and build leadership outside of a traditional school-based BSU. Rooted in Black student history, cultural identity, and collective action, the Community BSU supports youth who may not have access to a strong BSU on their campus—or who want additional connection and resources.
Participants explore the history and purpose of Black Student Unions, develop leadership and advocacy skills, and learn how to navigate school and community spaces with confidence. The Community BSU also connects youth to opportunities, resources, and statewide networks through Black Students of California United (BSCU).
Guided by adult mentors and community leaders, the Nairobi Community BSU emphasizes unity, voice, and collective responsibility—helping young people see themselves as leaders not only in their schools, but in the broader community.
Zoom
We invite you to our Umoja session.
Building Unity for Black Student Success
Focus: Introducing the Nairobi Renaissance and Grounding famili...
Zoom
In-person / Bloomhouse
We invite you to our Kujichagulia/ Love in action session:
Naming Ourselves, Loving Our Children, Shaping Our Future
Focus: Self-determinatio...
In-person / Bloomhouse
In-person / Bloomhouse
We invite you to our Ujima/collective work session:
Reading for Liberation: Collective Responsibility for Literacy
Focus: Reading for libera...
In-person / Bloomhouse
In-person / Bloomhouse
We invite you to our Ujamaa/cooperative economics session:
Investing Together: Cooperative Pathways for Math Success
Focus: Shared investmen...
In-person / Bloomhouse
In-person / Bloomhouse
We invite you to our Nia/ purpose session:
Purpose, Wellness, and Joy: Sustaining the Work and the People
Focus: Purpose through joy and heali...
In-person / Bloomhouse
Please reach us at sherinda@culturallyrestored.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
The Nairobi Renaissance is designed to center and support Black children, youth, and families, while welcoming anyone who comes with respect, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. Our sessions bring together elementary students, teens and young adults, parents/caregivers, elders, and community members.
The Nairobi Renaissance is Black-centered, meaning Black history, culture, and lived experience are at the heart of the learning. At the same time, the space is open to anyone who is committed to learning in a respectful, supportive way.
Yes. Black children in multicultural, multiracial, or transracial families—and their parents or caregivers—are warmly welcomed. The Nairobi Renaissance is designed to support Black children wherever they are growing up and to offer families tools to nurture identity, confidence, and belonging.
No. You don’t need prior knowledge or perfect language. All that’s required is openness, respect, and a willingness to listen, reflect, and grow alongside others.
Each session includes a shared community opening, followed by age-appropriate activities for elementary students, teens/young adults, and parents/caregivers. Activities may include creative expression, dialogue, reflection, and hands-on learning. Sessions end with a collective moment where the community shares insights and commitments.
No. The Nairobi Renaissance is not a debate space about the value of Black culture or history. It is a learning and community-building space where Black experiences are centered and respected.
All participants are asked to engage with respect for Black-centered learning, care for youth and families, be open to self-reflection, and be accountable to shared community values. These commitments help create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
Yes. Educators, mentors, elders, and community members who want to learn from African-centered and African American traditions—and support Black youth and families—are welcome to participate.
If you care about supporting Black youth, learning from history and culture, building community across generations, and imagining healthier, more just futures, there is a place for you at the Nairobi Renaissance.
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