Institutions

Nyumburu Cultural Center, University of Maryland at College Park, Maryland, U.S.A

The Nyumburu Cultural Center has served the University of Maryland community since 1971 and continues to build on its foundations as the Center for black social, cultural and intellectual interaction. Nyumburu is the word for "freedom house", from the Swahili words “nyumba” (house) and “uhuru” (freedom). Nyumburu's productions and activities include lectures and seminars, art exhibits, workshops in the dramatic arts, dance, music and creative writing. Academic courses in blues, jazz, gospel music performance and creative writing are also offered.

A series of guest artists and scholars offer the community unique interaction with many distinguished presenters. Many blues and jazz presenters offer the general public an opportunity to participate in the performance in a "jam-session" format. Nyumburu produces the Black Explosion Newspaper and is also home to the Maryland Gospel Choir which has entertained the Maryland community since 1975. The Center facilities also houses the offices of various performing art ensembles as well as student organizations. The Black Faculty and Staff Association, Dance Afrika!, Black Alumni Association, SOUL: Sisterhood of Unity and Love, BMI: Black Male Initiative, and the Shades of Harlem Performing Arts Ensemble are housed in the Center.

The Nyumburu Cultural Center is dedicated to advancing and augmenting the academic and the multi-cultural missions of the university by presenting a forum for the scholarly exchange and artistic engagement of African Diaspora culture and history. Nyuumburu's many programs are open to the entire university community and are open to the general public.

The center hosted a joint fundariser for the Liberian Development Foundation and the United Movement to End Child Soldiering on September 26, 2008.