Cars parked on street, trees on either side, shops, buildings, and sky - Main Street in Somerville, NJ.

ABOUT US

Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion is a local community museum in Central Jersey works to unearth, affirm, and celebrate the often overlooked and/or forgotten contributions of the African American community in The Ville and surrounding areas.

OUR MISSION

To uplift and document the stories of the African Americans who contributed to the growth of Somerville and preserve the community’s African American history. The Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion was established to augment the history of Somerville to include its history of contributions of Black and African American residents whose involvement and impact have been overshadowed, like much of American history involving formerly enslaved peoples, by the town’s Revolutionary War connections. It is the mission and purpose of UCP to challenge this neglect and change this tradition.

OUR VISION

Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion will work to change the museum experience and the conceptions about museums. We believe that local history has a place in the community, local history matters! When most people think about history and the work of local museums, they often do not see themselves as being a part of that history, or the legacy of the community. It is our vision that the community sees themselves and their stories as an extension of our community cultivating space. UCP offers the opportunity to experience the greatness that we see in our community members.

OUR STORY

Making Change Possible

Ubuntu Cultural Pavilion has been organized to provide educational experiences through a museum (once a site has been secured) and traveling exhibits beginning with a local presence to expand throughout the state of New Jersey. By conducting this work, UCP will provide information on social justice initiatives, arts, culture, and history, thus increasing the community's collective knowledge and improving community members' lives.

A major component of our work will center on the life and legacy of Paul Leroy Robeson. Up until this time, the early formative years in Somerville, NJ have far too long been overlooked. Significant efforts will be dedicated to incorporating Somerville as a crucial, though frequently overlooked, element in more precisely chronicling and commemorating the life and legacy of Paul Robeson.

White tree roots silhouette against black background, abstract graphic design element.

Why the Acorn?

The acorn, a small and unassuming seed, holds profound symbolism that beautifully parallels the creation of our local community museum. Just as an acorn is the humble beginning of a mighty oak tree, our museum represents the seedling from which a rich and enduring legacy of community history will grow.

The acorn symbolizes the potential within each of us, waiting to be nurtured, shared, and celebrated. In our community, the acorn represents the stories, artifacts, and contributions of our residents, many of which have remained hidden, like seeds in the earth, waiting to sprout into the vibrant tapestry of our heritage. Just as an acorn takes root and grows into a towering oak, our museum serves as the fertile ground for these untold stories to take root, thrive, and reach for the sky. As we cultivate our museum, we nurture the potential within our community to unite, to learn, and to cherish the history that makes us who we are. Just as the oak stands as a symbol of strength, so shall our museum stand as a beacon of the enduring strength and resilience of our community's history, enriched by the contributions of all who call it home.

OUR BOARD

Where Passion and Dedication Meet

S. Kendall Hall

UCP Founder and President

Is a passionate and community-driven leader with a strong commitment to service, collaboration, and inclusive stewardship. She brings a solid background in finance and accounting, along with a proven record of results developed through many years of leadership and volunteer service.

She played a pivotal role in the growth of the Rutgers African-American Alumni Alliance (RAAA), where she served for more than twenty years. Incorporated in 2006, she is one of five co-founders of RAAA, Inc. Under her leadership, the organization expanded its presence across all three Rutgers University campuses and beyond.

Her work includes supporting the Class of 1971 Milestone Committee in the creation of the Paul Robeson Plaza at Rutgers University, as well as leading guided discussions in partnership with the Rutgers University Alumni Association to foster more authentic, collaborative, and inclusive alumni engagement.

Davie Lyn Jones-Evans

UCP Secretary

Is a tenured Educator with the Somerville Board of Education and a local historian and blogger. She holds a BA in History and American Studies, from Douglass College, Rutgers University and a Masters in Elementary Education from Seton Hall University. She is a goal-driven academic leader with 25+ years of hand on experience. Designer of comprehensive programs that facilitate the unique needs of a diverse student population.

Valerie Anderson

UCP Board Member
Retired Executive Director,

Associate Alumnae of Douglass College

Senior Manager with experience in the profit and nonprofit sectors. A visionary leader who stays focused on achieving results. Broad experience in organizing and directing projects, achieving business priorities, facilitating operations, cultivating relationships, generating revenue growth and alumnae engagement. A forward thinker who collaborates with others to gain consensus among business associates, staff and executive management in the development and introduction of new initiatives, strategic planning, processes, and procedures.

Rhonda Stewart

UCP Board Member

Retired Educator

Rhonda Stewart is a retired educator with almost forty years of experience teaching in New York City and in Franklin Township. In her almost forty years in education, she has had the opportunity to work in various positions. Her educational career includes teaching Pre-K, Kindergarten, Grades 1 through 5, Middle School English Language Arts , Elementary Science Specialist, Grade 5/6 Literacy Coach for teachers, and Vice Principal. This educational lens has kept her in a constant learning mode. She considers herself to be a lifelong learner. Ms. Stewart received her B.S in Elementary Education from St. John’s University and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Adelphi University with a M.A. in Elementary Education. Although she has retired from the Public School system, she remains active in the realm of education. She is currently working part-time as the Program Specialist for the Paul Robeson Institute for Ethics, Leadership, and Social Justice at Raritan Valley Community College, located in Branchburg, New Jersey. Mrs. Stewart considers volunteering her passion. She is currently a lifetime member of the Raritan Valley Section - National Council of Negro Women where she serves as the chair of the Girls to Women and Fundraising committees. Since September 2022, Rhonda has served as a board member of the Diamond Foundation. The Diamond Foundation focuses on enhancing scholarship opportunities for youth throughout Central New Jersey. She also participates in activities with S2S- CNJ that revolve around raising funds for breast cancer survivors and their families.

Carlene Spencer

UCP Treasurer