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A MICROPROJECT OF BOSTON UJIMA PROJECTBoston Ujima Project — Investor Update
Volume 3, Issue 3 — Fall 2023
INTRODUCTION
December 8, 2023 — As we navigate the final stretch of 2023, it brings us immense pride to share the highlights of our journey so far in the final Investor Report of the year. In 2023 alone, our commitment to fostering economic empowerment has propelled us to invest over 1 million dollars, with over 1.6MM deployed across 8 businesses since the Ujima Fund’s inception, marking significant milestones in our efforts.
Additionally, in the spirit of community collaboration, in 2023 we completed the highest number of investments since the Ujima Fund’s launch in 2018. Our members cast their ballots across five votes that aligned with their visions for the city. Cupcake Therapy, The Pearl, Comfort Kitchen, Kush Groove, and our most recent investee, Bay State Banner, exemplify the diversity and dauntlessness embedded in our investment portfolio. These investments not only reflect our dedication to sustainable growth but also signify the strength of our community's collective vision for a prosperous future.
Another notable aspect of our progress this summer was our latest Open Call, which tied our participatory investment process directly to Ujima’s top 15 community needs categories.
Additionally, in the spirit of community collaboration, in 2023 we completed the highest number of investments since the Ujima Fund’s launch in 2018. Our members cast their ballots across five votes that aligned with their visions for the city. Cupcake Therapy, The Pearl, Comfort Kitchen, Kush Groove, and our most recent investee, Bay State Banner, exemplify the diversity and dauntlessness embedded in our investment portfolio. These investments not only reflect our dedication to sustainable growth but also signify the strength of our community's collective vision for a prosperous future.
Another notable aspect of our progress this summer was our latest Open Call, which tied our participatory investment process directly to Ujima’s top 15 community needs categories.
In August, Ujima Members and Boston Residents joined forces to shape the landscape of our investment portfolio, answering the call to design the city we need. Building upon the success of our "Businesses We Love" inquiries over the years, this expanded Investment Pipeline now encompasses enterprises resonating with categories voted upon by our members.
In this edition of the Boston Ujima Project's Fall 2023 Investor Update, we spotlight Ujima's Voting Delegates, supervoters who are integral to the investment pipeline process. We present news about our Ujima Fund portfolio companies and UGBA members. Our updated Ujima Fund Pipeline Status and Financial Dashboard pages are available now.
— Cierra M. Peters, Director of Communications, Culture, and Enfranchisement, Boston Ujima Project
In this edition of the Boston Ujima Project's Fall 2023 Investor Update, we spotlight Ujima's Voting Delegates, supervoters who are integral to the investment pipeline process. We present news about our Ujima Fund portfolio companies and UGBA members. Our updated Ujima Fund Pipeline Status and Financial Dashboard pages are available now.
— Cierra M. Peters, Director of Communications, Culture, and Enfranchisement, Boston Ujima Project
COLLABORATE. VOTE. ORGANIZE.
In the ever-evolving landscape of investment, adaptability is key. Recognizing the need for a more efficient and member-friendly approach, Ujima proudly introduced its experimental Voting Delegate Program in 2022. This initiative transformed the way we ratify our investment lists. The impetus for this change stemmed from our experiences in the 2019 and 2021 ratification processes. The insights gained from staff and member feedback illuminated a crucial realization – the sheer volume of information proved to be overwhelming within the constraints of time.
Ujima Voting Delegates are a carefully selected group of supervoters, who undertake the responsibility of reviewing no more than ten businesses, organized by the neighborhood or sector they believe they have the most experience in. This intentional curation allows them the time and space to delve into each business and engage in meaningful discussions with their fellow delegates.
Ujima Voting Delegates are a carefully selected group of supervoters, who undertake the responsibility of reviewing no more than ten businesses, organized by the neighborhood or sector they believe they have the most experience in. This intentional curation allows them the time and space to delve into each business and engage in meaningful discussions with their fellow delegates.
Delegates not only bring their unique perspectives but also have the opportunity to exchange thoughts, insights, and considerations with one another. This not only lightens the load for individual voters but also enriches the decision-making process with diverse viewpoints and informed discussions.
In the section below, we invite you to meet four members of the Voting Delegate Program. These dedicated individuals embody a spirit of community collaboration and are instrumental in shaping the future of Ujima's investments. Together, they embark on a journey to create a more accessible, transparent, and inclusive investment ecosystem.
Read their interviews below by clicking the images.
In the section below, we invite you to meet four members of the Voting Delegate Program. These dedicated individuals embody a spirit of community collaboration and are instrumental in shaping the future of Ujima's investments. Together, they embark on a journey to create a more accessible, transparent, and inclusive investment ecosystem.
Read their interviews below by clicking the images.
PORTFOLIO HIGHLIGHTS
News and updates from businesses in the Ujima Fund portfolio.
BAY STATE BANNER BECOMES UJIMA FUND PORTFOLIO BUSINESS
On September 20, 2023, the Ujima Fund announced that we successfully reached quorom on the Bay State banner investment ballot. Read more in the ballot results breakdown. Members voted to invest $265,000 in the legacy publication.
When asked why they voted for the Banner, one member stated, "Bay State Banner is a community institution that provides in-depth coverage on issues that impact communities of color beyond any other weeklies in Boston.”
On September 20, 2023, the Ujima Fund announced that we successfully reached quorom on the Bay State banner investment ballot. Read more in the ballot results breakdown. Members voted to invest $265,000 in the legacy publication.
When asked why they voted for the Banner, one member stated, "Bay State Banner is a community institution that provides in-depth coverage on issues that impact communities of color beyond any other weeklies in Boston.”
COMFORT KITCHEN
FEATURED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES
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FEATURED IN THE NEW YORK TIMES
Comfort Kitchen continues to build on its stellar reputation for food and service, less than one year in. A New York Times feature calls the global cafe and restaurant, one of the “50 places in the U.S. that we’re most excited about.” Additionally, Comfort Kitchen recently launched their 2023 holiday boxes. Learn more here.
JAZZ URBANE’S BILL BANFIELD RECEIVES
PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD![]()
In October, Dr. Bill Banfield received a written commendation from President Joseph Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris for his life-long contributions to the arts and American culture. This milestone given to individuals who have exemplified the willingness to provide a high level of humanitarian assistance to their profession, their communities, and the country.
Further, in November, Jazz Urbane Cafe announced to investors that they are set to begin construction on their Nubian Square development. This fall, the company launched a line of merch just in time for the holidays. Learn more here.
PRESIDENTIAL LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
In October, Dr. Bill Banfield received a written commendation from President Joseph Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris for his life-long contributions to the arts and American culture. This milestone given to individuals who have exemplified the willingness to provide a high level of humanitarian assistance to their profession, their communities, and the country.
Further, in November, Jazz Urbane Cafe announced to investors that they are set to begin construction on their Nubian Square development. This fall, the company launched a line of merch just in time for the holidays. Learn more here.
CUPCAKE THERAPY MAKES MOVES;
SEARCHES FOR BRICK & MORTAR LOCATION
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Cupcake Therapy is advancing into the next stage of its evolution as it engages in lease negotiations for its first brick and mortar storefront.
SEARCHES FOR BRICK & MORTAR LOCATION
Cupcake Therapy is advancing into the next stage of its evolution as it engages in lease negotiations for its first brick and mortar storefront.
THE PEARL SOUTH BAY SET TO OPEN IN BRIGHTON![]()
The wildly popular seafood restaurant, The Pearl is opening a second location in Brighton. Read more.
CERO CO-OP FEATURED IN NEXTCITY
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The online magazine NextCity recently showcased the efforts of CERO Cooperative in a spotlight emphasizing the burgeoning sustainable food ecosystem in Boston's neighborhoods— providing insight into resident-led food security initiatives in communities nationwide. Read more here.
The online magazine NextCity recently showcased the efforts of CERO Cooperative in a spotlight emphasizing the burgeoning sustainable food ecosystem in Boston's neighborhoods— providing insight into resident-led food security initiatives in communities nationwide. Read more here.
KUSH GROOVE RELEASES HOLIDAY LINE
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Kush Groove released its latest clothing drop, Holiday 2023, with hoodies, tees and more. Shop and support here.
BOSTON CELEBRATES DORCHESTER FOOD CO-OP’S GRAND OPENING
In October 2023, Dorchester Food Co-op, Boston’s only member- and worker-owned grocery, opened after nearly a decade
of organizing.
Boston.com called it, “No ordinary grocery store.” Read more here.
In October 2023, Dorchester Food Co-op, Boston’s only member- and worker-owned grocery, opened after nearly a decade
of organizing.
Boston.com called it, “No ordinary grocery store.” Read more here.
BUSINESS ALLIANCE UPDATES
News and updates from businesses in the Ujima Good Business Alliance.SYDNEY JANEY DESIGNS
JOINS UJIMA GOOD BUSINESS ALLIANCE
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Learn more about Sydney Janey Design here. Sydney Janey Design was named a Business We Love in 2019, and was a founding UGBA member.
JOINS UJIMA GOOD BUSINESS ALLIANCE
Learn more about Sydney Janey Design here. Sydney Janey Design was named a Business We Love in 2019, and was a founding UGBA member.
SHANTI INDIAN CUISINE
JOINS UJIMA GOOD BUSINESS ALLIANCE
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JOINS UJIMA GOOD BUSINESS ALLIANCE
Learn more about Shanti Indian Cuisine here. Shanti Indian Cuisine was ratified as a Business We Love in 2019. Learn more in Boston Globe.
LIKE A LOCAL BOSTON HOSTS SECOND
MARTHA’S VINEYARD BLACK BIZ DAY TOUR
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MARTHA’S VINEYARD BLACK BIZ DAY TOUR
In September, fifty Black Bostonians experienced Live Like a Local Tours Boston’s second Martha’s Vineyard Day Tour. As part of Ujima’s ongoing Procurement Initiative, we partnered with the Black Economic Council of MA, Live Like a Local Tours Boston, and India Rose of Black Owned MV to deliver a special experience to members and the public.
Moreover, Collin Knight, the tour company founder, was featured in the BBC and Bay State Banner.
FRESH FOOD GENERATION
GIVES BACK THROUGH UNIQUE PROGRAM![]()
GIVES BACK THROUGH UNIQUE PROGRAM
In honor of the thousands of immigrant Haitian families who have found refuge in Massachusetts, Fresh Food Generation has added new Haitian dishes to their menu. Chef Sony Dorvilier, left, has worked with Fresh Food Generation for five years and gracefully lead the culinary planning and execution of Haitian centric meals for incoming families. Click here to purchase a beet salad and support their efforts.
As the City of Boston worked to set up new centers and emergency housing for displaced asylum seekers, Fresh Food Generation was one of the Caribbean food businesses called upon to provide culturally relevant, emergency food services. Since January, they have cooked 120,000 meals for these families. Read more.
Further, Fresh Food Generation joined an innovative program which allows people receiving food assistance use their benefits at restaurants for the first time. Read more.
As the City of Boston worked to set up new centers and emergency housing for displaced asylum seekers, Fresh Food Generation was one of the Caribbean food businesses called upon to provide culturally relevant, emergency food services. Since January, they have cooked 120,000 meals for these families. Read more.
Further, Fresh Food Generation joined an innovative program which allows people receiving food assistance use their benefits at restaurants for the first time. Read more.
DSNI MAKES MOVES,
SPOTLIGHTED IN BOSTON GLOBE
![]()
Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI) will partner with Next Leadership Development to conduct a planning process with area residents and organizations to develop the implementation strategy for the first Resilience Hub in Boston. SPOTLIGHTED IN BOSTON GLOBE
Earlier this year, the Boston Globe released a profile on Upham’s Corner. UGBA member Dudley Street Neighorhood Initiative, was cited for its work creating development without displacement. Read more.
EASTIE FARM RECEIVES $1MM
TO TRAIN YOUNG FARMERS
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TO TRAIN YOUNG FARMERS
The National Science Foundation has awarded a $1 million grant to Eastie Farm in East Boston, supporting the expansion of its youth Climate Corps program.
This initiative compensates young individuals for training in urban farming, food distribution, climate resilience, and community organizing, fostering valuable skills for future employment opportunities. Read more in WBUR.
This initiative compensates young individuals for training in urban farming, food distribution, climate resilience, and community organizing, fostering valuable skills for future employment opportunities. Read more in WBUR.
KIDOGO PRODUCTION BEGINS
ORIGINAL CONTENT JOURNEY
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ORIGINAL CONTENT JOURNEY
This autumn, Kidogo Productions began shooting original content. The children’s start-up is poised to redefine the landscape of digital entertainment tailored specifically for young audiences.
Kidogo Productions recently became a portfolio company of Pipeline Angels.
Kidogo Productions is currently seeking investment from the Ujima Fund.
Kidogo Productions recently became a portfolio company of Pipeline Angels.
Kidogo Productions is currently seeking investment from the Ujima Fund.
COMMONWEALTH KITCHEN
SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER
SPREADS HOLIDAY CHEER
This autumn marks the third consecutive year that Commonwealth Kitchen has reintroduced its holiday boxes. Every year, these boxes showcase a curated selection of specialty snacks and sauces sourced from various businesses within their food business incubator. Read more and order here.
For each of the participating businesses, one sale is the equivalent of what they would typically sell at a farmers market for an entire season. Efforts like these are crucial for their continued growth and success; and provides early stage businesses the opportunity to learn to produce efficiently at scale.
ANNUAL INVESTEE REPORT OUT & UJIMA FUND TOWN HALL
On December 13, 2023 at 5:30PM, the The Boston Ujima Project warmly invites you to join us at our annual Investee Report Out, and Town Hall Meeting. Sign up here.
BLACK MARKET NUBIAN
In Spring 2023, Boston Ujima Project and Black Market Nubian announced a new partnership that will enable Ujima to utilize the space at Black Market Nubian for offices, workshops, and events. In October, Ujima hosted artist Adam Davis in residence.
NOS CASA CAFE
Nos Casa Cafe is seeking currently investment from the Ujima Fund.
THE ASSEMBLY OF BLACK POSSIBILITIES SESSIONS
Missed the 2023 Assembly of Black Possibilities? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Our inaugural translocal assembly shared efforts ranging from how to recover your 401k from corporate interests to investing at the intersection of climate, race and justice. Watch all sessions on Youtube now.
BEHIND THIS
INVESTOR REPORT
The design of the Fall 2023 Investor Update is inspired by the forward thinking design and narrative strategies of W.E.B. Dubois and students and alumni of Atlanta University at the 1900 Paris World Fair. Dubois’s "Exhibit of American Negros," challenged the prevailing narrative of that era, where global delegates commemorated advancements in railroads and modern factories, while endorsing the "civilizing" discourse of colonialism.
Infographics displayed at the Fair pushed the formal limits of illustrating the empirical data and graphic design, visualizing what he called, “a nation within a nation.”
In 2018, Princeton Architectural Press compiled the data portraits into a book titled "W.E.B. Du Bois’s Data Portraits: Visualizing Black America." This publication serves as a tribute to the 150th anniversary of Du Bois’s birth, providing annotations that contextualize his infographics as both timely sociological representations and art objects.
To learn more about the data portraits, you can watch Dr. Whitney Battle-Baptiste, Director of the W.E.B. Du Bois Center at UMass Amherst, discuss them on Youtube.
Source: Special Collections & University Archives, University of Massachusetts, Amherst Libraries.
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INVESTMENT PIPELINE
Visit our Investment Pipeline Status page totrack the progress of Ujima’s investment plans, lists, and votes.
