UMOJA

by LaDarrion Williams

In the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, six brave Black students at McMillan University, a predominantly white institution, unite to form a co-ed fraternity dedicated to the overlooked Black community on campus. As they strive to make their voices heard and secure a space for themselves, their noble mission is derailed by escalating racial tension and a scandal that threatens to unravel their efforts. Confronted...

In the heart of Birmingham, Alabama, six brave Black students at McMillan University, a predominantly white institution, unite to form a co-ed fraternity dedicated to the overlooked Black community on campus. As they strive to make their voices heard and secure a space for themselves, their noble mission is derailed by escalating racial tension and a scandal that threatens to unravel their efforts. Confronted with personal secrets and ethical dilemmas, these young friends must come together, test their values, and confront the darkness within and around them in this intense and poignant drama.

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UMOJA

Character Information

The Umoja tribe are to be played by Black actors.
  • Taronda Weston
    Black woman in her early twenties who takes no crap from anybody. A supportive and loving friend. Her and Trayvon have been friends since they were kids. She's a junior and studies Communications at McMillan University.
    21
    Black
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Hakeem Edwards
    lack man, early twenties who cares only for the ladies. Sweet talking and also best friend to Trayvon. He takes a liking to Taronda. Even though he doesn't want to admit it. That's his Maxine to his Kyle. He's a junior Political Science major at McMillan University.
    21
    Black
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Denorris Lee
    they/them. Black and in their twenties who is openly gay. They are fiercely loyal to Trayvon, and for a good reason. Studies Theatre Arts at McMillan University and is also a junior.
    21
    Black
    Agender/Non-binary (they/them)
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary
  • Aaron Lewis
    Black man in his late teens who is considered a nerd. Sophomore music major. Soft and genial at heart. The baby of the group.
    19-20
    Black
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Dr. Cook
    A Caucasian woman who is the first female president of McMillan University. Proud. Good and well-intentioned. A woman who comes from strength, but had to fight to get here. Nikki's mentor.
    40-50s
    White
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Nikita Nikki Desrosiers
    NIKITA (NIKKI) DESROSIERS - Black woman, early twenties, loyal. Grew up very Bourgeois. Girlfriend to Trayvon. She's a woman who's no stranger to pressure and duty. She's the supportive girlfriend of Trayvon and helps him start the Umoja group. She's currently a junior Pre-Law major at McMillan University.
    21
    African American / Black
    woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Trayvon Gardner
    Black man, early twenties. Rejected from a Greek club and decides to create his own fraternity. Trayvon is one of those cool, charismatic types of jocks who just wants to implement Black excellence. He is currently a junior Business Major at McMillan University.
    21
    African American / Black
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Production History

  • Community Theater, Willie Agee Playhouse, 2022