IAAS October Fellowship: Pamoja Connections Inc. 55th Anniversary Reception

To kick start the collaborative Mental Health and Advocacy Weekend, hosted by The Institute for African American Studies with Pamoja Connections Inc., IAAS will be conducting our October fellowship with Dr. Ann Popwell and Pastor Nawanna Miller of Pamoja Inc. to speak on their respective books;  Oh God! My Preacher Is Pregnant! by Pastor Miller and I Am the Face of Mental Health: My Blood Was Not Shed in Vain by Dr. Popwell.

Both accounts are personal memoirs that reflect multidimensional journeys of healing and faith. These autobiographical narratives are of women who have overcome immense tragedies and ongoing struggle to advocate not only for themselves but their loved ones and more widely their communities. They do this hoping that in sharing their personal accounts they assist to forge a better future for all. 

Pamoja Connections Inc. was born on the UGA campus and the organization is deeply influential to UGA history. Pastor Miller helped to advocate for students and integrate the campus. In her tenure as a student, she created the Pamoja organization. She produced clubs that still operate on campus today. The African American Chorale Ensemble, Black Theatrical Ensemble "BTE", InfUSion Magazine, and the Pamoja Dance Company. They are now as they were then, a creative outlet for students wanting their voices to be heard and to influence UGA with their presence through arts and advocacy. 

By working with the Institute for African American Studies, Pastor Nawanna not only revisits the campus that has been transformed by her efforts but progresses the institution that was inaugurated in part by her struggle. These events represent a poignant and triumph return home for Pastor Miller. To recognize the historic past and the current work, Pamoja and IAAS have jointly produced this weekend and its program of events to honour all the traditions and histories that make Pamoja Connections Inc. and the Institute for African American Studies possible, and to celebrate the hope and potential our students embody.

We are overjoyed to conduct these events that will steep our community in and remind us of our inner strength, collective resilience, and joyful inspiration.

Please join us for the first day of this weekend of wellness.