Mama Umi Rivers-Younger
Guardian Director, Keeper of the Culture
Umineefa Younger, is affectionately known in her community as Mama Umi. Mama Umi is a homeschool and educational visionary. Umi has designed Afrikan-centered curriculum, critical educational tools, resources, children’s events, and conferences since 2008. Saving Our Babies Inc., is a 501{c(3), non profit organization birthed by her and her husband Baba Cee Allah in Brooklyn, NY in 2015. Mama Umi is a certified full spectrum doula, graduated Cum Laude with her Bachelors Degree in Psychology from The College of New Rochelle, 2019 and current graduate student. Mama Umi is a community activist and current member of InDPUM (International Democratic People’s Uhuru Movement) and African National Women’s Organization (ANWO). She has founded the Watoto Uhuru Shule, and Akoko Nan Homeschool Collective which is an educational empire forging a new reality for the holistic cultivation of children throughout the Afrikan diaspora. Saving Our Babies Arts & Cultural Center is a sovereign seeking, independent, Afrikan Centered institution that serves as a pillar that provides culturally relevant resources, training, and vast options of everyday support for those who have taken on the great responsibility of “Educating Our Own”.
Sis. Kairis S. Daniels
Queens, New York native Kairis Sheila Daniels, is an artist and educator (teaching artist). Kairis has spent decades of her life committed to art and education involving the exploration of the human body. As she journeys through the community, Kairis embraces the ways that allow her to merge her gifts of dance, fitness, art, and healing. She has been teaching and coaching a variety of dance, sports, chess, and academic classes for over 10 years at private schools, community centers, and performing arts centers in her community.
In 2020, Kairis joined the Saving Our Babies Arts family. This life choice has allowed her to share herself and her plethora of skills with our community while learning and growing in the same safe space. Kairis teaches Science, Math, Language Arts, and Chess to our 3rd and 4th-grade scholars of the Akoko Nan Homeschool Collective. She also facilitates our after-care program supporting our scholars with homework help and daily activities including dance, sports, games, and art.
Kairis Sheila is on a mission to encourage, educate, enhance and brighten herself and our future.
Sis. Arrea Alexander
Greetings. My Name is Sister Arrea Alexander. I am an early childhood educator. Over the past three and a half years I have developed an interest in children's personal and social development. My knowledge has grown through my experience working with and caring for children as a preschool Teacher’s Assistant. My work allows me to form relationships of trust that enable young children with additional needs to achieve their age-adjusted milestones and their social and emotional development. I work well with children of all ages on a one-to-one basis or in small groups. These building blocks have significantly enhanced my abilities and skills for I Have a passion for learning and exploring African history and culture, which helps me impart such knowledge to young children.
I’m fond of seeing the children's reactions when discovering new things. It's always a highlight within this field. I’ve gained a great deal of knowledge working in an African-centered environment, which has helped me further embrace My African identity.
Sis. Jasmine Harris
Greetings! I am Sister Jasmine, I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. For several years I worked as a dental assistant in pediatric and general practices. I was introduced to Mama Umi by way of The International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement (InPDUM) where we are both members. I have always been interested in working with the children in our community and the opportunity to do such came at the perfect time. Working with the children at Watoto Uhuru Shule has been a very positive and educational experience. It feels good to have a part in shaping the minds of our young scholars. I love to spend my spare time with my 3 yr old nephew who is my Watoto away from Watoto Uhuru Shule.
