At The United People Project (UPP), we are dedicated to building robust pathways for community resilience by actively addressing the social challenges deeply rooted in environmental justice. Our diverse initiatives, ranging from youth leadership programs to comprehensive heritage education, are designed to foster meaningful and sustainable growth and promote equity for all community members.

  • Blurry image of three people standing outdoors near a green, leafy background, viewed from behind.

    Youth Environmental Leadership Initiative (YELI)

    Empower young leaders to address local environmental and social issues with YELI—where passion meets action for a sustainable tomorrow

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  • Green silhouette map of North Carolina.

    The Eagle Connection

    Forge impactful community bonds with The Eagle Connection, offering North Carolina Central University students meaningful service opportunities to create change.

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  • Rooted in Change: A YELI Showcas

    Rooted in Change: A YELI Gallery Walk Gala

    Rooted in Change: A YELI Gallery Walk was an immersive community event where the brilliant young minds of YELI (Youth Environmental Leadership Initiative) showcased their work and vision for a healthier, more just future.

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  • Blank public notice or information board in a small park with a dirt walking path and playground in the background under a clear blue sky.

    The Umoja Library

    The Umoja Library was thoughtfully created to inspire a deep love for reading, encourage continuous learning, and foster a strong sense of community among all who visit.

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The United People Project honors the Indigenous peoples who have lived in harmony with this land for generations. Explore the rich history and enduring contributions of the original caretakers of the area you now call home.

Learn About Indigenous Stewardship

Honoring the Gullah Geechee: A Heritage at Risk

The Gullah Geechee community, rooted in the coastal Southeast, faces significant challenges due to tourism development and coastal erosion. Resort expansion displaces families, disrupts traditions, and limits access to essential spaces. Climate change exacerbates rising sea levels and shoreline degradation, threatening homes, farmlands, and burial grounds. At the United People Project, we aim to highlight these crises and advocate for sustainable solutions that prioritize cultural preservation and environmental justice for the Gullah Geechee people.

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