The Californer - Triumph Thru Tears Premieres at 55th Anniversary Pamoja Celebration at the University of Georgia

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Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller Founder of Pamoja

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Pamoja 55th Anniversary October 24-26, 2025

Four Free Events Over Three Days Highlight Mental Health, Culture, and Community October 24–26, 2025 culminating with the World Premiere of documentary "Triumph Thru Tears" at the University of Georgia, Athens, GA.

ATHENS, Ga. - Californer -- Posted Courtesy of Wright Enterprises Community Spotlight San Francisco ~ Dallas

Pamoja Connections, Inc. proudly announces the 55th Anniversary Celebration of Pamoja, a historic student-founded movement that has empowered generations at the University of Georgia through cultural expression, creative arts, and mental health advocacy.

This free three-day weekend, October 24–26, 2025, honors the visionary leadership of Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller, the trailblazing UGA student whose faith, courage, and creativity in the early 1970s gave birth to five dynamic organizations—Pamoja Singers, Pamoja Dancers, Pamoja Drama and Arts, Pamoja Newspaper, and the Journalism Association of Minorities. Her groundbreaking work in 1970 established a legacy of cultural camaraderie, performance, and empowerment that continues to uplift students today.

"Pamoja means 'togetherness,'" said Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller, "and that spirit continues to guide us. To see classes developed, UGA instructors hired, and all students—not just one group—benefit from the movement that began more than five decades ago inspires me and Pamoja Connections to invest even more in the lives of our young people and those who support them."

EVENT SCHEDULE

Friday, October 24 | 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST
UGA Hunter Holmes Building, 2nd Floor, 101 Herty Dr., Athens, GA 30602
Event One: Student Luncheon & Author Talks
The celebration begins with UGA IAAS Fellowship & Pamoja Connections, Inc. hosting authors Dr. Ann Popwell and Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller, who will speak to students about mental health support and advocacy. A luncheon will follow, featuring complimentary books.

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Free event

Saturday, October 25 | 9:30 AM EST
UGA Bolton Dining Commons, 790 S. Lumpkin St., Athens, GA 30602
Event Two: Breakfast & Conversations
An informal gathering where UGA students, alumni, and friends will connect over breakfast and dialogue about Pamoja's enduring legacy. (A la carte food purchase; no reservation required.)

Saturday, October 25 | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EST
Ebenezer Baptist Church West, 205 N. Chase St., Athens, GA 30606
Event Three: Pamoja Groups Recognition & Fundraising Reception
A powerful evening of performances, recognition, and community fellowship.
Proceeds will benefit:

Pamoja Connections, Inc./Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller Scholarship
Reverend Dr. Winfred Hope Memorial Scholarship

Guests will enjoy awards, hors d'oeuvres, and cultural performances.
Free with reservation. CLICK HERE FOR FREE TICKETS
Donations & sponsorships encouraged. Sponsorship levels available, including the $55K+ Donor Circle with $1,000 tax-deductible investment. CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS.

Sunday, October 26 | 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM EST
UGA Memorial Hall, Victor K. Wilson Ballroom, 101 Sanford Dr., Athens, GA 30602
Event Four: Documentary Premiere Screening — "Triumph Thru Tears: The Power of Pamoja"

The weekend concludes with the world premiere of "Triumph Thru Tears: The Power of Pamoja at UGA," a moving documentary chronicling the life and leadership of Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller and the enduring impact of Pamoja's five organizations.

The film is directed by UGA Alumna Jackie Wright, based in San Francisco, CA, a graduate of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and the Henry W. Grady College of Journalism, former WNGC/WGAU news anchor/reporter, and inaugural WXAG radio announcer known as "Jae in the Afternoon" and former Sunday School Superintendent at Greater Bethel A.M.E Church in Athens.

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The "Triumph Thru Tears: The Power of Pamoja at UGA" production team includes:

Oz Roberts, UGA alum, AFLAC executive, videographer, 2025 Chairperson of the Liberty Theatre 100th Centennial, and longtime Miss Georgia Pageant Producer.
Christopher Field, Videographer, Editor, Columbus, Georgia.
Felicia Bryan Bessent, Editor and Music Director, UGA Graduate of the Hodgson School of Music and retired middle school principal based in Sacramento, CA.
Tracey Cotton Harris, Field Producer/Talent,WNGC-FM/WGAU-AM anchor/news reporter & former WSB-TV Producer
Nick Hayward & Tevon Knight, CV House, LLC: Documentary Trailer

FOR FREE TICKETS CLICK HERE.

PURPOSE OF PAMOJA CONNECTIONS, INC.

"Pamoja Connections, Inc. exists to ensure that Pastor Miller's vision continues to uplift students for generations," said Subrena Clark, UGA Alumna and President, Pamoja Connections Inc. Board of Directors. "We mentor and provide scholarship awards to University of Georgia students in the African American Choral Ensemble (AACE), Pamoja Dance Company, InfUSion Magazine, the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the Black Theatrical Ensemble (BTE founded by Larry Calhoun in 1975). We formalize the history of Pamoja and connect the then and the now, bridging the original organizations to today's creative and empowered students."

ABOUT PAMOJA CONNECTIONS, INC.

For 55 years, the Pamoja movement—founded by Pastor Nawanna Lewis Miller—has served as a powerful force of creativity, education, and healing at the University of Georgia. Through mentorship, performance, journalism, and scholarship, Pamoja Connections, Inc. continues to nurture the spirit of togetherness that has defined the organization's impact for generations.