The UNIA Stands Alone: No Other Organization Is Doing This: HEC Conference

by Everett M. Winchester | Apr 13, 2026 | News & Blog

The Universal Negro Improvement Association continues to prove why it remains second to none when it comes to organization, structure, and real commitment to the advancement of our people.

From April 16–19 in Philadelphia, the High Executive Council (HEC) Conference will bring together the top-ranked leadership of the UNIA to do what most organizations only talk about—plan, build, and execute at the highest level.

This is not just another meeting.

The HEC Conference is where the direction of the organization is set. It is where leadership comes together to review proposals, address concerns, and prepare the agenda for the upcoming 68th International Convention in Baltimore (August 19–23, 2026).

This is structure. This is discipline. This is organization in action.

Throughout the conference, there will be:

• HEC Officer Reports
• U.S. Division Reports
• International Division Reports
• Proposals and Items of Concern

Specialized bodies of the organization will also convene, including:

• The Universal African Legion
• The Black Cross Nurses

In addition, there will be a dedicated UNIA Economic Development Meeting, focusing on real strategies for building and sustaining Black economic power.

The UNIA does not just talk about leadership—it develops it.

As part of the conference, members who have completed Orientation and Leadership Training courses will be recognized with awards, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to discipline, education, and preparation.

Because leadership is not claimed—it is trained.

Each evening, the UNIA will host community events, giving the public an opportunity to hear directly from the leadership and understand the work being done.

And on Saturday night, a powerful Mass Meeting will bring together members and the community in a display of unity, purpose, and direction.

While many organizations struggle with unity, direction, and execution, the UNIA continues to demonstrate what real organization looks like.

This is not about talk.
This is about structure.
This is about building for our people.

As the UNIA prepares for its 68th International Convention in Baltimore, one thing is clear:

No other organization is doing this at this level.

The High Executive Council Conference is more than an internal gathering—it is a statement.

A statement that the work continues.
A statement that leadership is active.
A statement that the UNIA remains committed to the advancement of our people worldwide.

— Everett Winchester
UNIA Baltimore Division 106

Why the UNIA 2026 Convention Is Critical for Baltimore

by Everett M. Winchester | Apr 8, 2026 | News & Blog

This Isn’t Just an Event—It’s a Turning Point

Baltimore is at a crossroads.

We are a city rich in history, culture, and Black leadership—yet we are also facing serious challenges. From struggling schools to economic inequality, from violence to disconnection in our communities, the reality is clear:

We don’t need more talk. We need organized action.

That’s why the UNIA 2026 International Convention in Baltimore is not just important—it’s necessary.

Baltimore Needs Structure, Not Just Passion

Baltimore has passion. We have voices. We have talent.

But what we often lack is structure, coordination, and unified direction.

The Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) brings exactly that.

Founded by Marcus Garvey, the UNIA has always stood on one mission:

To organize Black people globally for self-reliance, economic power, and nationhood.

This convention brings that mission directly into Baltimore—with real strategy, real leadership, and real solutions.

A Rare Moment: Hearing From the Living Leadership of the Movement

One of the most powerful aspects of this convention is this:

Baltimore will have the opportunity to hear directly from the current President General of the UNIA— Michael Duncan.

As the 11th President General and direct successor in the lineage of Marcus Garvey, this is not just another speaker.

This is living leadership tied directly to one of the greatest movements our people have ever built.

And that matters.

Because too many times, our communities only hear:

1. Politicians with no real solutions
2. Influencers with no structure
3. Voices that divide instead of unify

But this is different.

This is a chance for Baltimore to:

1. Hear clear direction rooted in Garvey’s vision
2. Understand what organized Black power actually looks like
3. Witness leadership that is about nation-building, not clout

Moments like this don’t come often.

And when they do, cities either rise to meet them—or miss them.

A Global Movement Landing in Our City

The UNIA convention is not local—it’s international.

People from across the country and around the world will gather in Baltimore. That means:

1. Global connections
2. Economic opportunities
3. Cultural exchange
4. Strategic planning for the future of Black people

Baltimore becomes the center of Black thought, leadership, and action during this time.

Economic Impact for Black Baltimore

This convention isn’t just about speeches—it’s about circulating Black dollars.

When people come into Baltimore:

1. They support local businesses
2. They invest in community spaces
3. They build relationships that last beyond the event

This is how we create real economic power—not temporary moments.

Reclaiming Baltimore’s Historical Role

Baltimore has always been a key city in the Garvey movement.

This convention reconnects us to that legacy—and pushes it forward.

It tells the world:

Baltimore is not broken. Baltimore is organizing.

Leadership, Training, and Real Strategy

This convention provides what most events don’t:

Training. Discipline. Direction.

Attendees will gain:

1. Leadership development
2. Organizational structure
3. Media strategy
4. Economic frameworks

This is how movements grow—not just through emotion, but execution.

The Youth Must See This

Baltimore’s youth are watching.

And what they see shapes what they become.

At this convention, they will see:

1. Order
2. Pride
3. Structure
4. Leadership

They will see Black people organized and serious about building something real.

That exposure can shift an entire generation.

Final Word: This Is Our Moment

Baltimore doesn’t need another conversation.

We need transformation.

The UNIA 2026 Convention—and the presence of its highest leadership—represents that opportunity.

To hear. To learn. To organize. To build.

Call to Action

Be in the room.

Hear the message.

Witness the leadership.

Baltimore—this is bigger than an event. This is a moment.

Baltimore UNIA

UNIA ain’t history… it’s POWER. And we just getting started.

—Everett Winchester | UNIA 106

WELLNESS FROM THE UNIA BLACK CROSS NURSES PERSPECTIVE

by Everett M. Winchester | Jun 18, 2025 | News & Blog

by Kaishten Blake, UNIA Phila Division 121 Lady President

Peace, Love and Light to all the Gods and Goddesses of the African Diaspora who read this passage! I am Kaishten Blake, UNIA-ACL Philadelphia Division 121 Lady President and Executive Secretary. As your Lady President, I have been humbly charged with the mission of Organizing & Facilitating the Overall Wellness of the African communities in Philadelphia, including the complete Health, Wellness and Education of our families. Since 2009, I have provided profound changes in Early Childhood Education through land-based, African centered, STEM focused and Literacy dense schooling through my traveling homeschool hub Creation Station Learning Academy. Since 2014, I have been heavily focused on the divine calling of providing Holistic Wellness Services & Products for the mind, body and soul through VitaminKai. 

This quarter, I elect to reach and teach our families from the Desk of the VitaminKai Village, as one of the UNIA-ACL Universal African Black Cross Nurses’ very own Holistic Wellness Practitioners & Consultants.

One of the most important energy light sources and of course heavily used ingredients in the products at VitaminKai (by default), is Chlorophyll. Chlorophyll has been called the “green blood of plants” because of its similar structure to hemoglobin. Chlorophyll is used by plants to convert sunlight into energy and contains many healthy nutrients, including antioxidants that can scavenge free- radicals within your bloodstream. According to the book “Chlorella”, some studies have found that chlorophyll-rich foods, such as chlorella, spirulina and alfalfa, can decrease radiation toxicity. Chlorella, in particular, has the ability to neutralize radiation and mercury related conditions in the body and to remove poisonous substances, including cadmium, dioxins and PCBs. Chlorella can also detoxify uranium, lead and copper. Other foods rich in chlorophyll include leafy greens, celery, parsley, bean sprouts and wheatgrass. All green herbs, produce and edible plants contain Chlorophyll in some capacity.

Within the VitaminKai Village community, many clients have discussed the habits of processed or fast foods, the lack of produce on their food palette, the challenges of healthy eating for children, and many other Wellness concerns regarding the topic of adding more green to our guts and how to transition to healthier choices, easily. And we have the answers!!

Chlorophyll is added to our VitaminKai Ginger Green Tea to supply an additional nutrient boost, while cleansing, reviving and repairing the cells. Because most of the meals on our menu are plant based, chlorophyll rich foods are plenty. For even more chlorophyll intake, try adding a teaspoon of chlorophyll to 20oz of Water. I like to add a drop of peppermint essential oil for flavor and a menthol effect to clear the respiratory tract, when needed. Since the diet of the African should be primarily plant based…you almost can’t get enough! So indulge, intentionally. Speak healing words into the foods and beverages we consume for the purpose of creating a wholesome space for our physical vessel, our body and temple!

From the Office of the Lady President and Superintendent of Black Cross Nurse, Philadelphia Division..I hope this information was helpful to your healing journey and I look forward to continuous connections in the future!

Race First!

Kaishten Blake, UNIA Phila Division 121 Lady President