OUR MISSION
The mission of West Orange African Heritage Organization (WOAHO), founded in 1999, is to build a strong community. WOAHO fosters relationships throughout the community that bridge cultural differences. The organization takes pride in celebrating and sharing with the larger community, the historical and cultural contributions of people of African descent.
WOAHO performs community service and encourages civic responsibility of West Orange citizens. Examples include voter registration efforts, hosting panel discussions for public office candidates, disseminating information to promote civic awareness, and advocating for diversity in appointments and hiring throughout the township. We also conduct annual drives to provide school supplies to benefit our local students, toys for children in need during the holiday season and food to support the West Orange Food Pantry.
WOAHO is dedicated to assuring academic achievement for all of our students in West Orange. We are widely known for our elementary school tutoring program and the Thomas W. Holcomb, Sr. Scholarship for outstanding college bound West Orange High School seniors. WOAHO also provides an annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) Program. We bring STEM professionals and high achieving high school students from diverse backgrounds into the Edison Middle School to inspire students to explore and excel in STEM courses as they enter junior high and high school.
WOAHO supports its members and community by providing networking, cultural, and family events. These include First Friday social and professional networking, Kwanzaa, An Afternoon of Jazz, Black History Month programs, and our Men Who Cook Scholarship fundraiser.
WOAHO contributes to the economic vitality of our community by encouraging the support of local businesses and businesses owned by persons of African descent. We do this through promoting awareness of their existence, spotlighting businesses at our events and encouraging people to consider their services when spending their consumer and business dollars.
WOAHO is a 501 (C) (3) organization. Any donation is tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.