Empowering Uyghur Communities for Change
Join our mission to create a better world for Uyghur Communities and beyond.
Empowering Uyghur Communities for Change
Join our mission to create a better world for Uyghur Communities and beyond.
About Uyghur Cultural Center
Who Are Uyghurs?
The Uyghurs are a Turkic ethnic group originating from Central Asia, primarily residing in the East Turkistan (China calls it as “Xinjiang (new territory) Uyghur Autonomous Region”). They have their own distinct language, Uyghur, which is the root part of the Turkic language family, and they have a long history, with roots tracing back thousands of years. East Turkistan is situated in the heart of the Eurasian continent and farthest from any sea or ocean in the world. This unique geographic characteristic emphasizes East Turkistan’s location deep within the Asian continent, far from maritime influences. Despite its remoteness from the sea, East Turkistan serves as a cultural and economic hub for the surrounding areas in the history. East Turkistan borders with Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Tibet and China.
Picture on the left: The Kroren Beauty - Ancestors of the Uyghurs; Collections of Ancient Mummies found in the Tarim Basin [3].
The Campaign to Establish a Uyghur Cultural Center in the United States
The Uyghur Cultural Center (UCC) aims to preserve and promote Uyghur language, heritage, rich history, and unique cultural prospective through organizing cultural events, running Uyghur language school, and other educational activities. Additionally, UCC will serve to facilitate the development of local Uyghur community and promote the integration of the Uyghur communities to the multicultural society of the United States.
We are going to build a cultural center serving the Uyghur American communities in the United States. This center can be built with the joint efforts and support of all Uyghurs and friends in the United States. About 1,000 Uyghurs live in the Washington D.C. metro area. There are also a certain number of Uyghurs in other states of the United States. Therefore, the committee is calling on Uyghurs and their friends from all over the United States to support the construction of the center.
Our Mission
At Uyghur Cultural Center (UCC), our mission is to provide education and resources to support wellness in our community.
UCC aims to preserve and promote Uyghur language, heritage, rich history, and unique cultural prospective through organizing cultural events, running Uyghur language school, and other educational activities. Additionally, UCC will serve to facilitate the development of local Uyghur community and promote the integration of the Uyghur communities to the multicultural society of the United States. Periodically, UCC will hold cultural and educational seminars to help new arrivals adapting to the American Society. Furthermore, we are going to build a cultural center serving the Uyghur American communities in the United States.
Our Impact
Uyghur Community is a new community in the USA. Uyghurs were began to immigrate to the US in early 1990s. Today, there are Uyghurs in all states across the USA. However, most Uyghurs are living in the Washington D. C. Metropolitan area. Today, our members represent a wide range of industries — from law and finance, to medicine and academia, to the arts and media. The Uyghur Community-We are not outsiders and not just followers, but active contributors, shapers, and leaders in the United States.
Our Programs
UCC believes that cultural richness of the Uyghur American community have much to offer the United States and the world. These contributions are most impactful when the community is aligned and unified around common goals and purposes. To achieve its ambitious vision and mission, UCC adopted some priorities and initiative programs as: Build a Strong Community: Strengthen communication and collaboration among Uyghur Americans across sectors and regions, and improve relations with other ethnic and racial groups. Amplify Uyghur Voices: Strengthen the voice of the Uyghur people in the media and public policy arena and leverage their influence to shape important issues affecting Uyghur people and Uyghur community in the USA. Celebrate Our Identity: Strengthen Uyghur American ties across generations; educate the US public about Uyghur People and history, culture, and arts; and celebrate Uyghur American role models.
Empower Uyghur Cultural Center
Join us in empowering individuals and communities through your generous donation to Uyghur Cultural Center. Together, we can create positive change!
Join Uyghur Cultural Center in Making a Difference
The UCC is a non-profit organization with steadfast missions to promote and preserve Uyghur culture while advocating for the right of Uyghur people to use peaceful, democratic means in determining their own political future. The UCC serve as vital hubs for the Uyghur diaspora community in the United States.
Uyghur Cultural Center Project
Why We Need This Project
This project is being carried out by Uyghur American Cultural Center (UACC). Since it's establishment in 2007, the UACC has tirelessly worked to preserve and promote Uyghur cultural heritage while advocating for the Uyghur people's rights and their own political future. Especially since 2017, the systematic campaign of national, religious, cultural, and ethnic genocide orchestrated by the Chinese state against the Uyghur people has placed their culture, customs, language, and entire national existence in grave peril. In light of the atrocities unfolding in East Turkistan, the UACC's roles in providing supportive and culturally enriching spaces for the Uyghur diaspora in the United States are more crucial than ever.
Project Goal
The UACC's assessment reveals a growing Uyghur community in the United States, primarily centered in Northern Virginia. Therefore, it is imperative to secure a space and permanent facility that can accommodate the expanding community's diverse needs.
Timeline
Phase 1: This phase/step has been completed including registration on state, nonprofit status, bank account, online account settings and website construction.
Phase 2: Establishing Partnerships and Funding (Duration: 1-2 years).
1. Meeting with Local Government Officials: In the first month of this phase, the UACC will schedule meetings with local government officials to explore potential funding opportunities. This engagement will help in understanding the available resources and support.
2. Prepare for Fundraising: Simultaneously, the UACC will begin preparations for both online and offline fundraising campaigns. A multi-pronged approach will be adopted, encompassing social media, crowdfunding platforms, and local community events. This preparation will take around 1-2 years.
Phase 3: Property Acquisition and Program Planning (Duration: 4-6 months).
Property Location & Usages
The Project-the planning Uyghur Community Center will be strategically located in close proximity to Fairfax, VA, to cater to the majority of the Uyghur community residing in Northern Virginia. The future facility will be designed to host a wide array of Uyghur community events, educational programs, weddings, various personal gatherings, traditional Uyghur bazaars and religious practices.