Ubuntu Gala 2026: Rhythms of Hope

Presented by Sawa Sawa Collective

Join us for an unforgettable evening of music, storytelling, culture, faith, and community at the 2026 Ubuntu Gala: Rhythms of Hope.

Ubuntu is an African philosophy meaning “I am because we are.” It reminds us that our lives are connected—and that when one person is welcomed, supported, and given the opportunity to thrive, our entire community becomes stronger.

This year, we invite you to experience Ubuntu in a whole new way.

🎭 Rhythms of Hope: An Original Musical Presentation

At the heart of this year's Gala will be a special musical presentation sharing the hopes, dreams, struggles, faith, and journeys of African refugees who now call our community home.

Through storytelling, song, and live performance, you'll experience stories of leaving home, beginning again, finding community, and holding onto hope through seasons of uncertainty and change.

Music has a remarkable ability to transcend language and bring people together. For many of the individuals and families Sawa Sawa serves, music is also deeply connected to faith, celebration, family, culture, and worship. Rhythms of Hopewill bring those elements together to tell a story that is both deeply personal and beautifully universal—a story about the dreams we carry and the hope that keeps us moving forward.

🛍️ Explore the African Market

Come early and experience our African Market, open before the Gala program begins.

Meet local African vendors and entrepreneurs, browse unique products and goods, and experience more of the creativity, culture, and talent represented within our community.

The market is an opportunity to do more than shop—it's a chance to connect, discover, and support members of our local African community before we gather around the table for the evening.

🍽️ Authentic African Cuisine

Gather around the table for a meal featuring traditional African dishes prepared by members of our local refugee community.

Food has always been one of the ways we welcome one another, share our cultures, and build relationships. The Ubuntu Gala gives guests the opportunity to experience that hospitality firsthand.

💛 A Night With Purpose

Throughout the evening, you'll discover how Sawa Sawa Collective walks alongside refugees as they build new lives in Northeast Wisconsin—connecting individuals and families with relationships, resources, practical support, and a community where they can belong and thrive.

Your participation in the Ubuntu Gala directly supports this work.

Whether you've been part of the Sawa Sawa community for years or are experiencing our mission for the first time, we invite you to join us for an evening filled with joy, music, culture, connection, and hope.

Because our stories may begin in different places, but our hopes often share the same rhythm.

Ubuntu Gala 2026: Rhythms of Hope
Faith • Community • Purpose • Impact