Umuntu ngumuntu ngamantu. I am a person through other people. My humanity is tied to yours.

Zulu Proverb 

Ubuntu is a concept formally recognized by the 1996 South African Governmental White Paper on Welfare as, The principle of caring for each others well-being and a spirit of mutual support. Each individual's humanity is ideally expressed through his or her relationship with others and theirs in turn through recognition of the individual's humanity. Ubuntu means that people are people through other people. It also acknowledges both the rights and the responsibilities of every citizen in promoting individual and societal well-being. It is one of our most cherished founding stories, it represents a perspective on life that we all aspire to. We hope this shirt can act as a reminder and inspiration and strengthen our interconnectedness. For more on City Year's Founding Stories go here: