CUMA was established to educate individuals about the urban music business and to provide a link between urban music industry professionals and those who desire to be a part of that industry. Founded in 1995 by graduate students Earnest Perry Jr. and James "June" McDowell, CUMA provides for students with an interest in urban music, internships and mentor opportunities. CUMA prides itself on creating a professional atmosphere that enables students at Columbia, as well as those who have a general interest in learning, how to get the proper know-how on what it takes to survive in the urban music industry. Past events have included our annual Urban Music Business Conference, many Urban Music Showcases and a variety of informational workshops and music critiquing sessions. What began as an organization of only five members has exploded into one the most popular student organizations on Columbia College's campus. CUMA's ultimate goal is to help in the definition of Chicago's place in the urban music industry. Chicago has a rich musical heritage and deserves the same respect received by other music capitals such as New York, Detroit, Los Angeles and most recently Atlanta. CUMA's diverse group of young, enterprising students at Columbia College Chicago are pioneering new opportunities to make their presence known in the Chicago music scene. This group of individuals' sole purpose is to educate and inform aspiring musicians, artists, and record executives about the music business in a networking environment inclusive of all aspects of the music industry.