In this commentary, a National Writing Project site director and two teachers reflect on the philosophy of ubuntu as it helped them redesign a writing community between teachers and students in Connecticut. With the guidance of writing activity genre research, the authors discuss the creation of Young Adult Literacy Labs, including Ubuntu Academy, a two-week literacy program for immigrant and refugee youth. In the work, young people participating in a number of literacy labs work alongside teachers in a summer institute for teaching writing. The redesign has fostered many relationships with community organizations and inspired numerous collaborations throughout the school year.