President of Law School Mentoring Ujamaa Men

There is a new collaboration at Ujamaa Place and it involves the president and dean of Mitchell Hamline School of Law Mark Gordon.

He is personally mentoring two Ujamaa men regarding their decisions about education.

"We are just getting started. We're going to do a lot of great things involving the law students in our program and the men of Ujamaa Place," reports Gordon.

"The first thing we're going to do is initiate opportunities for the law students and Ujamaa men to get together and share experiences regarding education and barriers to educational growth," says Gordon.

"Secondly, we aim to have the law students and Ujamaa men have the chance to meet juveniles already in the detention system. The joint experiences will have great value for everyone," he continued. The program will require permission of the detention system.

"I love the idea of getting together to share information. We have so much to learn, so much to share," he went on.

"I have a passion for those caught up in difficult economic backgrounds and the challenges connected with education," he states. "We are going to form relationships, we are going to develop opportunities."

He continued, "I am driven to help students with their educational decisions. I was president of Defiance College in Ohio where 40 percent of the entering students were the first generation in their family to go to college. I know the barriers."

Gordon came to the Twin Cities last July to complete the combination of Mitchell and Hamline; once the combination occurred, he became President and Dean of Mitchell Hamline School of Law. Prior to this position, he was dean of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law; served as associate professor at Columbia University; worked in government under President Bill Clinton and New York Governor Mario Cuomo. He graduated magma cum laude from the Harvard Law School.

Otis Zanders, chief executive officer of Ujamaa Place commented on the new collaboration, "We are extremely excited and fortunate to be working with an educational leader dedicated to reclaiming the legal profession's role as a voice for the voiceless."

Save the Date: Transforming Men’s Lives Breakfast, Thursday October 13.

For more information please check out our website at www.ujamaaplace.org

(651) 528-8006 




1885 University Avenue, Suite 355 Saint Paul, MN 55104

Ujamaa residential manager has a passion for soccer

"Soccer is my passion," says Sam Owiredu, Ujamaa Place's new Site Manager at Kimball Court. Kimball Court is one of Ujamaa Place's housing options.

Owiredu grew up in Ghana West Africa, relocating to the United States in 1975. He plays soccer every Sunday against others much younger and says, "I love it and I can still compete quite well with others."

Owiredu has over 20 years of experience in the Minnesota correction system, serving at five different locations. He coached the girls soccer program at the Stillwater High School during his assignment at the Oak Park Heights facility.

"My style involves knowing everyone personally. It is very important to communicate effectively, be responsible and reliable. I listen to everyone's concerns," he says. "I absolutely believe in good communications."

His responsibilities at Kimball Court include security of the facility and the immediate area, being involved with community programs involving youth violence, unemployment, other concerns. Otis Zanders, Chief Executive Officer of Ujamaa Place, says, "We are pleased to note the addition of Sam Owiredu to our staff. He will play an important role for us."

Save the Date: Transforming Men’s Lives Breakfast, Thursday October 13.

For more information please check out our website at www.ujamaaplace.org

(651) 528-8006 



1885 University Avenue, Suite 355 Saint Paul, MN 55104

Making Me A Better Dad

I was tired of my old lifestyle. I have journeyed through both the Juvenile and Adult Criminal Justice System. That day, the day I brought Ujamaa into my life changed my family and me forever. 

That first day at Ujamaa, I looked around – really looked around and liked what I saw.  Young black men like me were talking and sharing – just like a family. My coach was incredible, kind but tough. I was proud that he recognized that I wanted to change and had a desire for a better lifestyle. He told me I would have to work hard but I could do it. He believed in me – nobody ever has. He told me that one-day I would be leading by example and really be the embodiment of what a great father looks and acts like.  

My transformation has not been easy – most times I felt like giving up but the coaches at Ujamaa keep inspiring me. I want my sons to be all that they can be in life. And I now know that in order for that to happen, I need to be a father they can count on – I need to be a good example. At Ujamaa I am furthering my education and training in the Construction Program so I can have a good and steady job. My family and I have a safe home subsidized by Ujamaa. I am trying hard to be a great father and husband for my family. 

I am proud to say that I am an Ujamaa Man. 

The Ujamaa Place Theory of Transformation Program is making a difference for Joe and his family. Over 400 men have participated in Ujamaa programming. These men are no longer homeless. They are becoming educated and trained for gainful employment. Families have been reunited. Your donation will allow Ujamaa to continue serving the men who come to us. Most have been involved in the criminal justice system but like Joe, they recognize that it is time for a change - a transformational change. 

Save the Date: Transforming Men’s Lives Breakfast, Thursday October 13.

For more information please check out our website at www.ujamaaplace.org
(651) 528-8006 

Ujamaa Place answers trauma calls at Regions Hospital

Troubled Black men come to Ujamaa.

However, often times Ujamaa Place goes to the man.  Such was the case recently. 

Dr. Tom Blee, a trauma surgeon at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, kept seeing case after case of gunshot or stabbing victims in his operating room. Dr. Blee realized many were individuals he saw on a regular basis with consistent violence wounds. He thought about how he could make a positive impact in the serious cycle of life and death violence and gang involvement.

Dr. Blee understood that the cycle of violence needs to be interrupted at this life-threatening moment for the patient, in the hospital. Thus, the framework of Regions LIFEteam was created.  Through the LIFEteam program, at-risk individuals are identified, and encouraged to participate in a “care attack” to begin a positive life transformation.

In a unique partnership, Ujamaa staff is summoned to Regions in a trauma situation to offer assistance, providing an opportunity to talk to the injured man and introduce him to the Ujamaa Program.  Other LIFEteam partners include Urban Ventures, Catholic Charities, YWCA of St. Paul, and Neighborhood House.

Recently, Ujamaa staff answered a LIFEteam call for assistance. A 24-year-old Black man from Chicago was stabbed several times by his girl friend and had been taken to Regions Hospital. The victim is the father of three children who rely on his presence. Ujamaa immediately responded to offer guidance and assistance to help formulate a path for this man to become a contributing member of his community and his family.

Ujamaa provides this man his opportunity for a second chance. 

This is what we do at Ujamaa, one man at a time. 

Save the Date: Transforming Men’s Lives Breakfast, Thursday October 13.

For more information please check out our
website at www.ujamaaplace.org

(651) 528-8006 
1885 University Avenue, Suite 355 
Saint Paul, MN 55104

6 Church choirs featured at Ujamaa Benefit Concert

Pastor James Erlandson and the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer sponsored and hosted a Ujamaa Place Choral Benefit Concert, Sunday, May 15.  The concert featured six choirs from the following churches:

• Camphor United Methodist
• Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
• Morningstar Baptist Church
• Pilgrim Lutheran Church
• Lutheran Church of the Resurrection
• St. Paul's United Church of Christ

Kenny Kelly, a Ujamaa Man, gave a passionate presentation about his journey during intermission.  It was received with great enthusiasm prior to a freewill offering totaling approximately $2,000.00.

The concert ended with a musical selection by the combined choirs.  There was interaction with the choral groups and attendees at the reception.  “It was a beautiful event filled with love for Ujamaa.  When you get a moment, please send a note to Pastor Erlandson,” said Otis Zanders, chief executive officer of Ujamaa Place.  “His contact information is jameserlandson@msn.com  Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 285 North Dale Street, St. Paul.  55104.”

Save the Date: Transforming Men’s Lives Breakfast, Thursday October 13.

For more information please check out our website at www.ujamaaplace.orgwww.ujamaaplace.org

(651) 528-8006 


1885 University Avenue, Suite 355 Saint Paul, MN 55104

Ujamaa Man of Month of May, DeMarcus Jones

DeMarcus joined Ujamaa Place in August 2015, but “officially” joined in January 2016 and has been dedicated to transforming his life. Coach Jamil describes DeMarcus  extremely consistent and positive presence at Ujamaa Place. He attends academic classes regularly and often assists other students if they need help. DeMarcus is helpful with any tasks the Ujamaa staff need completed including cleaning and setting up classrooms.  DeMarcus is a two-time chess tournament champion and has also tutored others in learning the game. DeMarcus is a commited and active leadership example.

According to coach Richard, DeMarcus has been a Ujamaa man since day 1. He has been attentive in classes, always willing to learn something new, volunteering for any projects we have at UP, as well as helping our Community Partners (Alfreda Flowers - Back to School Event) by supplying kids with backpacks and school supplies. DeMarcus has recently stabilized his housing by being approved and moving into his own place at Kimball Court Apartment Building - and found a job as a sandwich specialist at Jimmy John's (all in the same week). DeMarcus is a true example of what change is - He has been patient yet never wavering in his programming and because of that, DeMarcus will continue to reap the rewards of walking in the flow of his Ujamaa Journey, says Richard.

He has worked very hard to make it to his appointments and to stay on top of his health, says Hafia. He has shown great responsibility and commitment to staying healthy and well, and has started to make healthier life choices in his life. “When I see him these days, he looks healthier, has a more positive attitude and outlook towards life, and continues to assert himself in a very positive way,” says Hafia

Coach Lou is DeMarcus’ primary coach and says DeMarcus had demonstrated his value as an Ujamaa man by showing up every day, ready to work hard and take on new challenges in his life. He has successfully completed some of the major goals he has for his life, including gaining employment at US Bank Stadium and other job opportunities. Lou describes DeMarcus as a hard worker who always helps staff and other participants when they need it, and says DeMarcus had realized his potential is greater than his risks and has picked up the tools he needs to begin working to become successful in his life.

“We are all very proud of DeMarcus and the work he is doing,” says Coach Richard.  “Through his commitment to transformation and the support he gives to the Ujamaa Family, he has earned recognition as the May Ujamaa Man of the Month. Keep up the outstanding work!” closed Coach Richard.

Save the Date: Transforming Men’s Lives Breakfast, Thursday October 13.

For more information please check out our website at www.ujamaaplace.org

(651) 528-8006 

1885 University Avenue, Suite 355 Saint Paul, MN 55104