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

80% of those entering prison in 2015 violated parole

Four out of five people (80%) entering Minnesota's correctional system in 2015 did so through parole revocation. A total of 6,600 out of 8,000 returned to prison because of a parole violation.

"I believe it is time for the Department of Corrections to re-visit the conditions of release in Minnesota," says Otis Zanders, president and CEO of Ujamaa Place in Saint Paul.

The high rate of those returning to prison often involves being unable to find employment, missing parole meetings, inability to secure housing, or other aspects after serving their terms in the correctional system.

"We need to prepare local communities for men coming out of the correctional system," says Zanders. "They have put in their time, they deserve a second chance, but they face serious hurdles trying to find a position in a difficult economic climate."

Ujamaa Place and Better Futures have formed a collaboration of individuals from the Minnesota Justice and correctional systems to address the revocation process. The Saint Paul Foundation has written a grant to assist in the process. The immediate goal is to reduce the number of revocations in Ramsey County by 10 percent.

"We need to re-visit the arrest records, study the demographics of African American men in corrections, and ultimately make changes to the process," continues Zanders. "We need to help those who struggle with these problems."

Zanders praised the effort and example of Judge George T. Stephenson, judge of district court in Ramsey County, who meets bi-weekly with paroles in his court. It is called the "Men's Group." He's been doing it over ten years, trying to help those find a way through the system.

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

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Nello Zanders knew education was the path off a life on a plantation

George Washington and Abraham Lincoln, the first and 16th presidents of the United States, agreed on a very important aspect of their lives and careers. Both men openly credited their mothers for moulding the characteristics of their individual talents and abilities. Lincoln said everything he had become was because of his mother.

Sunday, May 8th is Mother's Day.

The President and CEO of Ujamaa Place Otis Zanders shared a few minutes to talk about his mother "Nello" Zanders.

The Zanders family, four boys and a girl, lost their father when Otis was two years of age. They lived in Mississippi on a plantation as sharecroppers. His mother was the first generation out of slavery.

"My mother was my role model, me hero, my constant voice of encouragement, she empowered me, she knew without question a lack of education was a giant barrier. She recognized education was the pathway and she never allowed us to stray away from the goal of academic achievement.

"She pushed us very hard in high school and college was not an option. I had to go. "She was an excellent cook, and I miss her pinto beans, sweet potatoes and greens. "She was a voice for racial justice in our town, a community organizer, she spoke out and had meetings in our home. She wasn't shy about speaking out. "She wanted me to come home after college and run for the office of mayor. "Nello died in 1996.

"I wouldn't be what I am today without my mother," Otis explains.

He says Happy Mothers Day to all mothers.

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

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

UJAMAA CEO HONORED

Ujamaa CEO honored by University of St. Thomas

UjamaaPlace President and Chief Executive Officer Otis Zanders the recipient of the 2015-16 Community Partner Outstanding Community Engagement Award at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul.

Zanders’ selection was announced by Camille George, Ph.D., Associate Vice Provost for Global and Local Engagement at St. Thomas.

Nominations for the award highlight the valuable “common good” commitments and collaborative contributions made by St. Thomas undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and partners in the broader community.

“We recognize not only your commitment and collaborative contributions, but the humility and compassion you bring to your work and learning,” commented George.

Zanders was nominated for the award by St. Thomas graduate student, Monica Yaa Habia.

The Ujamaa Place leader and other recipients of honor were recognized at a GALE Reception on Monday, May 2, at St. Thomas.

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

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