Spotlight: Ujamaa Place

One of the most unfortunate tragedies in America today is the mass incarceration of young African American men who might otherwise be active fathers, breadwinners and citizens. In Minnesota, African American men are 23 times more likely to go to prison than white men, and those without a high school diploma are particularly vulnerable, according to a report from the Center for Labor Market Studies at Northeastern University.

Once someone has been to prison, of course, employment options dwindle and, without a support network, the likelihood of recidivism is high. It's a hard-to-break cycle, even for those who want to change. One local organization that's helping is Ujamaa Place, a three-year-old nonprofit dedicated to giving previously incarcerated African American men ages 18 to 30 the support they need. "'Transformation' is the word we use," says Ujamaa CEO Otis Zanders, who spent 34 years working with the Minnesota Department of Corrections. "Our goal is to transform these young men's lives and empower them to take their lives back."

Once accepted, each candidate is assigned an individual life coach (another African American male) and must start studying to finish his GED if he doesn't have a high school diploma. Over a period of four to eight months, the program — through classes, workshops and mentoring — helps these young men reconnect with their families, get jobs and ultimately transition back into society. The practical training is essential, says Zanders, but the most important thing Ujamaa's program does is re-establish participants' trust — in other people, society and themselves. "Trust is important because these young men see themselves as being discarded by society. They have an 'us vs. them' mentality, and we have to change that."

At a glance: Ujamaa means "extended family" in Swahili. Those who succeed in the program are encouraged to help others get through it, creating an ever-expanding network of role models and support. Ujamaa's services are free to its participants. Learn more at ujamaaplace.org or make a donation at GiveMN.org.

Tad Simons, MNSights Magazine, a publication of Minnesota Philanthropy Partners. Learn more about this featured nonprofit by watching the MN Partners Nonprofits to Know video.