Ujamaa Place: A Black Man's Sketch

Wes, Sensae, Titus, Robert, and Raphael pay tribute to the fathers and father figures in their lives in this commemorative Father's Day episode.

In this bonus Mother's Day episode, co-hosts Raphael, Robert, and Sensae, joined by Miracle, a young man interested in joining Ujamaa Place for its umoja (Swahili word for unity), pay tribute to the most influential women in their lives.

Hosts Wes, Julio, and Sensae discuss the importance of mind and body wellness with guest, Julies Yancey, Wellness + Training Coach at Ujamaa Place.

A feel-good sketch on life, music, society, and culture for young men of color in the Twin Cities by Ujamaa Men Wesley,  Julio, Titus, Sensae and Raphael.

Brother Ra and Manny are in OMG Studio B having a conversation with ABMS Producer Monique Linder about what it meant to take part in the studios grand opening celebration and to be recording A Black Man's Sketch in a professional podcast studio.  

Ujamaa Men are joined by Board Secretary, Associate Chief IP Counsel at 3M, Eric Levinson, for an impromptu conversation on corporate social responsibility, from the organization's night-out at Can Can Wonderland (Nov. 30, 2023).      

Joe C. shares about his transformative experience going to Ghana and South Africa with the Ujamaa Place delegation on the Truth & Reckoning Tour from October 6 - 21, 2023.  About Ujamaa Place Ujamaa Place provides holistic transformation opportunities for young Black men experiencing inequity at the intersection of race and poverty and helps them achieve brotherhood, stability and personal success. Learn more at: ujamaaplace.org

Ujamaa Men Antino, Wes, Joe, Ky, Maurice and Monique (ABMS Producer) are joined in-studio by singer/songwriter/producer + co-founder of the Minneapolis Sound, Andre Cymone, for an inspiring conversation on a successful music career that is equal parts social activism. To learn more about Ujamaa Place, go to: https://ujamaaplace.org/ An OMG Studios production. 2023

In this bonus wrap-up episode, Antino, J. Cole and Wes look back at their favorite moments from Season 3.   Learn more about Ujamaa Place at: https://ujamaaplace.org Listen to A Black Man's Sketch everywhere you listen to podcasts. Executive Producer: Monique Linder | Produced by: OMG Studios

New CEO Chris Crutchfield joins hosts J. Cole, Antino, Wes and Maurice to discuss his vision for the organization and his dream that the next CEO be a Ujamaa Man.  Learn more about Ujamaa Place at: https://ujamaaplace.org Listen to A Black Man's Sketch everywhere you listen to podcasts. Executive Producer: Monique Linder | Produced by: OMG Studios

Underground vs. mainstream music? Ujamaa Men J. Cole, Maurice, Antino, Kylan and Wes weigh the pros and cons of a $20+ billion industry, in which artists in record numbers are choosing not to go the major label route in order to retain creative control. About Ujamaa Place Ujamaa Place provides holistic transformation opportunities for young Black men experiencing inequity at the intersection of race and poverty and helps them achieve brotherhood, stability and personal success. A Black Man's Sketch is a social enterprise under the Ujamaa Place Theory of Transformation Employment training and development program.  The men earn an above living and sustainable wage while learning valuable skills in media training courses.  The classes are taught by Monique Linder of OMG Media Solutions. The program is funded in part by @SharedInfluence.  Learn more at: ujamaaplace.org An OMG Studios production.

Ujamaa Men Bryant, Antino, Wes, Kylan, and Joe share their personal experiences with the education system in various cities across the US, and discuss ways to improve outcomes for Black students.  A Black Man's Sketch is available everywhere you listen to podcasts. Executive Producer: Monique Linder, OMG Studios Learn more about Ujamaa Place: https://ujamaaplace.org/    

Ujamaa Men Bryant, Antino, Kylan, Wes and Maurice deconstruct post traumatic slave syndrome and discuss ways to move beyond it.    Listen to A Black Man's Sketch everywhere you listen to podcasts.  Learn more about Ujamaa Place at: https://ujamaaplace.org/.  

A Black Man's Sketch Season 3, Episode 3: “FATHERHOOD” Ujamaa Place brothers Bryant, Maurice, Kaylan, Antino, Julio and Wes discuss “Fatherhood” with Guy Bowling, Senior Manager of THE FATHER Project About Guy Bowling Guy Bowling is the Senior Manager of the FATHER Project, a program of Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota. In that role, he has overseen the successful implementation of 3 federally funded grants. Including a five-year $2.5 million annual grant project in 2012 funded through the federal Department of Health and Human Services, through the Office of Family Assistance (OFA). His specific area of focus is working with low-income, non-custodial, never married fathers and their families in culturally specific, multi-racial, multi-ethnic and rural communities. He received his B.A in Individualized Studies from Metro State University. He received his Master of Public Affairs degree (MPA) at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs. He received the Outstanding Individual of the Year Award at the 2014 Minnesota Fathers and Families Network Annual Conference. Born in Chicago, Illinois Guy grew up in North Minneapolis, MN where he annually hosts the Festival of Fathers & Families event, the largest fatherhood convening's statewide focused on building relationships, co-parenting, connecting, celebrating fatherhood and providing resources for Fathers, Men, Boys and Families. He was selected as a 2020 Bush Fellow through the Bush Foundation Fellowship Program. For more information about the Father Project, go to: https://www.goodwilleasterseals.org/services/family-stability/father This episode is dedicated to all Ujamaa Men who strive to be a good father and put in the work to connect with their family under the connect with family Theory of Transformation program requirement.

A Black Man's Sketch podcast is brought you in part by Shared Influence. Season 3, Episode 2: “COMMUNITY HARM REDUCTION” Ujamaa Place brothers Bryant, Maurice, Kaylan, Antino, Julio and Wes discuss ways to reduce drugs and violence in all forms plaguing the community.  They also share what Black History Month means to them. This episode is dedicated to the loving memory of all our Ujamaa brothers lost to violence.  Rest in power. Music credits: “On A Mission” by Ujamaa Music Group “Young, Gift and Black” by Nina Simone performed by Thomasina Petrus Listen everywhere you get your podcasts!!!  

Recorded in 2018, A Minute In Black History was produced to honor Black History leaders, voiced by leaders in the community. This year's Commemorate Black History & Culture theme of cultivating the BELOVED COMMUNITY is supported by Ujamaa Place, Saint Paul Public Library, MN Humanities Center and Public Art Saint, in partnership with The City of Saint Paul, MN Arts Council, Young Rembrandts and produced by OMG Studios. For more information, go to: https://ujamaaplace.org/commemorate-black-history-culture/ Community Leaders: Monique Linder, Booker T. Washington (founder/CEO OMG Media Solutions) Otis Zanders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (former CEO of Ujamaa Place) Dr. Charles Morgan, Emmit Till (former CEO of Union Gospel Mission) Bukola Oriola, Frederick Douglass (Entrepreneur/Talent) Kaseem Abdul, Mass Incarceration (CEO at Abdur Razzaq Counseling) Johnny Allen, Jr., Poor People's Campaign (owner Johnny Knuckles, Inc.)        

A Black Man's Sketch Season 3, Episode 1 “ADDICTION” with special guest Rashad Hameed, Ujamaa Place Wellness Coach Guest Bio: Rashad is a native of Harlem, New York and a recovering addict in long term sobriety. He has served the Twin Cities and surrounding areas for more than 30 years through his work as a Licensed Alcohol & Drug Counselor (LADC) and Manager in a culturally based treatment organization (African-American Family Services) and as a Supervisor in Adult and Juvenile Probation in Dakota and Ramsey counties respectively. Rashad holds a BA and a Master's Degree in Organizational Management & Communications from Concordia University. Through the lens of his work, Rashad brings a culturally specific perspective and a clarity of vision, empowering clients to reach needed milestones for their personal growth and development. Rashad is passionate about social justice and repairing the harm that institutional and systemic racism has created in the community he serves.” If you have a question or a topic that you would like us to cover, please contact us at: ABMS@ujamaaplace.org Ujamaa Place is partnering with @SharedInfluence to spread the word about how harm reduction programs can keep communities healthy.   

A Black Man's Sketch Season 2, Episode 9 Reflections on Otis Zanders' Retirement with Commissioner of Public Safety John Harrington About Commissioner John Harrington John Harrington was appointed commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety by Gov. Tim Walz in January 2019. Prior to his appointment, Harrington served as the Metro Transit Chief of Police for the Twin Cities area, overseeing significant growth of the agency and increasing diversity of the department from 5 to 50 percent. In 1977, Harrington began at the St. Paul Police Department as a patrol officer, working his way up the chain of command. He was selected chief of police in 2004 and served in that role until 2010. As chief, he addressed some of St. Paul's most difficult problems. This resulted in numerous successes, including the development of innovative programs that have greatly reduced domestic violence and gang involvement. Harrington served as a Minnesota state senator from the east side of St. Paul from 2010 to 2012. Harrington has been on the faculty at Metropolitan State University, Saint Mary's University, and the University of St. Thomas​, where he has taught Leadership, Demographics, Community Oriented Policing, and Gangs. Harrington is a founding member of the Asian-American and black police officer associations. He helped launch and currently chairs the board at Ujamaa Place, a non-profit agency that works with African-American men to transition them out of prison and gangs to become productive community members. Harrington was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He received his bachelor's degree from Dartmouth University and master's degree from the University of St. Thomas. He is the father of five adult children and has 16 grandchildren, and currently resides in the Twin Cities. About Otis Zanders Otis Zanders retired from his role as CEO of Ujamaa Place on September 30, 2022.  Otis Zanders was raised during the Jim Crow era in Mississippi. He was the first in his family to graduate high school. His mother insisted he attend college, to which he obliged and was awarded an academic scholarship to Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, MN.  Zanders credits his mother who instilled a value system based on his African ancestry of love, strength, determination and courage to fight for the most marginalized populations in society.  Zanders' internship with the Minnesota Department of Corrections during his final semester at Gustavus Adolphus College in January 1977, ignited his passion to serve his community by getting proximate to men involved in the criminal justice system and helping to transform their lives.  During his nearly 35-year career with the Department of Corrections, Zanders served at various locations around Minnesota and retired as warden of the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Red Wing, MN at the end of 2011.In 2012, Zanders decided he was not quite ready to give up service altogether and accepted the role as President/CEO of Ujamaa Place. 

Guest Bio: A Senior Grassroots Coordinator for Sphere, Senior Consultant to Alabama Power Company, and Founder/CEO of The Southern Youth Leadership Development Institute, Doris Dozier Crenshaw has over 60 years of community activist experience.  In 1955, at the age of 12, Doris served as vice president of the NAACP Youth Council, when Mrs. Rosa Parks was advisor to the Youth Council. After completing her degree at Clark College, she continued her community outreach in Chicago with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the Open Housing Campaign.  Doris began her professional career as Southern Field Representative for the National Council of Negro Women organizing chapters, designing rural economic programs (credit unions, quilting bees, grocery stores and pig banks), and health and housing programs.  In 1977, Doris joined the Carter White House Domestic Policy staff for the Small and Minority Business Issue Division, then moved on to serve as Deputy Director for the 1980 South East Region Carter Presidential Campaign. In the early 1980s, she was Special Assistant to Rev. Jesse Jackson and also served as his Mobilization Director for his Special Projects. In this capacity, Mrs. Crenshaw worked extensively in Washington, DC and nationwide with black businesses for the PUSH Trade Bureau. Doris then served as consultant to Vice President Walter Mondale and was later named National Political Director for the ‘Mondale for President Campaign' in 1983.  In 1985, Doris was asked by Mrs. Coretta Scott King to serve as Director of Mobilization for the First National holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The holiday was officially celebrated in January 1986. Doris was then asked by Mrs. Dorothy Height to serve as the Director of the Mobilization for the First National Black Family Reunion, which was attended by more than 600,000 people, and then served as Director of Mobilization of the Black Family Reunion in Atlanta, Los Angeles and Detroit.  In 2008, Doris Crenshaw founded the Southern Youth Leadership Development Institute, SYLDI. SYLDI was created to address educational policy issues affecting our community. The organization has a national board of directors consisting of corporate, business, educational and government leaders that serve to engender interactive involvement and sponsorship. The National Board Members assist in identifying resources to promote program excellence and sustainability.  Over the years, Mrs. Crenshaw has been recognized and awarded various accolades from organizations around the country, such as, the Montgomery Improvement Association's “Spirit of Humanity” Award (2005); the B. A. King “Appreciation Award” (2007); CEO Network's “Cee Global Award of Ethics and Excellence Award (2007); the Perennial Strategy Group's “Civil Rights Icon Award” (2008); the “Dr. Dorothy I. Height Award for Leadership” Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc (2011); “the Legacy Leadership Award for Humanity” Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. (2012); and “the Alabama Shining Star Award” from Congresswoman Terry Sewell (2012); her most recent honor was to have life works read into the 2015 United States Congressional Record.  Mrs. Crenshaw is a life time member of the NAACP and a life time member of the National Council of Negro Women. She is also a member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, First United Church of Christ and serves as an Advisor to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Non-violent Social Change.  The accomplishment that she is most proud of is her daughter, Dr. Kwanza (Mikki) Crenshaw. 

A Black Man's Sketch Season 2, Episode 7: Meet Interim CEO Michael Belton Guest Bio Belton has been a tireless advocate for the total elimination of racial and ethnic disparities and disproportions in Minnesota's justice systems. He has encouraged focused-attention on creating culturally-rooted responses to youth of color, especially African American males. Learn more about Ujamaa Place at: https://ujamaaplace.org.      

Ujamaa Place traveled to the deep South on its second annual Ujamaanomics Civil Rights Research Experience, confronting the history of slavery in America and the disparities that remain in place today.   UCRRE 2022 explored “The Economics of Slavery and Lynching,” and how this history systemically perpetuates poverty and connects us to the present-day lynchings of George Floyd and Philando Castile, while navigating an economic system built on inequality that continues its linkage to the Transatlantic slave trade. Ujamaa Men Mayo, Bryant and Royce host this episode honoring Otis Zanders at a special retirement luncheon at Equal Justice Initiative's Legacy Room in Montgomery, AL joined by a live audience.  

Zen Priest, Ujamaa Place board member Judith Ragir wrote a book titled “Untangling Karma," where she wrote about traveling to Africa with Ujamaa Place in 2017. Judith tells the story of Melissa and the black women that raised her, where she found her connection with Black culture and where she found love, soul and acceptance.  Her book pays tribute to the women who raised her in a beautiful way.    

Ujamaa Man Cyrus speaks openly about the pain, suffering, hope and determination during his transformation journey from Wisconsin to Minnesota  and what it means to be the first in his family to get a 4-year degree in Communications from Augsburg College.  Listen to more episodes at: https://ujamaaplace.org/abms-podcast/ and get involved in transforming the lives of the most marginalized population in society.

Kavon takes us through his journey of transformation that started in 2019, from homeless and connected to the criminal justice system and his determination to turn his life around motivated by his love for his children and himself. Kavon discovered self love embracing the programs, coaches and love poured into him at Ujamaa Place.  Kavon was recently promoted to management with his current employer PepsiCo.

A celebration of African American history, music, art and literature, featuring a special tribute to George Floyd and Philando Castile by Ta-coumba T. Aiken and Seitu Jones. Juneteenth Commemoration 2022 is in partnership with The City of St. Paul, Saint Paul Public Library, MN Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, Ujamaa Place and OMG Studios. Learn more at: https://ujamaaplace.org/juneteenth-2022/ An OMG Studios production. All rights reserved.

A Black Man's Sketch podcast hosted by Ujamaa Place CEO Otis Zanders, featuring Dr. Bernard Lafayette, author of "In Peace and Freedom." ABMS S2, E1 starts with a Black History Commemoration reflection from Ujamaa Man Cedric and Coaches Darnell and Andre on "What gives them hope today?," followed by a discussion about voting rights with Kevin Lindsey, CEO of MN Humanities Center.  Special guests' bios: Dr. Bernard Lafayette  Today's special guest, Dr. Bernard Lafayette has led a life of service by putting his own life on the life to uphold the values and beliefs that all persons are created equal. A student activist in the Nashville, Tennessee, sit-in campaign of 1960, and a longtime staff member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee(SNCC), Bernard Lafayette gained a reputation as a steadfast proponent of nonviolence before Martin Luther King offered him the position of program director of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1967. Dr. Lafayette was born in Tampa, Florida, on 19 July 1940. In 1958 he moved to Nashville to attend American Baptist Theological Seminary. As a freshman, Lafayette began attending weekly meetings arranged by JamesLawson, a representative of the Fellowship of Reconciliation who had contacted King during the Montgomery bus boycott. Throughout 1958 and 1959, in partnership with Nashville's SCLC affiliate, Lawson taught nonviolence techniques to Lafayette and his fellow Nashville students, including John Lewis, James Bevel, and DianeNash. Energized by Lawson's classes and a weekend retreat at the Highlander Folk School, Dr. Lafayette and his friends began conducting sit-ins at segregated restaurants and businesses in 1959. When Ella Baker, under the auspices of SCLC, organized a conference of students on Easter weekend in 1960, Lafayette attended this conference that gave birth to SNCC. (Pronounced SNICK)   Kevin Lindsey As former Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Rights from 2011 to 2019, Mr. Lindsey led the department to prominence as a positive change agent across Minnesota and nationally, defeating a photo-id Minnesota constitutional amendment, ensuring passage of the ban-the-box law, overseeing the nation's largest statewide school suspension settlement, and transforming how people think about diversity and inclusion. In his current role as the CEO of the Minnesota Humanities, Kevin seeks to create a just society that is curious, connected, and compassionate by working to create equity within schools, developing humanities programs, and, when funding is made available, the Minnesota Humanities also provides grants to community cultural organizations. Kevin received his J.D. and B.S. in Political Science from the University of Iowa, where as a student he served as editor-in-chief of the Iowa Law Review. He was honored by his alma mater with the 2017 Iowa Law Review Distinguished Alumni Award.

A message of gratitude from Ujamaa Place CEO Otis Zanders, Welcome to our Virtual Celebration & Awards 2021.  Wow! Can you believe we're just days away from the start of a new year. I don't know about you, but it has me excited about new opportunities for learning, understanding, growing, and most importantly loving. Challenges were abundant in 2021, but the strides we made were greater.  Bear with me while I reflect on how far we've come… I, for one, experienced some personal health challenges in 2021. While I was out on medical leave, the staff at Ujamaa Place was forced to step up and fulfill my responsibilities in addition to their own work, which was already made more difficult by the pandemic. They rose to the occasion beyond what would have been expected of anyone in these circumstances, and I am forever grateful to them for it. This experience made us stronger as an organization, and we are eager to take the lessons and understanding gained in 2021 into 2022 and broaden our unconditional love and support of the most marginalized population in society, African American men, aged 18-30. This year was not without sadness.  We lost a Ujamaa brother and member of our Ujamaa Music Group, Justin Langeslay aka “Ju$$ Lyfe,” who is remembered as kind, loving, respectful and full of life. I just want to express my gratitude for you! THANK YOU for supporting Ujamaa Place over the years. We know none of this would be possible without the bold support of our community. Knowing that the community is supporting and cheering them on goes a long way for the Ujamaa Men on their transformation journey. I'm unaware of another organization in the country with culturally-centric transformative programming like Ujamaa Place. Know that you are the reason Ujamaa Place is what it is today. Because of your support of Ujamaa Place, you are forever part of the legacy of social justice and criminal justice reform, including but not limited to the re-imagination of what re-entry for formerly incarcerated individuals looks like, the implementation of alternative sentencing programs, and so much more amazing change that's on the horizon. I hope you don't take that lightly. You have helped change hearts and minds, and the world is a better place because of you. Love + Blessings, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Otis Zanders Song Credits: Looking 2 My Brother Produced By KAJ Productions Written By UMG KAJ Bayo Young Light Detrell Melodies Ju$$Lyfe Vocals Kip Blackshire The Color Of My Skin Produced By KAJ Productions Written by UMG KAJ Bayo Young Light Detrell Melodies JU$$Lyfe Vocals Kip Blackshire Film Production Credits: Produced by: OMG Media Solutions Film location: Studio B at Paisley Park Ujamaa Music Group is a music program supported by Ujamaa Place.  All rights reserved. 2021 The final episode of "A Black Man's Sketch Season 2 is dedicated to the loving memory of Justin "Ju$$ Lyfe" Langeslay.  We remember Ju$$ Lyfe as kind, loving, respectful and super-talented. Thank you to the Ujamaa Men, coaches, staff and special guests for dedicating your time and talent to our podcast.  We are looking forward to releasing ABMS Season 3 in 2022!  Happy New Year, Monique Linder, Producer OMG Studios 

with special guests Kimberly Helm and Nikki Beasley Kimberly Helm is the Ujamaanomics  Cultural Financial Literacy instructor at Ujamaa Place. Nikki Beasley is the Housing / Policy Director at YWCA St. Paul.  This episode centers around Day 2 of the Ujamaanomics Civil Rights Experience in Selma, Alabama, where Ujamaa men participated in The Middle Passage and Willie Lynching Training of a Slave experience, under the leadership of Ms. Afriye Wekandodis founder of “By The River Center for Humanity.”     Kimberly and Nikki talk about bearing witness to the impact of experiencing the pain of our ancestors, and how it impacted Ujamaa men and themselves as Black women.     "Ujamaanomics will continue to use experiential learning to teach our men and their children how to navigate an economic system built on the brutal institution of chattel slavery that lasted over 400 years, as was promised in the Willie Lynch letter", said "A Black Man's Sketch" producer Monique Linder.     We thank our beloved community for joining us along this journey of discovery of the love, strength and determination that is passed on to us through our ancestors.  We honor the ancestors for never losing hope in the struggle for freedom.   Listen to A Black Man's Sketch wherever you listen to podcasts and like us on FB.  Learn more about Ujamaanomics Cultural Financial Literacy and the Twin Cities Communities of Practice at: https://ujamaaplace.org/cultural-financial-literacy/ 

Ujamaa Place coach, men, staff and its Twin Cities Communities of Practice (TCCoP) partners traveled south on a Ujamaanomics Civil Rights Research Experience confronting our nation's history of slavery and lynching in America. The conversation explores how this history systemically perpetuates poverty and is linked to the present-day lynchings of Mr. George Floyd and Philando Castile. Special guests:  Captain Charles Alphin, DTK Tours  Twin Cities Communities of Practice Partners: YWCA Saint Paul, PPL and Cultural Wellness Center

A Black Man's Sketch The State v. Derek Chauvin | The Verdict, is the final episode of a special 4-part series covering the trial of the century.  Episode 21 begins with the audio statement that Ujamaa Place CEO Otis Zanders released after Judge Cahill read the verdict convicting former Minneapolis Police officer Derek Chauvin on all three counts of murder: second degree murder, third degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.  Mr. Zanders' statement is followed by a discussion with Ujamaa men Ryan Delaney and Cedric Smith reflecting on their feelings after hearing the verdict and what does moving forward look like for Ujamaa men.

Monday, April 19th, jurors in The State v. Derek Chauvin trial will hear closing arguments from the prosecution and the defense, while the world awaits the verdict.  Ujamaa Wellness coach Darnell leads this week's update with two Ujamaa Men, Cedric Smith and "OJ" Anderson, joined by Housing coach Gary-El and CEO Otis Zanders. 

Ujamaa Place CEO Otis Zanders welcomes special guest community leader Melvin Whitfield Carter Jr. who served as a Saint Paul Police Officer for twenty-eight years.  Mr. Carter is the Founder/Executive Director of "Save Our Sons" and is also well-known as the father of the Mayor of Saint Paul and the husband of distinguished Chair of the Ramsey County Commissioners, and father to three amazingly strong, intelligent trailblazing daughters.   We are joined by Ujamaa Men Cedric Smith and Ryan Delaney and Ujamaa Coaches Darnell Baker and Kenneth Gary El, who engage with Mr. Carter about the extraordinary testimony this week from Minneapolis Chief of Police Medaria Arradondo and other officers that torn down the blue wall of silence.

The world remains on edge questioning whether the current justice system can achieve Justice for George Floyd by convicting the police officers responsible for his death. The inequalities that have existed for Black people in the U.S. for over 400 years reached a boiling point in the wake of the killing of George Floyd. The world witnessed Mr. Floyd plead for his life while Minneapolis police officer, Derek Chauvin, pressed his knee into Mr. Floyd’s neck for more than nine minutes. Mr. Floyd’s death made the world stop and take a serious look at racial injustice in this country and the urgent need for criminal justice and police reform. An estimated 15-26 million protestors took to the streets to proclaim that “Black Lives Matter”, making it the largest civil rights movement in history. The world remains on edge questioning whether the current justice system can achieve #JusticeforGeorgeFloyd by convicting the police officers responsible for his death.

Judge Stephenson Bio: Education:J.D., William Mitchell College of Law, 1985B.A., St. Mary’s College, 1980 Judge Stephenson was instrumental in establishing the John School Program, a program whose aim is to reduce prostitution-related crime; offenders are required to pay for their participation in the program and the proceeds are used to assist former prostitutes in remaining out of the life of prostitution and to assist them in finding stable housing.    Judge Stephenson was involved in establishing St. Paul’s Community Court, a program which more assertively handles cases involving “quality of life” (neighborhood nuisance) offenses with an emphasis on completing community service hours.   Judge Stephenson also took the lead in establishing the Community Prosecutor Program under Ramsey County Attorney Susan Gaertner and former St. Paul City Attorney Clayton Robinson.  The program’s aim was to focus on the troubled Frogtown/Summit-University neighborhoods in St. Paul and to improve police community relations, to encourage community policing, and to improve communication among the various partners in the criminal justice system.  The program has now expanded to service the East Side and West Side of St. Paul.

Today’s episode, sponsored by Saint Paul Public Library will take us to Selma, Alabama, where 8-year old Sheyann Webb’s encounter with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. shaped her life as a Civil Rights leaders by becoming the “Smallest Freedom Fighter” and co-author of the book Selma Lord Selma, which was released as a Disney movie in 1999.   Guest Bio:  Ms. Sheyann Webb was born on February 17, 1956 in Selma, Alabama. She grew up from a poor family of eight children in George Washington Carver Projects. She is a voice for justice, equality and self-achievement. Ms. Webb is also known as a humanitarian, civil rights activist, mentor and youth advocate. She is the nationally known co-author of “Selma, Lord, Selma: Girlhood Memories of the Civil Rights Days”. Her book, which is now a Disney Movie, was nominated for Best Television Mini Series by the NAACP Image Awards in 2000. The movie depicts her childhood experiences with the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the late Jonathan Daniels, and other civil rights leaders as one of the youngest activist during the civil rights movement in Selma, Alabama in the 1960’s. Sheyann was named the “Smallest Freedom Fighter” by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. At age eight, Ms. Webb would sneak out of her house to attend mass meetings. She also led the congregation in singing freedom songs. She was the youngest participant to take part in the historically first attempted Selma to Montgomery march known as “Bloody Sunday”. Ms. Sheyann Webb attended a segregated public school in Dallas County, Alabama until her junior high year when she became one of the first blacks to integrate an all white school. Sheyann says that her junior high years were among her most horrific years. She was pushed down stairs, called bad names, suspended from school and spat on; and nothing was done by the school administration.Join Ujamaa Place in partnership with Saint Paul Public Library for the beloved community talk LIVE on Zoom with Ms. Sheyann Webb-Christburg taking place on February 24th at noon.  Register at: https://bit.ly/3arn5ai.

Guest Bio: Rev. Dr. Earl F. Miller The Reverend Doctor Earl Fredrick Miller, Sr., was born in Jackson, Mississippi and has been married forty-seven (47) years to Eunice Miller.  From this union they are the parents of three (3) children and have nine (9) grandchildren.  Pastor Miller is a distinguished, widely traveled, and respected preacher, scholar, teacher and community leader. Education & Training: Bachelor of Music, Jackson State University | Master of Music Education, University of Illinois-Graduate School of Music | Master of Divinity, Virginia Union University-School of Theology | Doctor of Ministry, Union Theological Seminary Current & Former Pastorate: Senior Pastor, Progressive Baptist Church, St. Paul, Minnesota – March, 1992 - Present Senior Pastor, Pilgrim Baptist Church, St. Paul, Minnesota – 1977-1992 Senior Pastor, Mount Olivet Baptist Church, Glen Allen, VA – 1972-1977 Dr. Miller is a dynamic Preacher, a Man of God, and is currently the Senior Pastor and Founder of the Progressive Baptist Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota. In his 18 years as the Leader of Progressive, the church’s membership has grown from 21 members to over 1,500 members.  The initial buildings and property purchased by the church, was paid off and a Mortgage Burning Ceremony was held on Easter Sunday in 2005.  God’s next miracle occurred three years later on Sunday September 21, 2008 when Dr. Miller and The Progressive Church Family marched into their new $5,300,000.00 Church Sanctuary and Family Life Center located at 1505 Burns Avenue in St. Paul, Minnesota. Dr. Miller has also excelled as an actor.  For the past 25 years, Dr. Miller has performed the lead role in the award winning Broadway play:”The Gospel at Colonus”.  For the first four years he performed with and mentored the renowned actor Morgan Freeman, on Broadway and in theaters worldwide. In addition to Broadway, he has performed at venues such as Carnegie Hall, The Apollo Theater, The Chicago Arts Center, Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, The Seattle Washington Arts Center, The Salt Lake City Utah Arts Center, The University of Michigan Arts Center, The Atlanta Georgia Arts Center, The Mississippi Arts Center, Stage Arena Washington D.C., The Philadelphia Art Center, San Pablo, Brazil, Spoleto, Italy, Barcelona, Spain, South France, Paris France; Vienna, Austria, and a year ago Athens Greece.   Dr. Miller and the Steele Family perform at the Ordway Theatre in Saint Paul, August 5-11, 2010 and at the Edinburgh Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, August 18-23, 2010. 

The first episode of four commemorating Black History & Culture hosted by Ujamaa Place CEO Otis Zanders, feature community leaders covering issues that impact the quality of life in the African American community.  Community leader Mary K. Boyd, Founder/CEO of MKB & Associates discuss the cultural value of education. Guest Bio: Mary K. Murray Boyd is President and CEO of MKB & Associates, Inc., an education and human services consulting business. Ms. Boyd has extensive experience in management, leadership, communications and coalition building, serving in a variety of roles professionally and in the Saint Paul community. She held several positions in the Saint Paul Public Schools beginning as a teacher’s aide and retiring in 2001 as an Area Superintendent. Since retiring from Saint Paul Public schools, Boyd has served in three interim positions, Manager of Ramsey County Child Protection, Director of Ramsey County Community Human Services Department’s Family and Children’s Services Division and Dean of the Graduate School of Education at Hamline University. She has served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of St. Thomas and at the University of Minnesota.

A Black Man's Sketch podcast interview with Ujamaa Music GroupNo stranger to adversity, the pandemic inspired the men in Ujamaa’s Music Therapy program to start their very own music group, Ujamaa Music Group (UMG). Finding music to be a cathartic way to tell their stories, UMG went to work on their first single, “On A Mission”, which debuts January 25, 2021Ujamaa Music Group “On A Mission” Single ReleaseAvailable on all digital music platforms (iTunes, Spotify, Twitch, Pandora, Tidal, iHeartRadio, YouTube, Amazon, Apple Music, Deezer . . . )“On A Mission” with Bayo, Young Light, Ju$$ Lyfe & Sensae Da WaelaahSongwriters: Kirk A Johnson, Walter Chancellor, Jr., Bayo, Young Light, Ju$$ Lyfe & Sensae Da WaelaahProduced by: KAJ PRODUCTIONSRecord Label:  KITCHEN RECORDSSpecial Thanks:Ujamaa PlaceOtis ZandersStevenson Morgan Monique Linder“On A Mission” Video Produced by: OMG Media Album Cover Design by: OMG Media“On A Mission” is available on all digital music platforms.  ©️2021 Ujamaa Music Group, a program of Ujamaa Place.  All rights reserved.  Ujamaa Place is a non-profit 501(c)3 located in Saint Paul, MN.  100% of proceeds from "On A Mission" are donated to the Ujamaa Place general fund to support transformation and stabilization of the most marginalized population in society, primarily African American men, aged 18-30.  To learn more about the programs and services available at Ujamaa Place, visit: ujamaaplace.org. About Ujamaa PlaceUjamaa Place serves the most marginalized population in society, primarily African American men, ages 18-30.  Ujamaa Place provides holistic transformation for men experiencing inequity at the intersection of race and poverty.  Ujamaa Place helps them achieve brotherhood, stability and personal success. 

#Ujamaa10Forward #TheoryofTransformation #UjamaaPlaceIt is a great honor to celebrate all Ujamaa men, their families and the beloved communities we serve. May we continue to unite as a community to love and take care of one another in the spirit of our ancestors that came before us. The 10-year anniversary celebrations began in January.   However, the scheduled in-person festivities were postponed in light of COVID-19 and the awakening of racial injustice, until we gathered safely in August for a drive-in tribute to the honorable Congressman John Lewis and pre- screening of his film Good Trouble. Since then, we have witnessed our community come together to fight against the spread of COVID-19, evidence that we are stronger together.Congratulations to all the honorees:Founding Fathers Recognition: Rick Heydinger (RIP), John Harrington, Bill Sands and Bill SvrlugaUjamaa Legacy Award: Commissioner John HarringtonRick Heydinger Community Partner Award: Jane & Paul TshidaRick Heydinger Community Organization of the Year Award: Kathleen Fluegel of HRK FoundationRudy Coach of the Year Award: Darnell BakerUjamaa Excellence Award: Stephenson MorganUjamaa Man of the Year Award: Stephan FrancisUjamaa Man of the Month Recognition: Kevin BerryDalyn DoyleStephan FrancisRajonta JacksonDevon FrandJustin LangleyDamontay MathewLathen McKinneyKavon McNealDevonne TinsleyJoshua NapierDakai SaundersKeonee Schaffer-FrazierWesley SimsDamontay Shriver

Ms. Fredison volunteered at Ujamaa Place from the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship program, which provides a year of professional enrichment in the United States for experienced professionals from designated countries throughout the world. Fellows are selected based on their potential for leadership and their commitment to public service in either the public or private sector. Ms. Fredison is a prison social worker in her country of Suriname, near Brazil in South American.  In this episode Mr. Fredison shares her experience working with Ujamaa staff and participants, along with unexpected crisis events, COVID-19 and the murder of George Floyd.  Behavior Health Coach Darnell Baker supervised and trained Ms. Fredison on work with him on the Ujamaa Wellness Team. Click on the links below for our guest bio and more information about the Humphrey School Fellowship program. https://www.hhh.umn.edu/international-fellows/current-fellows http://ifsalumni.hhh.umn.edu/fellows-2020/2019-2020-fellows Go to: ujamaaplace.org to learn about the programs offered at Ujamaa Place.

Ujamaa Place re-opens its doors to men to program on-site after the pandemic shutdown on March 23rd.  A Black Man's Sketch Ep. 10 with Ujamaa Program Director, Faith Lofton and Behavior Health Coach, Darnell Baker check in with Ujamaa Man Harry.

Honoring the life and legacy of Brother George Floyd Ujamaa Men are struggling to face another attack on their manhood, heritage, culture and trauma that was triggered from watching a brother die at the hands of a white police officer.  The murder of George Floyd triggered anger, trauma and fear in the lives of men who are often forced face down on the ground with a knee on their neck by a person whose oath is to protect citizens.  This is the reason Ujamaa men run from police.   In Episode 9 of “A Black Man’s Sketch,” Ujamaa brother Demontay talks about his historically traumatic relationship with law enforcement with Ujamaa Life Skills coach Kemii and Employment coach Stevenson, in a candid discussion honoring the life and legacy of George Floyd, led by Ujamaa CEO Otis Zanders.  George Floyd was a man of God that loved his family and community.  Time is standing still for Ujamaa men as they navigate life and death through COVID-19 (the invisible enemy) and the murder of George Floyd due to RACISM (the visible enemy), while making every attempt to avoid interaction with police. They avoid protesting and any spotlight that triggers emotional trauma, though they are in pain and want Mr. Floyd's family to know they are deeply troubled and sad for their loss.  They are not able to unsee the video of the police officer sworn to protect, deny breath to their Black brother, family, uncle and man of God.  Ujamaa Men are George Floyd.   Coach Stevenson starts by reciting a segment of Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s interview with Mike Wallace on 60 Minutes in September 1966 where he eloquently expressed - “A riot is the language of the unheard.” “Urban riots must now be recognized as durable social phenomena. They are mainly intended to shock the white community. The looting which is their principal feature serves many functions. It enables the most enraged and deprived Negro to take hold of consumer goods with the ease the white man does by using his purse. Often the Negro does not even want what he takes; he wants the experience of taking. But most of all, alienated from society and knowing that this society cherishes property above people, he is shocking it by abusing property rights. A profound judgment of today’s riots was expressed by Victor Hugo a century ago. He said, ‘If a soul is left in the darkness, sins will be committed. The guilty one is not he who commits the sin, but he who causes the darkness.’ The policymakers of the white society have caused the darkness; they create discrimination; they structured slums; and they perpetuate unemployment, ignorance and poverty. When we ask Negroes to abide by the law, let us also demand that the white man abide by law in the ghettos. Day-in and day-out he violates welfare laws to deprive the poor of their meager allotments; he flagrantly violates building codes and regulations; his police make a mockery of law; and he violates laws on equal employment and education and the provisions for civic services. The slums are the handiwork of a vicious system of the white society; Negroes live in them but do not make them any more than a prisoner makes a prison. Let us say boldly that if the violations of law by the white man in the slums over the years were calculated and compared with the law-breaking of a few days of riots, the hardened criminal would be the white man." --Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., September 1967 Coach Kemii shares his perspective on how our culture processes trauma of the actual incident and everything around  it.  Ujamaa Place was founded by law enforcement heroes in our community who are center stage in the fight for Justice for George Floyd.  They are our community leaders and heroes - Chief John Harrington, Attorney General Keith Ellison and Mayor Melvin Carter, III.  They understand the inequality in the Criminal Justice system and created Ujamaa to help men navigate the roadblocks that prevent them from living a quality life.    YouTube: September 27, 1966: MLK—A riot is the language of the unheard   “No other race has been a slave on American soil.” Source: CBS 60 minutes https://youtu.be/_K0BWXjJv5s George Floyd Left a Gospel Legacy in Houston Source: Christianity Today https://www.christianitytoday.com/news/2020/may/george-floyd-ministry-houston-third-ward-church.html?visit_source=twitter&fbclid=IwAR0mnCyFYsETUZcplmd85AcnB6JSa3JbhEyMQZepWsk24434JoWJA6NzWb8    

Ujamaa coach Gary-EL talks to the men about understanding the true meaning of "Growth."

Guest Bio:  Kirk A. Johnson, KAJ Productions Drummer, Percussionist, Producer, Performer and Dancer As an active member of PRN Productions / Paisley Park Studios since the late 80’s, Kirk has been involved in almost all aspects of Prince’s musical journey from 1984 to the present. Starting as a dancer and choreographer in Purple Rain, various videos for Prince & The New Power Generation, Kirk soon moved over to the production side in 1993. During this time, he also created his own record label “Kitchen Records, in which to record his own music and artists such as TKO, Walter Chancellor, Jr., BKS and Fonky Bald Heads. In 1996, Kirk too over the drum chair for Prince and appeared on releases such as “Diamonds and Pearls (percussion), The Gold Experience (Programming), Symbol, Chaos and Disorder, Emancipation (drums/production), Rave Un2 The Joy Fantastic and The Vault: Old Friends 4 Sale.  Kirk co-wrote/produced and played for multiple artists projects including Candy Duffer, Chaka Khan, Larry Graham, Boyz II Men, Jevetta Steele, El DeBarge, Monie Love, Tevin Campbell, Rosie Gaines, Mavis Staples, Nona Gaye and Najee.  2009 – Present, Kirk took on the task of Estate Consultant for PRN & Paisley Park Studios.  In 2015-2016 Kirk recorded drums & percussion on NPG recording artist Judith Hill and had the privilege of recording on the last Jazz tracks recorded by Prince.  Currently, Kirk tours with the Funk Soldiers and Greats Gone 2 Soon.  Listen to "A Black Man's Sketch" everyday you listen to podcasts.  Learn more about Ujamaa Place at: ujamaaplace.org #Ujamaa10Forward

Ujamaa Place invited the community to "Commemorate Black History & Culture Day" at the George Latimer Library in partnership with Saint Paul Public Library in celebration of its 10 years of service to its men and the community.    Celebrate Black History & Culture Exhibit 2020 Program *Program subject to change without notice. 12:00noon- 12:30 Welcome / Introduction 12:30am - 2:00pm Author's Loft + Music & Art Exhibition Local Black authors will be featured.  Authors will autograph all books purchased. "Hope in the Struggle" by Dr. Josie R. Johnson Publisher: University of Minnesota Press "Towards An African Education" by Professor Mahmoud El-Kati Publisher: In Black Ink "Diesel Heart" by Melvin Carter, Jr. Publisher: MN Historical Society Press Music & Art Exhibition: Ujamaa Place "Music Therapy" Take a "Music Therapy" class with Ujamaa Men facilitated by the "Behavior Health & Wellness" team Darnell Baker and Faith Lofton and Housing Coach, Keith Nance, who is a talented musician.  DJ Roosevelt Mansfield, Ujamaa youth coach, will be on the 1s and 2s. "Philando Castile Art in Healing" exhibit and discussion with Ujamaa men facilitated by Valerie Castile featuring artists who healed the community after the death of her son. Ujamaa Podcast: "A Black Man's Sketch" will be recorded LIVE. Click here (http://www.ujamaaplace.org/black-history--culture-2020-exhibit.html) to learn more.

Hear Ujamaa coach Gary-El talk about "Black Love" with Ujamaa men Trevor and Trea.  

A Black Man's Sketch Episode 4: Ujamaa men Trevor, Trea and Hassan go on a journey of discovery with energy healer Aisha Wadud.  Get ready to be touched by an angel! “A Black Man’s Sketch is a podcast produced at Ujamaa Place in celebration of its 10 years of service to its men and the community. The podcast features Ujamaa men, who talk about the things they see in life in a comedic way that will make you laugh, cry and think about the way you look at Black men.” A new podcast will be posted weekly.  Listen everywhere you listen to podcasts and at ujamaaplace.org. An OMG Digital Media podcast production.  Like us @ABlackMansSketch

Ujamaa men talked to community leaders, Philando Castile Relief Foundation President, Valerie Castile and Ujamaa Place President/CEO Otis Zanders about the importance of exercising the right to vote for all elected officials. #Ujamaa10Forward @ABlackMansSketch

Ujamaa Men Trea, Trevor and Hassan never thought they would be honoring the life and legacy of the #BlackMamba, Kobe Bryant on “A Black Man’s Sketch.”    Kobe and his wife Vanessa cared about advocating for equal opportunity and devoted his life  to making the world a better place.  The Kobe and Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation helps thousands of families domestically and globally with financial support and encourages young people to stay active in sports according to information found on their website at www.kvbff.org.  “A Black Man’s Sketch is a podcast produced at Ujamaa Place in celebration of its 10 years of service to its men and the community. The podcast features Ujamaa men, who talk about the things they see in life in a comedic way that will make you laugh, cry and think about the way you look at Black men.” Listen to "Ujamaa Place: A Black Man’s Sketch" everywhere you listen to podcasts and at:http://www.ujamaaplace.org/podcast.html An OMG Media Solutions podcast production.   Questions or comments, email: monique_linder@ujamaaplace.org.

Ujamaa brothers talk about their inspiration for creating a show about their experiences as a Black Man and cultural stories that will make you laugh and cry.  Their comedic way of sharing the stories will provide light in a loving way, while giving you an understanding of life in their shoes.   A new podcast will be posted weekly.  Listen everywhere you listen to podcasts. Produced by: OMG Digital Media