Building a Safe Village
OTIS ZANDERS SHAREs THE IMPORTANCE OF UJAMAA pLACE'S THEORY OF TRANSFORMATION FOR YOUNG MEN IN THE VIDEO ABOVE.
Ujamaa Place assists young African American men between the ages of 18 and 30 on a journey of transformation, rooted in the philosophy of African American culture and empowerment – that everyone is important, valuable, worthy and lovable. As Ujamaa Place celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, CEO Otis Zanders reflects on the organization’s theory of transformation.
“Coming to Ujamaa, I see myself in these men,” Otis says. “And I always try to create that safe village. And I think what separated me from most is I grew up in a safe village. And I try to create that same atmosphere here at Ujamaa.”
This interview was filmed prior to the murder of George Floyd.
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