S1, E24: Virtual Celebration & Awards 2021

Ujamaa Place: A Black Man’s Sketch

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