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Committee hears personal testimony as representative seeks $2.5 million for Ujamaa Place youth & workforce services
Summary
Representative Aisha Hussain presented House File 108 to appropriate $2.5 million for Ujamaa Place, which serves primarily African American men aged 18–30 with housing, job training, mental‑health and mentoring services. Two program participants gave emotional testimony about housing, stability and mentorship.
House File 108, introduced by Representative Aisha Hussain, requests a $2.5 million appropriation for Ujamaa Place to support operations in 2026 and 2027. Ujamaa Place is a Minneapolis‑area nonprofit that serves primarily African American men ages 18 to 30 and provides housing, education, job training, mental‑health support and mentorship.
Michael Belton, interim CEO, told the committee Ujamaa Place works to help participants “build self‑sufficiency and break cycles of poverty and incarceration.” He described the organization’s wraparound services and asked the committee to support the appropriation.
Two program participants spoke about their experiences. Titus Forseen said the program taught him “stability,” mentorship and leadership skills and described Ujamaa Place as “brother’s keeper.” Joshua Thomas described receiving housing and mental‑health supports and said the program helped him find structure and community when he was otherwise on his own.
Representative Hussain and other members emphasized the program’s role in addressing disparities. Hussain referenced higher unemployment and income gaps faced by Black Minnesotans and said targeted investments are required to improve economic mobility. The committee laid the bill over for future consideration.
