Abstract
The House of Umoja began in the 1960s as a response to violence among gangs of youths in Philadelphia. Umoja provides for black gang youths altruistic, extended-family values based on African culture. These values neutralize antisocial feelings and lead to feelings of self-esteem. Young men are influenced by peers and older people whom they respect to complete their educations and obtain legal labor market employment. The Umoja model has been judged successful in reducing individual and gang violence. Replications now are under way. Transfer of the model from one setting to another depends in no small part on obtaining staff who can work with youths in hostile street settings. The model should not and does not depend on one charismatic individual, however.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.