About Us

African American Men of Unity (AAMOU) is a 501(3)(c) organization founded in 1999, dedicated to empowering underserved individuals and families through education, training, and resources. Our mission is to be positive role models and mentors to youth ages 7-18 to educate, motivate and equip them with tools to overcome adversity, space for healthy development and readiness for achievement of school and life success.

AAMOU serves youth of all ethnicities, regardless of their challenges, socio-economic status, or academic difficulties. We strive to support families in managing everyday stresses and guide youth away from life's pitfalls while enhancing their cultural understanding and preparing them to achieve their full potential. We believe that education, training, and certification are essential tools that unlock opportunities and help youth realize their intrinsic value, ultimately leading to greater self-sufficiency.

In 2014, AAMOU was featured in the Beacon News as a "Mentoring Model for the Country" and received the ABBE Award for "Outstanding Not-for-Profit" from the Daily Herald. In 2023, we were proud recipients of the Hometown Heroes Award from the Boy Scouts of America.

Learn More About AAMOU

Our Story

AAMOU began in the summer of 1999 in Aurora IL. After witnessing the effects of environmental risk factors, which led many of our young people to engage in self-destructive behaviors, several men decided they could no longer stand on the sidelines and watch our youth tumble in a whirlwind of hopelessness and despair. So, they joined together to help eradicate the problem. Their solution was to transform children at risk from being potential suspects into productive prospects contributing to the betterment of society using the following principles.

Our Impact

AAMOU follows the Positive Youth Development Model, promoting:

1. Positive self-concept

2. Reduced problem behaviors

3. Improved self-regulation

4. Better academic performance

5. Less possibility of substance abuse

6. Increase confidence

We assess community needs, train staff extensively, and evaluate programs for effectiveness.

Some of our successes include:

• Rites of Passage Mentoring: Served 110 students, empowering youth with confidence, strengthening decision making skills, and social emotional support.

• Teen Reach/After School Program: Over 200 students were served, empowering them to strive for higher academic achievement and increased readiness for college and career opportunities.

• Jobs for Youth Internship Program (JYIP): Equipped 30 youth (ages 14–21) with essential job skills through a paid internship, building confidence and workforce readiness.

• Skills & Drills Basketball (SDB): Provided more than 80 at-risk youth with opportunities to develop teamwork, discipline, and confidence

• Back-to-School Fair: Provides more than 1,200 students from underserved communities with the essential school supplies they need to succeed.

• Cultural Enrichment Events: Brings together over 6,000 attendees each year to honor and uplift the traditions of Juneteenth and Kwanzaa.

Executive Leadership Team

• Ricky Rodgers, Executive Director | ricky1rodgers@aamou.org

• Randy Ryder, Rites of Passage Facilitator | rryder@aamou.org

•Jamario Taylor, SOMI Coordinator | jtaylor@aamou.org

•Carlise Welton, Teen Reach Coordinator | cwelton@aamou.org

•Jasmine Thompson, AAMOU Marketing Manager | jthompson@aamou.org

AAMOU is based at 1029 Kane St Aurora, IL 60505 | (630) 606-1910

Partners

AAMOU collaborates with local service providers to enhance youth programs and share resources efficiently.