African American Unity Center (AAUC)
The
AACU is collaborating with Samaritan Pharmaceuticals in hosting the Jim Cleamons Books and Basketball Camp. The African
American Unity Center (AAUC), founded in 1991, was created to improve the quality of life for economically disadvantaged residents
of South Los Angeles. The cornerstone of AAUC’s work is helping low-income and disadvantaged families to transition
from welfare dependence to empowered self-sufficiency through the provision of youth prevention programs, educational services,
life skills training, employment readiness, post-employment services, health education, and food & clothing. AAUC currently
serves as the lead agency at Horace Mann Middle School in the LA Bridges Program. The program serves 200 underperforming
youth and has successfully deterred them from gang participation and illicit drug use. AAUC recently concluded a three year
academic enhancement program at Morningside High School, a school that ranks in the lowest tenth
percentile in academic performance in California. As a result of this program, participants
increased test scores on California standardized academic proficiency tests by 65% and graduation rates improved to 90% compared
to 75% for students that weren’t involved in academic assistance programs.
Charisse
Bremond, AAUC Executive Director, has built a network of partners in an attempt to create a full-service family resource program.
AAUC’s collaboration with Samaritan Innovative Science Foundation and Samaritan Pharmaceuticals serves to enhance and
complete AAUC’s menu of services. In addition to the Samaritan partnership, AAUC maintain a strong relationship with
the City of Inglewood. The Jim Cleamons Camp further develops this relationship and brings synergy to efforts in the area
to improve academic performance and increase opportunities for underperforming children and youth.
AAUC has built a reputation as a beacon in South Los Angeles because of its successful and unceasingly committed service
to underserved individuals and underperforming youth. The programs offered through AAUC are comprehensive and effective. Samaritan
is adding to AAUC’s offerings by bringing in a different aspect of services that combine sports, education, appreciation
of diversity, personal development, and more. It is an innovative approach to teach and inform kids. Charisse
says that this unique approach separates the Samaritan/AAUC programs from those offered anywhere else. Moreover, she
comments, Coach Cleamons’ academic success (he graduated as a Rhodes Scholar) in addition to his success as an athlete
and as a coach, serves as a great inspiration in teaching inner city kids to never give up. Under ordinary circumstances,
these kids would never be able to receive this type of camp. The camp adds significant value to AAUC’s menu of
offerings and is a testament to Jim Cleamons, Cheryl Cleamons (Building A Champion), Samaritan Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Samaritan
Innovative Science Foundation, the City of Inglewood, and AAUC.
