The Birth of Undugu
Undugu was born from a personal journey of healing. During a pivotal trip to Bali, founder Jermail Shelton and his longtime friend Louis Burrell shared raw, honest conversations about the silent struggles Black men face. Inspired by these exchanges, Jermail returned home determined to create a safe space for authentic connection among men who look like him.
With the support of Louis Burrell, Maurice Thompson, and Matthew Lemons, Undugu—Swahili for “brotherhood”—was founded. What began with four brothers has now grown to over 300 men. Together, they have built a sanctuary where Black men can shed ego, judgment, and societal pressures to heal, grow, and thrive as their true selves.
Our mission: At Undugu, our mission is to provide safe, judgment-free spaces where Black men can connect authentically, share their truths, and heal emotionally. Guided by our core principles—no ego, no judgment, speaking from an ‘I’ perspective, and no titles—we empower Black men to live authentically and thrive together in brotherhood.
Vision statement: To build a world where every Black man has access to a safe, supportive community that empowers them to embrace their authentic selves, foster meaningful connections, and inspire transformative healing in their lives and communities.
Authenticity and Vulnerability: We believe every Black man deserves a space to share his truth without ego, judgment, or societal pressure.
Brotherhood and Community: We are committed to fostering connections that empower Black men to support, uplift, and heal together.
Emotional Empowerment:
We stand for breaking the silence surrounding mental and emotional struggles, championing emotional intelligence, and inspiring personal growth.
No Ego
This principle ensures that all participants leave pride and competition at the door, fostering an environment where vulnerability and authenticity can thrive.
No Judgment
Every man’s voice and experience are valued without criticism or prejudice, creating a safe and supportive space for open sharing.
Speak from an “I” Perspective
Encouraging participants to share their personal truths rather than generalizations helps promote self-reflection and authentic dialogue.
No Titles
Removing societal labels or hierarchies allows every man to connect as equals, emphasizing shared humanity and brotherhood.
Join us in this mission. Together, we can continue building a legacy of brotherhood and resilience.