U.N.I.T.Y.

Visit the U.N.I.T.Y. website

Join AETN on April 28 for two hours of locally produced documentaries about breaking the cycle of violence in Arkansas. "U.N.I.T.Y." is a 60-minute documentary that features a group of gang affiliated inmates in an Arkansas maximum security prison trying to reinvent themselves and reach beyond prison walls to keep teens from following their paths to incarceration. In 2004, inmate Alvin Williams, Building Captain Jackie Davis, and Prison Psychologist Richard Moore, formed the "U.N.I.T.Y." (U and I helping Teen Youth) program at Tucker Maximum Security Prison in Tucker, Arkansas. The program is a prison based intervention program with hopes of reaching into the community to educate youth about the consequences of negative gang activity. The documentary follows a class of inmates, demonstrating the unique relationship between the brothers of "U.N.I.T.Y.", and how such a program can help to slow the tide of violence and incarceration for today's youth. "U.N.I.T.Y." airs April 28 at 7 p.m. Major funding provided by the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation.

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Related Quotes

"U.N.I.T.Y." made me wonder how many of these young men might never have to see the inside of a prison if more prevention services for at-risk youth were available in our communities.
- Doug Stadter, CEO of Centers for Youth and Families.

This documentary boldly steps into the world that some only here myths about, with a chilling, but sincere voyage inside the minds of those locked up in a maximum security prison in Arkansas. As these young men in the UNITY program try to steadfastly make amends for the wrongs they have done, their words and actions help bring understanding and hope to my youth at ROCAN and youth all across this country.
- Leifel Jackson - Executive Director, Reaching Our Children And Neighborhoods (R.O.C.A.N.)

The U.N.I.T.Y. program is a very special program – seeing different gang members who spent their life hating each other now working together for something positive is very powerful. I hope that there are many more leaders in the Department of Correction , as well as in our communities, with Captain Davis’ compassion, courage and dedication to making a difference! Truly!
- Pam Plummer, Director of Prevention Services Centers for Youth and Families

This documentary will be a great asset for our school events. We will use this to open the eyes of those students who are walking a line between negative behaviors and positive behaviors. The documentary will give hope as opposed to a scared straight type of presentation. Thank you AETN for your hard work
- Robert Holt - Executive Director, Let Our Violence End (L.O.V.E.)

The U.N.I.T.Y. documentary illustrates the power of a group of very different people coming together in an attempt to make a change in a sometime hopeless world. When you help someone find a little hope, it also instills hope in your soul. U.N.I.T.Y. offers hope in an inspiring way to all those who come in contact with it.
- Steve Nawojczyk, Staff Development and Training Administrator, Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Youth Services

Related Media

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Title: "Charles A. Frueauff Foundation" Branding
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Title: "U.N.I.T.Y." Branding
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Title: Gang Flags
Description: The tied gang flags represent a truce and fellowship among the brothers of U.N.I.T.Y.

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Title: Clayton Long
Description: Clayton Long, a member of the U.N.I.T.Y. program at Tucker Max, discusses parenting from prison.

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Title: Alvin Williams
Description: Alvin Williams, one of the co-founders of the U.N.I.T.Y. program, discusses how the program was formed.

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Title: Richard Moore
Description: Richard Moore, a psychologist with the Arkansas Department of Correction, was one of the co-founders of the U.N.I.T.Y. program.

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Title: Handshake
Description: Two guys greeting each other at a local Boys and Girls Club.

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Title: Circle Up
Description: The U.N.I.T.Y. participants circle up to console and offer encouragement to one of their brothers.

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