Beyond the Hub: A Community Peacebuilder Shares Hope for a Youth Center That Offers Healing Spaces in North Mpls.
One year after the Nonviolent Peaceforce Hub for Safety and Nonviolence was established, Odell Wilson, a Community Peacebuilder, shares hopes for the Hub in North Minneapolis.
When did your journey with NP begin?
My journey with Nonviolent Peaceforce began when I attended a healing circle with the NAACP. That’s where I met Bjorn, a leader with NP. After hearing me speak about what leadership and community mean to me, he handed me his card and encouraged me to explore NP. Our values aligned, especially my belief in treating others how I’d want to be treated, which matched NP’s core mission. Soon after, I joined the team, and it’s been a natural extension of the community work I’ve always done.
Looking back, I’ve been with NP for a little over a year and two months, and two moments stand out the most. The first was when I was invited to a graduation ceremony by a group of young people who had been through the system. They wanted me there to witness their success, which was incredibly humbling. The second was during spring break camp, where one of the kids told me that out of all the people who signed their certificate of completion, my signature meant the most. That moment reaffirmed the impact we can have on the next generation.
What motivates you to continue peacebuilding work in North Minneapolis?
What drives me to continue this work is the youth. Growing up in North Minneapolis, I saw firsthand the challenges kids face, from drugs to crime. My goal is to show them that a different life path exists, one where they can envision and create a future they believe in. Before joining NP, I was already deeply involved in community work. Whether it was volunteering to distribute backpacks or encouraging young people to vote, I’ve always felt a responsibility to give back. Even if I weren’t with NP, I know I’d still be involved in some way—whether talking to kids about staying on the right path or connecting with a basketball team to offer guidance.
What have been your proudest moments with NP so far?
One of my proudest moments has been mentoring kids who’ve been in and out of the system. Seeing them grow and hearing them express that they wish they’d had this knowledge earlier is incredibly rewarding. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to create this youth space—to equip young people with the tools they need before they find themselves in trouble.
Another significant moment in my NP journey was when I was honored at a professional soccer game in Minnesota. I was recognized as the youngest recipient of an award for community work, and it felt surreal to be celebrated in front of so many people for something that feels like second nature—giving back to the community.
What’s your hope for the Hub?
My hope for the Hub in the upcoming years is to continue this journey of relationship-building with the community. I want people to see, through our actions, that we’re not here to judge but to work alongside them. Our main goal is to show by example that there are other ways and tools to navigate life, and that together, we can find solutions and grow stronger as a community.
You had the opportunity to learn about Nonviolent Peaceforce’s work in the Philippines by visiting the program there. What have you brought back from your trip to the Philippines?
Communication down in the Philippines really had me intrigued. To see that their communication is this strong and this good—it’s a big part of what makes things work there. I wish some of the things I saw there could be applied here in Minneapolis. Being down there and speaking to multiple leaders, like the generals or people in some type of leadership group, was eye-opening. Hearing their backstories and perspectives was inspiring. Every time we talked to one of them, they would end by saying something like, “I’d like to speak my truth.” It was powerful to hear them express their own experiences with such honesty.
When I came back from the Philippines, I realized how much that experience taught me about listening first. It’s something I’ve brought back to the Hub and to my work with the youth. When I’m in the circle with the kids—and it’s usually a decent group, like 15 to 17 kids—I’ve made it a point to set the tone for how we communicate. We’ve come up with a rule: there’s no judging in the circle. One person speaks at a time, and it’s okay to agree to disagree. Even if you don’t agree with someone, that’s their truth. It’s not up to us to cut them off just because we feel their point doesn’t matter or is invalid. Instead, we show them that their emotions and feelings are valid and that we’re here to listen and understand as best as we can.
Who inspires you to do this work?
Honestly, if I had to pick one person who inspires me to do this work, it’s kind of hard because it’s really two people—my parents. Both of them have been doing this kind of work for a long time. Growing up, I would go to events they were involved in and see how many people in the community were showing up. It left a lasting impression on me. Hearing about the work they’ve done, whether it’s through someone here at work or even just recently—I found out today that someone saw my mom on TV last night speaking about an issue. I didn’t even know about it, but for someone to tell me that, it’s a reminder of how much they’ve done for the community.
It’s inspiring to know they’re out here trying to make things better for people. That motivates me a lot. But, if I’m being honest, I’d also say I inspire myself. Growing up here my entire life, I’ve seen and lived a lifestyle that might not be exactly the same as someone next to me, but at the same time, we share commonalities. We face similar challenges and see what the community needs to thrive. That perspective, combined with what I’ve learned from my parents, drives me to keep going.
Looking ahead, what is your hope for the Hub?
As we continue to build this youth center here at the Hub for Safety and Nonviolence, my hope is that we can break the cycle of violence and replace it with a ‘circle of happiness.’ It’s not just about stopping the violence; it’s about creating a positive ripple effect that spreads from one block to the next. Together, we can change the narrative and empower our youth to envision a brighter, peaceful future for themselves and their community.