Peace by Peace: Direct Intervention & Community Transformation in North Minneapolis
In Minneapolis, our team has been busy building relationships in the North Minneapolis neighborhood, de-escalating conflict, and reclaiming the block for peace.
James: Rethinking Revenge
Each Monday, our staff sets up a small table on the sidewalk in the community. There, the team offers coffee, lemonade, and treats, but more importantly, they offer a friendly face and a listening ear to anyone who stops by.
One morning, a man named James*, approached the table visibly upset and agitated. He began explaining to our Community Peacebuilders that he was robbed. Not only was he furious, but he was plotting revenge on his attacker. Our Community Peacebuilder team started talking to James—listening to him, embodying a calm presence, and moved towards de-escalating him.
After affirming his anger, our staff shifted towards conversational de-escalation. They spoke with James about the potential consequences of following through with his plan—he could end up in jail, lose his life, or negatively impact the lives of others. Surprised by their kindness and empathy, James admitted, “Nobody has ever spoken to me this way ... ain't nobody ever made me think of it like that before. ” By the end of their conversation, he decided that revenge was not the answer.
Instead of police, "Y'all are for peace"
Later that same day, Will Wallace and Michael Powell, two members of the Peaceforce team, noticed out the windows of our office that a large crowd was gathered around the liquor store across the corner. They soon saw why—one man was attacking another—both people our team knew. They quickly realized why: a fight had broken out between two men they knew from the neighborhood. One man's face was covered in blood. As they rushed outside to intervene, the police arrived and handcuffed the attacker.
But the police saw Will and Michael and—knowing the work of NP—said, "Ya'll are for peace," released the man from handcuffs, and left.
Will and Michael separated the men as they cooled down and discussed the turn of events that led to the physical altercation, and nonviolent tactics to use in the future. Before long, the two men were able to shake hands, calling an end to their fight.
#NoMoreShootings — Not just a slogan
The following week, Will, Michael, and the NP team organized a block party with the Jordan Area Community Council. The event was held at the corner of Lowry and Penn, and it was a huge success. Community partners like Red Door Clinic, Youth and AIDS Project, and Northpoint Clinic set up tables to share resources. King BBQ served delicious burgers and hotdogs, with a line that wrapped around the block. Innovative Soulutions set up two bouncy houses and bought along an energetic DJ—they also gave out stickers that sported the slogan, “#NoMoreShootings.”
Just as the block party was starting, Jerome, a young man related to one of our Community Peacebuilders, was heard shouting for help. Another man in a truck had parked nearby, ready to attack Jerome over an old grudge. Will quickly stepped in, interpositioning himself between the driver and Jerome. He used calming words to defuse the situation, soothing Jerome and moving him away from the scene. Meanwhile, seeing the gun in the truck driver's hand ready to pull and shoot, Michael said, “You don't want to do this, man. There are children and families here. This isn’t the way.” To everyone's relief, the truck driver listened, put his gun away, and drove off.
The rest of the block party went smoothly. Dozens of children played in the open lot, jumped in the bouncy houses, and enjoyed the food. Community members got to know each other better, formed connections, and strengthened neighborly relations. One attendee admitted that they were hesitant to come to the event because they felt as if this part of the city “isn't safe.” In truth, the event could have began with tragedy, had the altercation between the truck driver and Jerome continued. Instead, NP intervened.
These stories are powerful examples of what it looks like to co-create community safety through protection and connection. By building relationships, defusing conflicts, and cultivating safer spaces, NP is playing a role in transforming the North Minneapolis community, one peaceful interaction at a time.
*Names changed to maintain privacy