The Beam is designed to keep you - our key partners and stakeholders - up to date and in the loop on North Minneapolis partnerships, programs and people. This monthly "quick read" provides current news briefs from NorthWay Community Trust and its partners.

April 15 Youth Summit promises to be exciting

Youth, ages 13 to 20, won't want to miss NorthWay Community Trust's Youth Summit, 10:30 a.m.- 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 15.

The day will begin with an African drumming session led by area youth, followed by a discussion facilitated by artist Dawn Renee Jones. After lunch, a talent show and open microphone session are planned.

The Summit, free and open to all North Minneapolis youth and youth advisors, will be held at the Afrocentric Academy, 1501 Aldrich Ave. No. It's a great chance for North Minneapolis youth to identify the issues they feel are important in their community and how they can make a difference.

For more information, contact Louis Porter II, Northway's Outreach program manager.

US Bank provides support for Northside market scan

US Bank has stepped forward as an important partner in the Northside Neighborhood Alliance's market scan to review North Minneapolis' economic situation and prospects. Its $5,000 grant will underwrite consultant Michael Berne's evaluation, which will include:

The current nature and potential of various commercial and retail corridors
Potential for industrial development
Possibilities for increased employment of area residents given the mix of skills, education and jobs currently held

The Northside Neighborhood Alliance, which meets regularly at NorthWay Community Trust, includes representatives from the 13 neighborhoods of North Minneapolis.

Group looks at differences in health and wellness

NorthWay Community Trust, in collaboration with Jordan Area Community Council (JACC), is developing a strategy for addressing health disparities on the Northside. Initial meetings with health professionals to identify pressing concerns will be followed by meetings with the general community to set priorities and identify a course of action. Anyone wishing to be involved should contact Allan Malkis.

Wanted:
Marketing Consultant

NorthWay Community Trust is working to make a difference in North Minneapolis by decreasing poverty and promoting prosperity.

One very important piece of this work is changing the way North Minneapolis is perceived, and the Northside Marketing Task Force is looking for just the right person or team to help guide this work. Proposals are due April 21. Click here to access the RFP in PDF format.

Meet the Board

Each month, we profile a NorthWay board member.

Nothando Zulu

Nothando, director of the Black Storytellers Alliance, lives and works in the Near North neighborhood.

Why NorthWay?

It can be a different organization in the way that it sees things, works with traditional and non-traditional ideas, and how it achieves inclusion. The inclusion piece is what excites me – getting those involved who have not generally been involved with what happens in their own block, neighborhood and larger community.

Hobbies/interests

Reading, acting, politics and community involvement.

Favorite thing about North Minneapolis

I feel safe and there are so many different folks.

Favorite quote

"If the shoe doesn't fit – don't wear it."

The Beam is a monthly e-newsletter published by NorthWay Community Trust. Feel free to pass it on. To provide feedback or suggest a feature idea, email info@northwaycom.org. For more information, visit northwaycom.org or call 612-521-4500.

NorthWay Community Trust, 1501 W. Broadway Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55412

NorthWay invests in collaborations and advocates for systemic change to improve the quality of life in North Minneapolis.