#82: Thoughts from Minneapolis: Healing Our City

The city of Minneapolis is going through a challenging time as the trial of Derek Chauvin, the officer charged in the killing of George Floyd, is underway. Community members are grieving, hoping, and many are fearful and anxious.  Today, we hear from Don Samuels about the founding of the ‘Healing our City’ initiative and Don’s thoughts on what social change leaders should be aware of, think about during this time and do. In this episode, you will:

• Hear about Don’s extensive background in the public, private, nonprofit and faith sectors and how that has informed his work

• Learn about the ‘Heal Our City’ effort started after the killing of George Floyd

• Hear how individuals came to the gathering space / prayer tent to meditate, pray  and bear witness with other community members 

• Understand about the reprisal of the prayer tent when the Derek Chauvin trial was started with a virtual multi-faith meditation, reflection and 9 minutes and 39 seconds of silence

• Learn a bit about the history of North Minneapolis and the multi-layered elements to this community

• Hear Don’s reflections on how a sustainable way forward is to collaborate and conspire together across differences

• Be challenged to be the change you wish to see in the world

In this episode:

Healing Our City

More about Don:

Don is an experienced Chief Executive Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the non-profit organization management industry. Skilled in Public Affairs, Nonprofit Organizations, Grassroots Organizing, Government, and Urban Planning. Strong business development professional with a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) focused in Divinity/Ministry from Luther Seminary.