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 NAZ at the Walker: Introducing the NAZ Allies monthly donor program
This past July, at a special rooftop event at the Walker Art Center called NAZ Yes! To Success on the Northside, NAZ and several close supporters unveiled NAZ Allies, an exciting new monthly donor program.
More than 200 people spent their evening hearing passionate stories from Northside leaders like Sondra Samuels, Devean George, and Abdul Wright, and committed partners like Annie Gillette Cleveland, Tim Manning, and Kate Mortenson. Each speaker shared his or her motivation for working to provide equal opportunities to all children, and how everyone must be part of this critical venture.
Other special guests included Larry McKenzie, North High School head basketball coach; and members of North High’s champion boys’ basketball team.
In addition, we are excited to announce that Kate and David Mortenson provided a $10,000 challenge to reach the first 100 NAZ Allies! NAZ Allies are our partners in closing opportunity gaps and putting over 2,000 North Minneapolis children on a path to college. Join our transformational effort and build a stronger future for our entire state. Become a NAZ Ally today by signing up to be a monthly donor! Contact Jason Clopton with questions: jclopton@the-naz.org or 612.594.8294.
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 Ke’Von Finds College Success with the Support of NAZ!
NAZ scholar Ke’Von Mathis spent his freshman year of high school transferring between two different schools before finally ending up at North High School, a NAZ Anchor School. When NAZ Academic Specialist Andrew Bloomquist met Ke’Von in 2014, the student was struggling in multiple subjects, and just barely above a passing grade.
For two years, Ke’Von, Andrew, and Ke’Von’s family worked together to help the young man become—and remain—successful in school. Andrew tutored Ke’Von after school in math and science, and offered guidance on organizational tips and techniques. They also partnered with Ke’Von’s advisory teacher to stay on top of his grades by doing weekly check-ins, targeting missing assignments, and putting together plans to stay organized. As a result of Ke’Von’s hard work and partnership with staff at NAZ and North High, he consistently earned placement on the A and B honor rolls.
Ke’Von and Andrew worked together his junior and senior year to research colleges and complete applications. They partnered extensively with the counselor at North High, as well as the Career and College Center at AchieveMpls, another valued NAZ Anchor Partner, to develop a college and scholarship application plan that singled out specific schools Ke’Von was interested in. The targeted approach proved a success, as Ke’Von was accepted into several colleges. Ultimately, he chose to pursue his post-secondary education at Bethune-Cookman University, a distinguished historically black college and university, in Daytona Beach, Florida. Ke’Von began his college year this Fall.
And for his accomplishments, Ke’Von was recognized by NAZ with the Saunders Foundation Scholarship, a four-year financial award given to a NAZ scholar who has exemplified academic excellence, community engagement, and strong college readiness.
According to Andrew, “There is no doubt that Ke’Von was raised in a household that values education, hard work and persistence. Ke’Von will be missed by many at North, but we know he will experience many great successes at college and beyond!”
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 Empowering the Northside: NAZ and Twin Cities R!SE Team Up to Support Residents Desiring Real Change!
In August, NAZ and Twin Cities R!SE (TCR) teamed up to offer Power in Me, an intensive, one-time empowerment class for Northsiders who want to create change in themselves and in their community. The free class was offered on three separate occasions, and gave community members the opportunity to:
- Harness their power to be successful amidst change
- Promote the strength of the Northside
- Build a thriving community—starting from within
Each session was a huge success, and left participants wanting more. As a result, NAZ and TCR are discussing the possibility of hosting another series of Northside empowerment classes. Stay tuned for more details!
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 Addressing Trauma and Violence by Moving Forward in Solidarity: The NAZ Path to College Walk
On July 22, NAZ hosted a community walk to promote unity and shine a spotlight on the tremendous difference North Minneapolis families and children are making through their commitment to education! At the end of the walk, Northsiders and supporters heard inspiring words from Alysha Price, NAZ Family Engagement Director; Ayolanda Evans, NAZ K-8 Strategy Manager and community activist; Jon Lundberg, Community Engagement Program Manager at NAZ partner organization Urban Homeworks; and a cheer led by NAZ Family Achievement Coach Taejon Ward and NAZ scholar Mario. Thank you to all who walked in solidarity with North Minneapolis future college graduates!
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