Northside Achievement Zone

Congratulations to the 224 graduates of NAZ Family Academy who crossed the stage this spring!

This year’s graduation marks 15 years of Family Academy, a program that has empowered more than 1,300 North Minneapolis parents, caregivers, and youth through education, connection, and leadership development.

Family Academy equips families with the tools, knowledge, and support to help scholars succeed academically, socially, and emotionally at every stage of their journey. Just as importantly, it creates a community where families can learn from one another, build lasting relationships, and grow together.

At NAZ, we believe parents and caregivers are their child’s first teacher and strongest advocate. We are proud to celebrate this incredible group of graduates for investing in themselves, their families, and their scholars’ futures.

Juneteenth marks the day—June 19, 1865—when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had declared their liberation. It is a powerful reminder that freedom delayed is justice denied, and that progress is often incomplete, uneven, and hard fought.

At NAZ, Juneteenth is more than a moment of remembrance. It is a call to reflection and action.
Earlier this year, many families across Minneapolis experienced fear, uncertainty, and disruption as federal enforcement activity affected communities and daily life. For many, it was a reminder that freedom is not only about what is written into law. It is about whether people can live with dignity, feel a sense of belonging, access opportunity, and envision a future for themselves and their children.

That understanding is at the heart of NAZ's work. Every day, we partner with families and community organizations to confront the barriers that continue to limit opportunity for too many Black children. While Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery, it also challenges us to acknowledge the inequities that persist today in education, housing, health, and wealth—and to continue working toward a future where every child has the support and opportunities they need to thrive.

This Juneteenth, we invite our community, city, and state to do more than reflect on how far we have come. We invite everyone to recommit to equity, belonging, and the shared responsibility of building a future where every child and family can realize their unlimited potential. Liberation is not only something we remember. It is something we continue to build together.

Congratulations to Helena Wheeler on receiving a full-ride scholarship NAZ’s partnership with Harlem Children's Zone on Wealth Builds. The scholarship recognizes youth for their leadership, academic dedication, and commitment to uplifting her community.

A senior at Southwest High School, Helena is a dedicated student leader, President of the Black Student Union, member of the Youth Leadership Council, and founder of BlackLight, a nonprofit supporting Black youth through mental health, nutrition, and self-care resources. This fall, she will attend Spelman College. Helena’s journey with NAZ began in her early years, where she found academic support, confidence, and community—experiences that continue to shape her leadership and commitment to uplifting others.

We also celebrate fellow scholarship recipients Darrius Hubbard Jr., who will attend the University of Northwestern–St. Paul, and Aa’Vaeh Park, who will attend Florida A&M University. We are incredibly proud of these outstanding scholars and excited to see all they accomplish next!

We're proud to share that Northside Achievement Zone President & CEO Sondra Samuels has been named one of TIME's inaugural Visionaries.

Selected as one of 14 honorees nationwide, Sondra joins a remarkable group of leaders recognized for driving bold, systemic change to help children reach their full potential. According to TIME, the inaugural list highlights individuals working across education, mental health, economic opportunity, housing, and other critical areas to ensure young people have the support and resources they need to thrive.

For more than 15 years, Sondra has championed a vision rooted in the strengths, aspirations, and potential of North Minneapolis families. Under her leadership, NAZ has grown into a collaborative of more than 40 partner organizations and schools working together to support children and families from cradle to career.

In its profile, highlighted NAZ's innovative Wealth Builds Minneapolis initiative, in partnership with Harlem Children's Zone, which helps families build assets and opportunity through financial education and college savings accounts, as well as the organization's long-term commitment to improving outcomes for North Minneapolis children.

While this recognition bears Sondra's name, it reflects the visionary and collective efforts of countless scholars, families, staff, partners, and community members who have worked together to build a brighter future for North Minneapolis.

As Sondra shared with TIME, "It's about hope. We're here to power purpose and potential on the Northside."

Congratulations, Sondra. We are grateful for your leadership and proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.

See more here: https://time.com/collection/visionaries/2026/sondra-samuels/

Pride Month is a time to honor the dignity and contributions of our relatives, friends, neighbors and co-workers who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, while recognizing the long history of struggle, courage, and collective action that has shaped EVERY movement for justice. The fight for civil rights has always included LGBTQIA+ voices, many of whom carried multiple identities while helping expand freedom, belonging, and opportunity for everyone, often without the safety or recognition they deserved.

In 2026, Pride arrives during a moment of renewed uncertainty for many LGBTQIA+ people, particularly trans and q***r young people, amid policies, rhetoric, and cultural debates that have left many questioning their safety and futures. Pride is not only celebration; it is solidarity. It is a reminder that justice and love requires us to protect one another’s dignity to ensure every person can live, learn, gather, and dream without fear.

At NAZ, we believe thriving communities are built through belonging, equity, unconditional love, and opportunity for every scholar and family. We remain committed to creating spaces where young people and families feel seen, respected, loved, and supported for who they are. To our LGBTQIA+ community on the Northside and beyond: we see you, we honor you, and we stand with you. Happy Pride!

Last week, we celebrated 30 NAZ high school seniors as they crossed an important milestone: graduation. Families joined us on the rooftop at Topgolf to honor their scholars, and the energy was filled with pride, excitement, and possibility. Of the 30 graduates, 24 plan to attend a two- or four-year college, while six will pursue technical or vocational training or enter the workforce directly. Every path is worth celebrating, and we are incredibly proud of each scholar for reaching this moment.

Behind every graduate is a network of support. Families play a critical role in encouraging, advocating for, and believing in their scholars, especially during moments when the road ahead feels uncertain. That belief matters. We know that when young people have adults who expect them to succeed and remind them of their potential, they are more likely to achieve their goals.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026. Your hard work, determination, and perseverance brought you here, and we can't wait to see what comes next.

North High School celebrates improving graduation rate amid community challenges North High School in Minneapolis is celebrating a rise in graduation rates.

Another impactful day at the Capitol advocating for our children!

Advocacy Day for Children brought together an incredible community of partners, parents, and supporters all committed to making sure every child has the opportunity to thrive. Huge shoutout to NAZ’s Karla Smith for emceeing and setting such an inspiring tone!

From a powerful rally focused on investing in education to meaningful conversations with lawmakers, the message was clear: we must go all in for our scholars.

Learn more about the day, and the important role our Parent Advocates played, here: https://www.northsideachievement.org/news/were-all-our-scholars.

The Northside Achievement Zone invites you to celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Read-In! 📚

This event honors more than 20 Minnesota children’s authors, speakers, and curators who have advanced our scholars' literacy. Inspired by the African American Read-In, this celebration features our scholars, the Parents In Power Board, and community partners for a time of books, refreshments, and fellowship.

Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP today: https://bit.ly/4dzdIGy.