Northside Achievement Zone

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.

Spring is here, and regular school attendance remains important for Northside scholars of all ages. We know many students have been learning from home due to recent events in Minneapolis, and staying engaged—even while e-learning—is key. Bringing scholars back to school when they feel safe helps them stay connected and make the most of their education.

NAZ spoke with Principal Kelly Wright of Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary and Principal Benito Matias of Ascension Catholic School about why attendance matters and how they partner with families to support students’ learning every day.

Watch their conversation in the video below to hear their insights and learn more about the attendance opportunities for scholars this year.

Northside Principals on the Importance of Attendance | Northside Achievement Zone NEWS & EVENTS Northside Principals on the Importance of Attendance Mar. 12, 2025 Northside Principals on Attendance "We want to partner with you in any way that we can ..." Northside Principals Kelly Wright and Benito Matias (Nellie Stone Johnson Elementary and Ascension Catholic, respectively) sat....

In a new op-ed, Sondra Samuels, President & CEO of NAZ, joins leaders from the Education Partnership Coalition (EPC) to address a growing concern: increased immigration enforcement activity near schools and bus routes.

The EPC is a statewide coalition of nine education-focused organizations working to ensure children across Minnesota have access to a strong, equitable education.

The op-ed addresses growing concerns about increased immigration enforcement activity near schools and bus routes. When enforcement happens near places meant to nurture and protect children, fear follows. And as we know, fear makes it harder for scholars to attend school, focus, and learn.

The coalition is calling on leaders to uphold protections that keep schools safe, supportive spaces where every child can thrive.

Read the full op-ed here. https://bit.ly/4aqftnE

Black history is a living force—shaping our nation, our communities, and our future. In 2026, we honor 50 years of Black History Month being formally recognized nationwide, alongside the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Together, these milestones invite us to reflect on the ideals of freedom, dignity, and belonging, and how Black communities have always helped move this country closer to them.

From past to present, Black history tells a story of creativity, leadership, and collective power. It reminds us that progress is possible when people organize, care for one another, and believe in a more just future for the next generation.

At NAZ, celebrating Black History Month is inseparable from our mission. When scholars see themselves reflected in history, culture, and leadership, it builds confidence, identity, and hope. That foundation fuels our cradle-to-career work and strengthens our entire community.

Throughout the month, we’re sharing reflections from NAZ scholars on what Black History Month means to them and what it means to be Black today. Their voices remind us that Black history is not only something we honor—it’s something we are building every day.

Read our full statement and stand with us as we choose truth, collective action, and a future where every child is safe, seen, and supported.
https://bit.ly/4cbHvnY

On Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on his enduring call to shared responsibility, dignity, and the belief that our collective future is bound together.

In Minneapolis, many families are experiencing heightened stress and uncertainty due to increased immigration actions. For our scholars, this uncertainty shows up in the classroom, at home, and in how safe they feel in the world around them. These conditions have real and measurable impacts on families, schools, and community stability—particularly in neighborhoods already navigating historic inequities.

At the Northside Achievement Zone (NAZ), we know this truth well: when families are supported, scholars learn better. When children feel safe, they thrive. Showing up for our Northside families during times like these is not optional—it is essential.

Dr. King called on us to choose love over fear, community over division, and courage over silence. Both today and beyond, we honor his legacy by standing with families, listening deeply, and reinforcing the networks of care that help our scholars stay focused on learning, and able to dream about their futures.

Our work at NAZ has always been rooted in partnership. We walk alongside parents and caregivers, and collaborate with schools and community partners to support scholars from cradle to career, and create stability, opportunity, and belonging. In challenging moments, that commitment becomes even more visible and more important.

Across North Minneapolis, I see strength every day. I see families investing in their scholars and themselves, neighbors supporting each other, and partners choosing to show up—with compassion, consistency, and hope. This is the work Dr. King believed in: ordinary people doing extraordinary things for one another.

On this MLK Day, let us recommit to courage over fear, action over silence, and love over division. Let us show up for each other, for our babies, and for the future Dr. King envisioned. When we do, we not only honor his legacy—we make it real.

On behalf of NAZ,
Sondra Samuels
President & CEO