Collection on the Way Center

The Way Center, sometimes referred to as The New Way Center, began August 8, 1966, after an outbreak of violence on the North Side of Minneapolis on August 4, 1966. The Way’s short-range purpose was to help calm the neighborhood by providing an off-the-street facility for youth and a meeting place for residents. Its long-range purpose was to mobilize the North Side of Minneapolis through youth activities, education, employment referrals, housing, and law enforcement. The Center was noted for reaching out to people who were affiliated with gangs or were involved in criminal activities. The Center was originally located at 1913 Plymouth Ave. N. In 1984, it moved to 12th Ave. and Humboldt Ave. N.

Early supporters included Minneapolis Mayor Arthur Naftalin and local businessman Ray Plank of Apache Corporation. Early leaders were Syl Davis, who was the director until November 1970, Gwyn Jones-Davis (later Jonesdavispyle), Rev. Rolland Robinson, Milton Williams and Willie Mae Dixon. Bert Davis was director from 1970-1974. Harry (Spike) Moss was director from 1974-1986.

The Way Center faced ongoing fundraising challenges, and in December 1986 they closed. In September 1990, a new youth center opened in the same location at 12th and Humboldt. City-Northside was operated by a south Minneapolis youth agency called The City, Inc. Many of the former employees of the Way Center became employees of The City-Northside.