Skip to main content

Collection on the Way Center

 Collection
Identifier: M/A 0225

Description of Contents

Collection consists of newspaper clippings and organizational materials concerning The Way Center.

Dates

  • Creation: 1967 - 2016

Creator

Access

The collection is available for use in Special Collections at Minneapolis Central Library during the department's open hours.

History

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.

Extent

0.21 Linear Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Related Materials in Hennepin County Library Special Collections

For A Moment We Had The Way by Rev. Rolland Robinson, F614.M59 N468 2006.

Title
Collection on the Way Center
Status
Completed
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin

Repository Details

Part of the Hennepin County Library Special Collections Repository

Contact:
Minneapolis Central Library
300 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis MN 55401 U.S.A.
612-543-8200