North Minneapolis sees dramatic drop in violent crime; residents relieved but still determined

People can make a lot of comparisons between Minneapolis three years ago versus today. But no one knows the difference more than Doris Young.

"My son was killed, coming home, one block from home, one hour away from home," she said on Thursday.

On July 25, 2006, 17-year-old Sterling Horton was shot and killed in North Minneapolis. Police have not arrested the shooter.

But today, his mother says she's determined his life will mean something -- so she volunteers for her community.

"That was the start of my healing, because I wanted to make a difference in the community," Doris said.

Doris teamed up with women like Sadia Dickson and Tenanye Heard. All of them volunteer for the Peace Foundation, an organization that helps combat violence in North Minneapolis.

"It's no coincidence. It's a determination of a community to make a difference and make it happen," said Sondra Samuels, the president of Peace Foundation.

Samuels said the organization is making a difference by knocking on doors, lobbying for new laws and more resources and even unifying neighbors against the violence on their streets.

At this point -- their work seems to be making a difference.

On Thursday, city officials announced historic low crime levels for the entire city of Minneapolis.

Violent crime is down 17 percent from last year, and there have been only six murders in the city -- a 66 percent drop from 18 homicides at this point last year.

Even more dramatic, violent crime in North Minneapolis has fallen 42 percent.

City officials say the drop in crime is due to putting more officers on the streets, using the best technology and targeting gang members and the highest offenders.

But they acknowledge the significant role of communities -- and women like Doris Young.

Doris says she can see the change in recent years in North Minneapolis. But now she's looking ahead to what the next years will bring.

"I believe it's the beginning of a whole new Minneapolis. I believe it wholeheartedly," she said.

The Peace Foundation is hosting an art event -- FLOW Northside Arts Crawl -- on Saturday, July 25, from 3-8 p.m.. The event will take place on Broadway Avenue.

Organizers say it's events like this that help bring the community closer together.

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