Spike Moss (activist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Spike Moss
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|---|---|
| Born | 1945/1946 (age 79–80) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Activist |
Harry "Spike" Moss is an important community leader in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He works hard to fight against police brutality (when police use too much force) and unfair treatment based on race, which he calls "Minnesota racism." News groups like The Associated Press call him a "civil rights leader." Spike Moss himself says he is a "freedom fighter."
Life and Community Work
Spike Moss was born in Paris, Missouri. He grew up in the "Jim Crow South," a time and place where laws kept Black people separate and treated them unfairly.
Helping Young People
Spike Moss, along with Mahmoud El-Kati and Verlena Matey-Keke, helped start a place called The Way. This was a non-profit center especially for Black young people. Moss was in charge of the fun activities and sports for kids living in Northside Minneapolis.
The Way was open until 1984, and Spike Moss was its last director. The people who started The Way wanted to be part of the Black Power movement. This movement worked to give Black people more power and control over their own lives and communities.
Working for Peace
In 1992, Moss helped create a group called United For Peace. This group brought together young people from different gangs and the Minneapolis Police Department. Their goal was to reduce violence between gangs.
The program ended after a police officer was killed. This sad event showed how difficult it was to bring peace to the community.
A Moment of Hope
Spike Moss watched the decision for the Derek Chauvin trial with the family of George Floyd. After the verdict was announced, he said, "we finally won one." This showed his strong feelings about justice.
