Being Minneapolis – Healing Our City, Healing Our World

What does it mean to truly belong to a place, a people, and a shared future?

Minneapolis has become a symbol of both profound challenge and extraordinary possibility. Facing the death of George Floyd in 2020 and the recent deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good, communities across the city have been engaged in the difficult and sacred work of healing, reconciliation, justice, and renewal.

Join host Ben Bowler in conversation with Don Samuels, Matthew Cobb, and Tezikiah Gabriel for an exploration of what it means to be Minneapolis — not simply as a location, but as a living experiment in community transformation.

Together we will explore:

• The ongoing journey of healing and reconciliation
• Building authentic relationships across difference
• Community-led transformation and local leadership
• Spirituality, justice, and the power of belonging
• What Minneapolis can teach the world about creating a more compassionate future

This World UNITY Week gathering also serves as an invitation to the in-person Being Minneapolis pilgrimage and community gathering taking place August 8–9, 2026. The gathering begins at George Floyd Square with a community Peace Walk Pilgrimage to significant sites across the city, including time with local leaders, shared meals, and visits to inspiring grassroots projects. Participants will also be welcomed into the 7th Annual Black SON Day celebration, a powerful day of community, music, inspiration, and global connection.

More than an event, Being Minneapolis is an opportunity to walk together, listen deeply, honour the stories of a community, and discover how healing begins when we choose to belong to one another. Come and experience a conversation—and a movement—dedicated to creating communities where justice, dignity, healing, and unity can flourish.

Join us in Room One – http://zoom.us/j/6060001111

Watch it on UNITY EARTH TV –  https://unity.earth/tv/

Don Samuels’ invented and designed toys for 30 years, first as an R&;D exec for major manufacturers, then as co-owner of Red Racer Design Studio. He is a 2002 graduate of Luther Seminary and an ordained minister, but he never led a
congregation. He ministered in public service, for years, as community volunteer, then as 3-term Minneapolis City
Council Member and member of Minneapolis Public Schools Board. His board service, over the years, include: The Center for Action and Contemplation, Luther Seminary and Trust for Public Land. He recently retired as CEO of MicroGrants.
Don co-founded the PEACE Foundation, to reduce community crime and violence. That foundation evolved to become the Northside Achievement Zone. NAZ wraps supportive services around 2,400 children and their families, to ensure academic success and college/career readiness. Don’s wife Sondra is CEO of NAZ. They raised 3 adult daughters in the most challenged neighborhood of Minneapolis, where they’ve lived for 30 years.

Matthew Mickey Cobb listens to his daddy who is very proud of his first born “sonny boy” and namesake. He also listens to his mommy who is very happy to see her manchild as a grown up who serves first and gives often every day by day. He also listens to his wife of 35 years who continues to bear surprise as she stands shoulder to shoulder and walks ever homebound where they are experiencing how two become One Heart in Christ’s loving-awareness. He also listens to his two adult children who teach him on the ways of the heart through their creativity and steadfast care. His whole lifespan has been, is and continues to be quite full of listening for God’s beating heart.

Tezikiah (Tez) Gabriel is the Executive Director of Pathways To Peace (PTP), a UN Peace Messenger Organization, in consultation with ECOSOC and DGC. As the owner and Senior Consultant for Gabriel Associates for over 33 years, Tez has worked with mission-based organizations and initiatives to create greater mission impact in relevant and regenerative environments that affect real and positive change in our world. Tezikiah is also an ordained minister who conducts interfaith and intercultural ceremonies and works with individuals and groups to “Empower the Divine Within Each of Us.”