By SK Lo
The recent gathering held by Twin Cities Nonviolence was one of the most powerful community experiences I have been part of in a long time. What stood out most was not only the stories themselves, but the trust that formed among people who came from very different communities. Over the course of nearly five hours, through patient listening and honest storytelling, that trust grew stronger. By the end of the evening, it felt as if everyone in the room had taken a step closer to one another.
A Gathering Built on Civic Alignment and Shared Humanity
The meeting was organized around the 12 Practices of Civic Alignment. Instead of a single panel, each practice featured two or three speakers who shared how their communities responded to the recent ICE operations. The structure encouraged people to slow down, listen, and understand the experiences of others. It created a rhythm that allowed trust to build naturally.
Speakers talked about Operation Metro Surge and Operation PARRIS, and how these actions affected families across the Twin Cities. But the heart of the evening was not the operations themselves. It was the way communities responded — quickly, creatively, and with deep compassion.
The Weight of History at Fort Snelling
One of the most emotional parts of the gathering was the discussion about Fort Snelling. This is sacred Dakota land and a place marked by historical trauma. Hearing that ICE detainees, including U.S. citizens, were being held there again was painful for many. Native American speakers talked about how this reopened old wounds, but they also shared how their communities stepped forward to support immigrant families. Their presence reminded everyone that the struggles of today are connected to the struggles of the past.
Somali and African Communities Mobilizing with Compassion
Speakers from the Somali community described how fear spread quickly when ICE actions began. Families stayed indoors. Parents worried about sending their children to school. Elders were unsure whom to trust. But the community did not stay frozen. They organized phone trees, shared information, and created safe spaces where people could gather and learn about their rights.
Members of the African immigrant community shared similar stories. Churches, youth groups, and elders stepped in to help families navigate the uncertainty. They offered transportation, legal referrals, and emotional support. Their testimony showed how quickly communities can mobilize when they trust one another and when they feel responsible for one another’s safety.
Constitutional Observers and the Power of Presence
The constitutional observers offered a different perspective. They described monitoring ICE activity, documenting interactions, and making sure people’s rights were protected. Their presence was steady and calm. They were not there to confront anyone. They were there to witness, to record, and to make sure people were treated fairly. Their work became another example of nonviolence in action.
A Five-Hour Experience That Built Connection
What made the gathering so powerful was the time people gave to one another. Five hours of storytelling is not something we experience often. People stayed because they wanted to understand. They stayed because they cared. And as the evening went on, the room felt more connected. The trust that formed was not forced. It grew naturally through compassion, creativity, and the willingness to listen.
A Closing That Brought Everyone Together
The evening ended in a way that captured the spirit of the entire gathering. Everyone stood, joined hands, and sang the Beatles’ “All You Need Is Love,” which is also the theme song of Twin Cities Nonviolence. The simple act of holding hands and singing together made the feeling of connectedness even more immersive. It was a moment of warmth and unity that carried the message of the night into the heart.
Moving Forward Together
The gathering closed with a shared sense of purpose. Speakers talked about what is needed going forward: stronger cross-community coordination, trauma-informed support, legal education, and continued advocacy. But they also emphasized something deeper — the importance of staying connected. Trust is built through presence, honesty, and shared struggle. This gathering showed that when communities come together with open hearts, they can respond to fear with courage and to uncertainty with unity.
It was a reminder that nonviolence is not passive. It is active, steady, and rooted in the belief that every person deserves dignity and safety. And it showed that even in difficult times, people can choose compassion and connection.
Looking Ahead: Join Us at the June Unity Summit
We hope to carry the same spirit of trust and connection into the AAUC Unity Summit this June. We are excited to welcome St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and leaders from Twin Cities Nonviolence, Minnesota 8 (MN8), Center for Asian and Pacific Islanders (CAPI), Twin Cities Indivisible, Communities Organizing Power and Action for Latinos (COPAL), Asian Economic Development Association (AEDA), Coalition of Asian American Leaders (CAAL), Hmong American Partnership (HAP), SEWA–Asian Indian Family Wellness (SEWA-AIFW), the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits (MCN), and the Minnesota Council of Asian Americans (MNCAA).
This Summit brings together many of the voices shaping Minnesota’s civic landscape. It is a rare opportunity to learn, connect, and build momentum with leaders who are doing the work every day.
We invite you to explore the Summit and make plans to attend. Your presence will strengthen the community we are building together. This is the moment to step forward and rise with us in June. Visit Unity Summit event page.
