Last night our dear friend and colleague Javon was robbed and shot in the leg in Minneapolis.

Javon had just begun working with Nonviolent Peaceforce in North Minneapolis as a Community Peacebuilder for the summer. Three days a week he puts on a vest with "Community Safety Team" on the back and hands out coffee, cleans up the corner, and talks to people on the street about their safety needs. A couple weeks ago he worked through heat and then rain to provide a free BBQ on the corner to anyone who wanted food. He is always ready to de-escalate conflicts and keep things peaceful in our neighborhood.

Javon takes care of his mother and younger brother, and is deeply committed to making our world a better place. He recently told me a story about how when he was just 16 he noticed that kids were getting bullied and robbed in the park nearby. He spent his own money to set up a basketball hoop in his driveway and put snacks in his fridge. He invited the kids over and created a safe space for those once-bullied kids to hang out and relax.

This morning Javon had a successful surgery to remove the bullet from his leg. He will need another surgery to reconstruct his leg, and will face many weeks of recovery. Gifts to Javon will go towards his medical costs and support for his family during this time.

Javon is an incredible light in our community. He puts himself out there to make the neighborhood safer for others. Now is the time for us to show up for Javon as he does for all of us.

Javon (center) passing out food at a recent free community BBQ

Javon (far left) providing hospitality at the Nonviolent Peaceforce Hub for Nonviolence and Safety in North Minneapolis

Javon showing up to protect and provide peace in his community