I came to Minnesota when I was 16 years old. I am now 50.

Spike Moss was in charge of the WAY when I was a teenager. While he never seeks accolades, I think it is important that people know that Spike Moss was instrumental in saving so many youth through his program at the WAY and with the Leo Johnson Drill Team.

I have attended funerals where Spike’s influence has been discussed among people my age. I know this is a small token, but I just want to remind people that we have had some heroes in our very own North Minneapolis community, and I wish kids today had what we had 35 years ago.

Here is what I posted on my Facebook page as a caption under a picture of Spike Moss:

“Sometimes you have to recognize a home-grown leader. I would like to salute Spike Moss. He has been a foot soldier in North Minneapolis for as long as I can remember. I was 16 when I started going to the WAY in North Minneapolis. He kept us youth in North Minneapolis safe, active and out of trouble.

I salute you Spike Moss for your years of truly caring about young Black children in North Minneapolis. You are a true hero!”

Read Spike Moss’ column “Real Talk” twice monthly in the MSR. 

Lisa Clemons lives in North Minneapolis.