{"id":21010,"date":"2025-09-24T11:10:50","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T16:10:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sabathani.webaloolabs.com\/?p=21010"},"modified":"2025-09-24T11:14:54","modified_gmt":"2025-09-24T16:14:54","slug":"interrupting-violence-building-community-a-conversation-with-nigel-sharper-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sabathani.webaloolabs.com\/?p=21010","title":{"rendered":"Interrupting Violence, Building Community: A Conversation with Nigel Sharper\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

At Sabathani Community Center, our new <\/span>Violence Interrupters program<\/span><\/b><\/a> is taking bold steps to \u201cundo the norm of violence\u201d in South Minneapolis. We sat down with program director<\/span> Nigel Sharper to learn more about the team\u2019s work, why it matters, and how neighbors can get involved.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A New Approach to Public Safety<\/h3>\n

Nigel explains the mission in clear terms:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe work with the community to change violent activities. The goal is to normalize <\/span>not<\/span><\/i> committing violent acts.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The program, developed in partnership with the City of Minneapolis, focuses on a target area stretching from 38th Street to 31st Street, and 2nd Avenue to 10th Avenue. But the impact extends beyond these boundaries.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sabathani\u2019s team includes <\/span>six Violence Interrupters, two outreach workers, a site supervisor, and Nigel as director. <\/span>Violence Interrupters are out in the community every day, building relationships and identifying individuals at risk of violence. When needed, they connect people to outreach workers, who provide case management and critical resources like housing, food, employment, and identification documents.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The program draws inspiration and resources from <\/span>Cure Violence Global<\/span><\/b>, an initiative that has trained interrupters in cities around the world. Nigel emphasizes the importance of lived experience:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe community has always needed this work, but even more so after George Floyd was murdered. We have connections and trust that law enforcement often can\u2019t bring, because we live here. We\u2019re neighbors first.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Preventing Violence Before It Happens<\/h3>\n

How do you stop violence before it begins? Nigel says visibility and connection are key.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The interrupters spend about seven hours a day on the streets, canvassing neighborhoods, walking different routes, talking with residents and business owners, and connecting with those at risk. They also monitor online spaces where conflicts can flare.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not just about gang conflicts \u2013 domestic violence and other interpersonal crises are also part of their work. \u201cIf we\u2019re out there de-escalating, likely nothing is going to happen,\u201d Nigel says. \u201cJust knowing that it\u2019s a safer community, that\u2019s the most rewarding part.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A Day in the Life<\/h3>\n

The work is challenging, but Nigel says it\u2019s not as dangerous as people assume:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDay to day it\u2019s not very dangerous, but we are put in areas where it can be. That\u2019s why we\u2019re always in groups of six to eight. The more of us, the safer it is.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Building Community Through Events<\/h3>\n

The team isn\u2019t only working the streets \u2013 they\u2019re also creating spaces for dialogue and healing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sabathani recently hosted a community <\/span>movie night featuring Boyz n the Hood<\/em>, followed by a community conversation. Nigel sees it as a chance to imagine a different story:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIf there were violence interrupters in that movie, it would\u2019ve been a much different story.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The event was also a way for the community to meet the Violence Interrupters team in person. \u201cWe want people to know what we do. It\u2019s not about getting cats out of trees,\u201d Nigel laughs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Events like this are designed to spark conversations, bring neighbors together, and create opportunities for mentorship and deeper relationships.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

On the Ground: Violence Interrupters in Action<\/h3>\n

During August and September, the Sabathani Violence Interrupters have been actively engaged in the community, responding to recent incidents of gun violence around Lake Street. At each scene, the team worked to prevent potential retaliation by supporting both victims and witnesses in meaningful ways. This support has included referrals to employment opportunities, food assistance, housing resources, mental health services, and even providing a bicycle to ensure reliable transportation for someone in need.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Beyond crisis response, the Violence Interrupters continue to build trust through mentorship and relationship-building, fostering a stronger and safer community. Their efforts not only address immediate harm but also connect individuals to long-term resources that promote healing, stability, and resilience.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Partnerships & Support<\/h3>\n

Nigel says local businesses have embraced the program, appreciating the open communication and willingness to walk with them. \u201cIf they see something or hear something, they let us know. And in turn, we can point them toward resources or support.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

For community members, getting involved can be as simple as showing up, joining conversations, or connecting youth and families with Sabathani\u2019s programs.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Measuring Success<\/h3>\n

The team uses risk assessments to track participants who may be involved in violence. Success is measured not only by reduced numbers but also by what <\/span>doesn\u2019t<\/span><\/i> happen:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as nothing else happens \u2013 no retaliation \u2013 that\u2019s success.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Looking Ahead<\/h3>\n

Nigel wants the community to know the program is built on proper training and backed by support for staff wellness, including mental health resources. \u201cWe\u2019re equipped to do what we\u2019re supposed to do,\u201d he says.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And with continued community partnerships, that work can keep growing.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more about Sabathani\u2019s Violence Interrupters in the Star Tribune\u2019s recent coverage<\/a>. <\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

At Sabathani Community Center, our new Violence Interrupters program is taking bold steps to \u201cundo the norm of violence\u201d in South Minneapolis. We sat down with program director Nigel Sharper to learn more about the team\u2019s work, why it matters, and how neighbors can get involved.\u00a0 A New Approach to Public Safety Nigel explains the […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":21012,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"cybocfi_hide_featured_image":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-21010","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"yoast_head":"\nInterrupting Violence, Building Community: A Conversation with Nigel Sharper\u00a0 - Sabathani Community Center<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/sabathani.webaloolabs.com\/?p=21010\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Interrupting Violence, Building Community: A Conversation with Nigel Sharper\u00a0 - Sabathani Community Center\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"At Sabathani Community Center, our new Violence Interrupters program is taking bold steps to \u201cundo the norm of violence\u201d in South Minneapolis. 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